?strongChapter 33:/strong

It seemed he was protecting Lise from the scandalousbel of being the other woman.

Indeed, Kristopher seemed to be going to great lengths to look after his beloved.

Yet, this scenario yed well into Carrie’s hands too.

A bit more chatter about her status as a forsaken affluent wife would likely work in her favor.

After all, genuine rtionships weren’t merely defined by superficialbels.

Moreover, if he intended to continue pretending they were mere acquaintances in public, he had no grounds to critique Carrie.

Determined to leave Stewart out of this, Carrie retorted sharply, “Mr. Norris, if you find my choices so unbearable, why involve yourself in this audition where Ms. Nash and Ipete?”

Kristopher’s irritation grew as Carrie stood up for Stewart, palpably cooling the air around him.

“Compete?” he sneered, dismissing her words as if she had made aughablement. “Ms. Campbell, perhaps you’re mistaken. You haven’t even qualified topete against Lise.”

Carrie had resolved to move on, steeled her nerves for Kristopher’s cold-heartedness, yet her heart still faltered at his words, a nervous tension gripping her as her fingers curled tightly into her palms.

She realized with a sinking heart that in his eyes, she didn’t even stand a chance against Lise.

The moment Lise stepped into the picture, Carrie’s chances seemed to evaporate.

After a lengthy discussion, the director and screenwriter finally concluded their deliberations and stepped out of the room.

“Director, have you reached a decision?” Lise inquired, her gaze sharp and calcting as she intercepted him with a poised smile.

Her voice was light, yet her eyes darted briefly towards Carrie, keen to catch any trace of disappointment.

Lise’s confidence was bolstered by her poprity, Kristopher’s backing, the audition script she had received early, and even a second audition—everything pointed to a decision in her favor.

To her, their deliberations were nothing more than a procedural step.

She almost relished the prospect of witnessing Carrie’s crestfallen face.

Unexpectedly, the director paused, sharing a tentative look with Kristopher before he spoke. “I’m sorry, Mr. Norris. While Lise’s audition was impressive and she certainly looks the part, the screenwriter and the original author are unanimous—Carrie embodies the lead character more closely. Would Lise consider epting the role of the secondary lead? What are your thoughts?”

“What?”

The words from the director hit Lise with the sting of a p, catching her off guard.

Unable to mask her reaction, she gasped, her face contorting briefly in dismay.

Quickly regaining herposure, she painted on a strained smile and conceded, “It appears my skills aren’t quite there yet. Congrattions, Ms. Campbell.”

Before Kristopher could offer any words of constion, Lise gently grasped his sleeve, her voice tender yet firm. “Kristopher, it’s fine. Not securing this role just shows I need to hone my craft further. I promise, I’ll work even harder.”

.

.

.