Chapter 94
Inside the elevator stood a woman in a white linen dress, her hair done up in a neat fishtail braid-that was Grace, the girl who wowed everyone during the holiday event at Veridia University and got handpicked by Director Patrick as the lead actress!
Next to her was a woman in her forties, chatting casually.
Lisette recognized her instantly.
That was Megan Foster, the star talent agent from Stellar Entertainment.
Right after the show during the holidays, this same woman had her assistant try to poach Lisette for her agency.
Stellar had been on a roll lately-throwing around big money to snatch up top-tier agents and trending stars, aggressively promoting rising talent. Pretty much all the big-name idols blowing up right now? They were made by Stellar.
Her least favorite rival, Maverick, was one of their golden boys.
Lisette couldn’t help but find it funny how fate worked.
All her rivals ended up with Stellar. If she didn’t push back somehow, would she even be worthy of leading VistaSphere?
Ha!
“Lisette p>
Grace looked surprised.
She remembered how Lisette had slyly asked if filming would start after the New Year and flashed that sly smile-suddenly, she felt a bit anxious. “What are you doing here p>
Lisette smiled, the corners of her lips lifting. “Just brought a couple of my guys to meet the legendary Director Young p>
Her voice was lazy and smooth as always. “What about you, Grace p>
“I p>
Grace hesitated, trying to cook up an excuse when Megan cut in sharply. “A few leads are auditioning today. Since Grace is the female lead in Battle Hymn, she’s here for some scene work with them p>
Megan shot Lisette a quick glance and easily guessed who she was-that new agent who just popped off on Twitter recently.
Something like “VistaSphere p>
Lisette?
Pfft.
She didn’t think much of VistaSphere or the new kid Lisette running it, but basic manners still called for some polite chatter. “And you, Agent Cavendish p>
As she spoke, her eyes swept over the two people behind Lisette.
The one with the bandaged left arm? Didn’t even bother registering him. That guy? No way he’s here for a real audition.
The other one though p>
She took a longer look at Gabriel.
That woman had a seriously unique look-rocking that androgynous charm, with those flirty fox-like eyes that could turn heads in a crowd.
Some actresses looked stunning in feminine roles, others had a commanding presence in male disguises. But it was rare to find someone who could pull off both vibes at once – and Gabriel did, effortlessly.
Megan glanced back at Lisette with a bit more respect. Maybe that fresh agent had some taste after all.
But that moment of admiration vanished quick-replaced by a sharp, possessive glint in her eyes.
If she could just steal this little siren right out from under her, her own position at Stellar would be even more solid.
Arms crossed, chin slightly lifted, Megan declared with smug certainty, “No point dreaming about the lead. The supporting roles are basically all locked in too. But p>
She didn’t even spare Lisette a second glance as she handed Gabriel a business card, straight-up trying to recruit her. “Director Young’s projects always crush the box office. If you’re interested, I might snag you a part p>
Lisette’s brow arched.
Wow?
This was her first time seeing someone so bold-trying to poach her artist right in front of her face?
Gutsy!
She shifted her gaze to Gabriel, curious to see how he’d react. Even if the kid had potential, if he wasn’t loyal enough to stick by her side, then Lisette wasn’t going to waste her time on someone who couldn’t decide where they stood.
But-
Before Gabriel even had a chance to speak, Owen took a bold step forward despite his injured arm, chin raised in defiance. “Hey! You old hag! I’m standing right here, and you’re just gonna ignore me? Who do you think you are p>
He could handle being compared to others, but there was no way he’d lose out to Gabriel.
That was just too much to take!
He-Owen-a 100% natural-born stunner with uniquely deep, dark eyes, was getting brushed off for some soft-looking pretty boy? No way!
Lisette sighed and rubbed her forehead. “Ugh, why do you pop up everywhere p>
Owen snapped his head towards her. “This isn’t about you. I gotta give this woman a piece of my mind p>
Lisette: p>
With all the righteousness in the world, Owen stood tall and proud-until Megan rolled her eyes hard enough to cause whiplash. “Kid, this isn’t a rehab center for the injured, alright p>
“Son of a p>
Owen almost lunged straight at her.
Ding-
The elevator doors slid open and someone called out, “Agent Foster, Agent Cavendish, glad you made it p>
Grinding his teeth, Owen barely held his temper, shooting Megan a glare: You’re lucky the director’s around, or I’d make you regret that, you old witch!
“Sam p>
Megan flashed a professional smile at the assistant. “Where’s Grace’s dressing room? I’ll take her to change p>
Sam pointed. “Third door on your left p>
“Thanks.” Grace gave Sam her best sweet smile, then turned to Megan. “Let’s go p>
“Hold up p>
A deep voice cut in.
Both Megan and Grace turned around, only to see that androgynous-looking beauty speak in a seriously masculine voice: “If there’s a role I want, my agent will handle it. Don’t trouble yourself p>
Then right in front of everyone, Gabriel took the business card Megan had given him and chucked it straight into the trash.
Megan: p>
Grace: p>
Sam: p>
They were all stunned-first, because Gabriel blatantly disrespected Megan to her face, and second… that stunning girl? A dude p>
Recovering from the shock, Megan grit her teeth. “Fine. I’ll remember this p>
Gabriel: “Much appreciated p>
Megan: p>
Thank me? Dude, I was being sarcastic! Are you dense p>
Fuming, she turned around with Grace in tow, mentally vowing to take down every person who just made her lose face.
As the toxic duo stormed off, Lisette couldn’t help but smirk, then gave Gabriel a pat on the shoulder. “Good job, Gabriel. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you get a role that’s gonna blow everyone away p>
With that, she asked Sam where the dressing room was, then strutted away in heels, Owen and Gabriel following behind.
Twenty minutes later.
Audition room.
Owen had gone over the scenes Lisette helped him prep again and again in his head. When Sam finally called his name, he stepped onto the “battlefield p>
The moment Grace saw him, she froze. Her smile faltered. “You p>
This injured guy-was this Lisette’s secret weapon against her?
Seriously? Him?
Her eyes went straight to his arm in a sling, an obvious look of disdain on her face.
Sure, he was hurt-but knowing how ruthless Lisette was, she couldn’t let her guard down. She had to shut down any excuse they’d use to sneak him into the cast.
Turning to the director, she gently offered, “Director, he’s clearly not in top form… Should we maybe p>