Hearing what Frank sand, Stephen, who was standing in the middle of the room, couldn’t help but glance at Victoria
Victoria’s eyes ht up with interest Sure”
She was curious to see if Stephen could handle the challenge she was about to throw at him
Once he realized Victoria was going to give him a test. Stephen’s expression shifted for a moment, but he kept his cool and waited for her to speak
Victoria thought for a moment and said. “In Chasing the Dream, there’s a scene where the villain Andrew, right at the end. stubb.nly believes everything he did was to give poor students a fair shot. He never admits he was wrong. Go ahead and perform that part
“Alright. Stephen replied.
After he finished speaking. Stephen closed his eyes.
After a long moment, he opened his eyes, and his gaze had completely changed.
Now his eyes burned with obsession and madness.
He didn’t just recite the lines from the novel. Instead, he tweaked them a bit, making them sound more natural for an actor
o deliver.
I was never wrong–not from the very beginning, not ever. I never lost sight of what I truly wanted. All I ever wanted was to give all the underprivileged students a fair chance!”
Once I become emperor, fairness will be defined by me!”
Julie. I thought you would understand me. But in the end, you still chose his side.”
The only one who can end my life is myself–not you.”
You gave me my life, and I don’t want you to be the one to take it away. I can’t betray you.”
In the end. Andrew plunged a dagger into his chest, slowly collapsing to the ground. He closed his eyes, a bittersweet, resigned smile lingering at the corner of his mouth.
And with that, the performance was over.
Victoria was totally hooked by his performance.
Frank was right–Stephen just has that spark. He doesn’t use any fancy tricks; he just snaps into character instantly, like it’s second nature. The way he lets his emotions spill out, anyone watching would feel it right in their gut.
“He’s the one, Victoria said, not even hesitating. “Frank, let’s call off the rest of the auditions.”
Frank was quick to agree. “Got it!”
Even the assistant director, who’d been against Stephen even auditioning, was completely blown away by what he just saw.
Stephen, who was still lying on the floor, heard Victoria’s words and quickly got to his feet, his eyes shining with hope.
Victoria had come here for one reason–to watch Stephen’s audition. Now that she was sure he’d nailed it, she turned to
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Chapter 287
Frank and asked. “Frank, how much longer do you think the rest of the casting will take?”
69 Vetienges
Frank thought for a moment before answering. “At the current pace, it’ll probably take at least another two months
Victoria just nodded Alright
She didn’t say anything more, because she knew exactly what Gale Entertainment was up to. To make sure their new drama, Rising to the Top, hit the screens before their rival’s Chasing the Dream, they’d definitely be rushing through the rest of the
casting process
Victoria was already scheming in her head. She planned to have Mara dig up dirt on any celebrities who might be hiding scandals, and then somehow get them cast in Rising to the Top.
That way the whole crew would be a total mess, like a basketball team full of troublemakers.
At that thought, a faint, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corner of Victoria’s lips. Then she turned to Frank and
aid. “Frank. I’ll leave the rest of the casting to you. But don’t rush it–quality comes first.”
Frank understood exactly what she meant and nodded seriously. “I understand.”
Victoria stood up from her seat and left the audition room.
As she walked past Stephen, their eyes met for a brief moment.
ust then. Frank spoke up. “Stephen, you heard what Ms. Binder said, right? Congratulations, you’re officially in. Go home ind get ready–we’ll let you know when it’s time to join the crew.”
tephen replied, “Got it, thanks, Frank.”
With that, he turned to leave, casually brushing off a bit of dust from the back of his clothes.
Once he stepped out of the room, his gaze landed on Victoria as she walked away, getting farther and farther.
de hesitated for a second, then finally made up his mind and hurried after her.
ust as Victoria was about to open her car door, Stephen took a deep breath, gathered his courage, and shouted, “Ms. Binder, please wait!”
Victoria stopped in her tracks and turned around, a hint of confusion in her eyes. “If it’s about the shoot, just ask Frank.”
But Stephen cut her off, his face serious. “It’s not about the shoot, Ms Binder I heard… you’re good with medicine. Is that
rue?
Victoria stared at him, a puzzled look on her face. “Are you
sick?”
As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized how that might sound, so she quickly corrected herself, “Are you ill?”
Stephen shook his head and explained, “It’s not me, it’s my uncle. For the past three years, his mind has been getting hazy, his memory keeps getting worse, and sometimes he doesn’t even recognize me anymore. And lately, he’s been sleeping for longer and longer periods.”
He paused, then continued, “I know it’s pretty sudden to come to you like this, Ms. Binder, but I heard your medical skills are legendary. Even Mr. Thornton’s leg, which no doctor in the country could cure, you claimed you could heal.”
Victoria gave him a half–smile. “Just so you know, my fee isn’t cheap.”
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Stephen was clearly prepared for this He didn’t even hesitate “Il do the show for free
But to torta wasn’t moved “You know working for fire doesn’t really mean much to me “There are actors hning up for a shot at Chasing the Dream
Stephen fell silent not sure how to respond
Seeing his reaction. Victoria grinned “Relax. I’m just teasing you I’ve been pretty busy lately, but when I get some free time. you can take me to see your uncle II check out his condition, and if I can help. I’ll set a fee you can handle
Stephen’s eves, which had been full of disappointment, suddenly lit up with hope. “Thank you, Ms. Binder”
Once she got in the car. Victoria watched Stephen’s figure shrink in the rearview mirror, then checked out the info Frank had given her on him.
22 years old
Maybe because she’d been helping Jackson search for his real brother lately, she’d become extra focused on men’s ages. birthdays, and family backgrounds.
Stephen was the same age as Jackson’s real brother.
Only their birthdays were a month apart.
Cassian s birthday was in August.
Stephen’s was in September.
But in some ways, Stephen really did bear a striking resemblance to Jackson.
Maybe the real Cassian wasn’t far away at all–maybe he was right here, hiding in plain sight,‘ Victoria thought to herself.
With that thought, she drove back to the office, went straight to her desk, grabbed her mouse, and opened up the file Mara
ad sent her about Stephen.
The file said Stephen had no parents, just an uncle who worked as a junk collector. According to the uncle, he claimed he ound Stephen while picking through a dumpster.
faving no parents was definitely suspicious.
Maybe if she met Stephen’s uncle, she’d get some answers.
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Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

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