The Unwavering Heart That Broke novel Chapter 77

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Nathalie took a step forward, not even thinking about it.

Lance didn’t bother to explain. “You two are going to work together or the contract’s off. Simple as that.”

“You jerk!” Nathalie’s eyes flashed with anger.

Felice let out a long sigh, playing the wounded victim. “Forget it then. If you don’t want to, never mind. I don’t want my being here to cost you your job. Otherwise, you’d just end up blaming me again.”

She turned to Lance, putting on her best sad face. “Lance, let’s just go.”

Lance didn’t even look at her. “What does this have to do with you?” His gaze stayed locked on Nathalie. He didn’t say a word. Just stared, like he was waiting to see how long she’d keep pushing back.

Nathalie itched to slap him right then and there. She wished she could hit him until he finally understood just how awful he was. Honestly, calling him a jerk wasn’t even strong enough.

People nearby watched with wide eyes. None of them knew what to say. What’s going on here? Do they all know each other or what?

The voice director frowned, fed up. “Lance, I’ve already heard this lady’s audition and honestly, she’s just not up to par. Let’s not waste any more time.”

Lance just shrugged. “What if I don’t want to drop it?”

That stopped the director cold. Lance was footing the bill here. If he said jump, everyone would jump.

The director looked at Nathalie, a little helpless. “How about you two just record one scene together? It won’t take long. Once it’s done, we’ll talk contracts. Whatever conditions you want, just let us know.”

The project manager nodded in agreement. “It’s only a short scene. It really won’t take much time.”

Everyone’s attention shifted to Nathalie, waiting for her decision. If she said no, she’d come off as difficult or selfish. Once again, she was standing all alone.

She kept her eyes trained on Lance. Inside, her heart was cracking, shattering with each second, but somehow it managed to mend itself, piece by piece. As it healed, there was less and less of him left.

Felice was playing the protagonist, but it was obvious right away she couldn’t keep up. Her performance felt flat, emotions thin. In the face of Nathalie’s intensity, she seemed to shrink into herself.

The director didn’t bother sugarcoating it. “Good thing she was replaced. If we’d stuck with her, this whole production would flop.”

“Give her that part,” Lance suddenly said, pointing at Nathalie.

He was suggesting that Felice take the villain’s role next.

The director was stunned. “But we’ve already cast that part.”

Lance didn’t break his gaze. He turned to the project manager. “Get a new set of recording equipment for them.”

The manager’s eyes lit up. “Of course! Thank you, Lance. We’ll switch it out right away.”