?Chapter 874:


    “Water!” Joy chirped, diving into Melba’s arms as Hadley’s phone rang.


    It was Elvin. Surprised, she answered quickly. “Hey, Mr. Webster.”


    “Hadley, have you changed your mind? Am I doomed?”


    “No,” sheughed, massaging her temple, her voiceced with apologies.


    “Sorry—stuff came up at home. I got held up.”


    “Youing by?”


    “Can I swing over now? Is that okay for you?”


    “That would be perfect!”


    Following the address Elvin had sent, Hadley rushed over.


    Elvin ran out to meet her. “Hadley, finally! I told Adonisst night you wereing in today, but after waiting so long, you still didn’t show. He was getting seriously mad at me!”


    Hadleyughed. “That sounds a little dramatic. Sorry for the dy, though.”


    “No big deal—you’re here now, that’s what counts. I’m relieved! Come on, Adonis is waiting.”


    Inside the spacious conference room, Hadley was led to Adonis.


    “Hadley, long time no see,” he greeted warmly, gesturing to a chair.


    “Please, sit. No need for formalities between us.”


    Smiling, Hadley took a seat. “Alright.”


    Adonis got straight to business. “I believe Elvin’s already exined everything, so unless you have concerns, we can move forward with the contract.”


    So soon? Shouldn’t he think this through a little more?


    Hadley hesitated. “Mr. Faulkner, you know I’ve never acted before.”


    ???????????? ???? ??????????: ??????????????????﹒?????


    He waved off her concern. “Don’t say that. I’ve seen your modern dance work—it’s all about channeling the character, your emotions, and presence. Acting is just another expression of those same instincts. Don’t overthink it.”


    He added, with quiet conviction, “I believe in you.”


    Hadley remained grounded despite thepliment. She shook her head. “I just don’t want to disappoint you.”


    “Then trust my judgment,” Adonis said, firmly but kindly. “Can you do that?”


    Hadley chuckled under her breath.


    “Hadley,e on,” Elvin urged, clearly nervous. “If Adonis says you’re right for it, then you are. Do you think he settles? I searched everywhere, and he didn’t like anyone. I was at my wit’s end!”


    The room burst intoughter.


    Everyone knew Adonis’ standards were notoriously high.


    Hadley took a breath and nodded. “Alright, I’ll give it a try.”


    For one, she was currently unemployed. For another, she owed both Elvin and Adonis for their past kindness.


    “Perfect!”


    “Elvin, get the contract ready and send Hadley the script,” Adonis instructed.


    “On it!”


    That afternoon, Joy was napping.


    .


    .


    .