?Chapter 485:


    Hailey, currently the darling of the media with hertest drama series smashing records, was not just a favorite among directors because of her massive following but also a strong candidate for the role of Rylee.


    Kenton was tangled up in a mess with no easy way out. He was genuinely eager to witness Elena’s audition. She was the embodiment of his vision for Rylee—poised, authoritative, and undeniably calm. Simply standing there, she personified the character effortlessly, without uttering a single word.


    However, Hailey and the others were under the impression that Elena had clinched the role through family connections. If Kenton pushed for her to audition, it would only fuel the fire. Rumors could lead to Hailey’s fans boycotting the film entirely.


    Louis, clicking his tongue, was on the verge of interjecting when Elena stopped him.


    Her expression stern, she scanned the room with a sweeping gaze, instantly calming the buzzing crowd. Her formidable aura forced many to lower their eyes, subtly dodging her stare.


    “Apparently, you all need to clean out your ears. I’ve already stated that I’m not here to audition,” Elena dered.


    Not about to be pushed around by an apparent newbie, Hailey’s eyes narrowed. “Then what brings you here?”


    Elena responded with cold detachment, “I’m here to select the cast.”


    “What?” Hailey blurted out, taken aback.


    Elyse sneered, “Enough with the grandstanding. Who exactly do you think you are? You think you’re making the decisions now? Then tell me, what’s Mr. Pearson’s purpose here?”


    Kenton found himself enveloped in confusion. Rumors had floated around that Lena might grace the auditions for Rylee’s part with her presence, but there was no mention of Elena having a hand in the selection process.


    Kenton’s silence only fueled Elyse’s audacity.


    Behind a veil of feigned innocence, Elyse reveled in what she considered a blunder by Elena—a bold, baseless im. That was such a reckless falsehood. Elyse pressed on, her voiceced with skepticism. “You im you’re here to pick the cast? Such a im—how absurd! And just who do you presume yourself to be?”


    “She’s telling the truth!” Devonte had just tidied up his work and stepped into the fray from the staircase, his eyes quickly sizing up the scene. His expression darkened as he interjected, “I stand by her. She’s indeed here to select the cast.”


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    Elyse, initially oblivious to Devonte’s identity, brushed aside hisment. Yet, observing his immacte suit andposed demeanor, she reassessed his potential influence and moderated her tone.


    With a smile cloaked in mock concern, Elyse addressed him as though she were protecting him from deceit, “Sir, please don’t be misled by her. She’s utterly ignorant about the intricacies of acting and isn’t even acquainted with Lena. Honestly, she’s my cousin. She used to exaggerate things, but today, here she is, disrupting this casting session for A Dream Within a Dream with her ludicrous assertions. Sir, your trust ismendable but misced. Exercise caution, lest you fall prey to schemers with sinister motives.”


    It was evident that the “schemers with sinister motives” Elyse referred to was none other than Elena.


    Engrossed in tarnishing Elena’s reputation, Elysepletely overlooked Louis’s presence in the room. Oblivious to the potential fallout, she continued her charade. With a soft smile, she preserved her facade of kindness and gentility.


    However, Devonte was not deceived by Elyse’s tricks. He cast a scornful nce at her, causing her smile to falter and almost slip away.


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