The warmth he had shown moments ago was gone, reced by an unsettling intensity that made him seem like an entirely different person. His driver shuddered involuntarily, sensing the oppressive shift in Leo’s mood.


    Knowing better than to ask questions, the driver could only grip the steering wheel tighter, silently praying for whoever might find themselves the target of Leo’s ire.


    After a half-hour drive, Luke and the others arrived at the audition venue.


    The location was far from the city center, tucked away in a secluded area that resembled a warehouse.


    It seemed the organizers had deliberately chosen this spot to ensure the casting process remained confidential.


    The moment the car came to a stop, Xavier jumped out of the back seat and moved to open the passenger door for Hera.


    Luke, noticing Xavier’s eagerness, stayed in the driver’s seat, leaving the task to him.


    However, just before Xavier could reach the door, Luke leaned over to Hera, who was busy unbuckling her seatbelt.


    He caught her attention with a quick kiss on her lips, then rested his forehead against hers, letting out a soft exhale as if grounding himself in the moment.


    "Don’t be nervous, and don’t overthink it. Just be yourself—I know you’ll amaze them," Luke said, his voice steady with unwavering confidence.


    His belief in her was so strong it bordered on blind faith, but Hera could tell he genuinely meant every word.


    "I will," Hera replied with a soft smile, leaning in to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. "We’ll let you know the good news soon," she added, her voice carrying a newfound confidence.


    "I’ll be waiting... and I’ll miss you," Luke said, his tone warm and sincere, his eyes lingering on her as if to hold onto the moment a little longer.


    Getting impatient, Xavier opened the door. "Don’t act as if you’ll not see her for a long time." He shot Luke a look.


    Luke chuckled softly as he released Hera from his embrace. "Of course. Even more than an hour feels too long," he said, his tone light but carrying a hint of truth.


    From the corner of his eye, he caught Xavier rolling his eyes. Luke smirked but didn’t bother responding.


    After all, how could Xavier possibly understand? He got to spend the most time with Hera while the rest of them were stuck ving away at their jobs, fully aware that someone was out there constantly flirting with their girl.


    The thought alone was enough to make their envy simmer beneath the surface.


    With a resigned smile, Luke gave Hera onest tender look and a small wave before sending her off.


    He stood by, watching as Xavier escorted her inside the building. The location, tucked away in a secluded area with tight security at the entrance, offered a sense of assurance.


    There was no need to worry about paparazzi lurking to snap photos of audition attendees.


    Thebination of privacy and security was exactly why this spot had been chosen—its distance from the bustling crowds only added to its appeal.


    As Luke exited through the guard’s gate, he retrieved the ID he had left when dropping Hera and Xavier off.


    The ID served as a help to record the visitors for security, which wouldter be forwarded to the film crew for reference.


    Only those with official invitations and their names on the guest list were allowed inside, ensuring the utmost discretion.


    With that, Luke started his car and drove off.


    When Hera entered the building with Xavier, she quickly sent him off to meet the director before anyone noticed they had arrived together.


    She wanted to avoid giving the impression that she had brought him along to intimidate the director or influence the casting process.


    After all, rumors about the second-choice male lead had already circted, and many still believed Xavier was the first-choice actor who had been offered the role on a silver tter.


    If Xavier’s presence here signaled his eptance of the role, it could easily stir unease among the other candidates.


    Worse, some might suspect that he intended to use his decision to ept as leverage to push Hera into the cast.


    To prevent any misunderstandings or unnecessary tension, Hera ensured their arrival appeared unconnected, maintaining professionalism and keeping the focus on her own audition.


    Hera, with her clean record, knew she would inevitably attract negative attention from the other attendees.


    Many would likely believe she didn’t deserve to be there, which could spark jealousy and retaliation.


    Even Alice, the protagonist of the novel, faced simr treatment in a simr situation.


    For Hera, who was publicly associated with influential figures, the scrutiny would be even harsher, making her an easy target for envy and judgment.


    If the others saw her entering with Xavier, it would only worsen matters.


    They might assume she was relying on his influence to secure her position, further tarnishing her reputation.


    However, while such assumptions were inevitable once people discovered Xavier’s presence inside, at least the dyed realization might work in her favor.


    At least, it would buy her enough time to review her script, rehearse, and prepare before the inevitable confrontations began.


    Hera was well aware of how far others might go to secure a coveted role.


    For many actresses, especially those without an agency to support them,nding even a single part could be a life-changing opportunity.


    This desperation could push them to resort to sabotaging others.