"Ma’am, this is—" one of the troublemakers began, attempting to appeal to the crew member.


    But she was immediately cut off. "Enough," the crew member said sharply, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.


    Without wasting another second, she reopened the door behind her and gestured for someone inside.


    Until now, no one inside the room had realized anything unusual was happening. Inside, Director Nick had been preupied discussing the script with Xavier, his lead actor.


    After a moment, someone stepped out in response to the crew member’s call, their expression curious but professional as they noticed the tense atmosphere brewing in the hallway.


    "What is it?" the male crew member asked as he stepped out, his brows furrowed in mild confusion.


    "Stay here and watch over the situation. We can’t let anyone cause trouble—it’ll drag the reputation of our production team through the mud," the female crew member said firmly, casting a sharp nce at the troublemakers.


    Everything had escted so quickly that the onlookers had been holding their breath, too stunned to intervene earlier.


    Now, hearing the crew’s stern words, they realized just how serious the matter had be. The male crew member nodded, positioning himself near the door like a silent sentinel.


    The troublemakers exchanged uneasy nces, their earlier bravado faltering.


    They understood the implication: the female crew member was going inside to report the incident, and once the higher-ups got wind of their behavior, the consequences would be dire.


    The reason no one had been stationed to keep watch from the start was simple: they believed the initial warnings would be enough.


    After all, Director Nick’s infamous temper was well-known in the industry, and everyone understood his zero-tolerance policy for bullying on set.


    Being caught engaging in such behavior wasn’t just a breach of conduct—it was almost a guaranteed career setback.


    Although Director Nick wouldn’t actively cklist anyone, being dismissed from his film carried heavy implications.


    It either suggested ipetence or a significant character w, both of which could tarnish an actor’s reputation.


    No one in their right mind wanted to risk either. However, the troublemakers’ audacity had proven that not everyone heeded the warning, prompting the crew to take more decisive action.


    Being cast out of one of Director Nick’s films effectively meant the end of any future opportunities to work with him.


    Director Nick had no tolerance for unprofessional behavior, and once someone fell out of his favor, they were permanently excluded from consideration for his projects.


    With no shortage of talent in the entertainment industry—a field constantly refreshed by new faces—there was little incentive for him to give second chances.


    Those unable to adapt and meet his standards would inevitably find themselves sidelined and forgotten, as the relentless tide of the industry moved on without them.


    After the new male crew member took his position outside the door to stand guard, the next candidate was promptly ushered into the audition room to ensure the schedule remained on track.


    Inside, the female crew member entered and made her way directly to Director Nick.


    Politely excusing herself, she approached him with a sense of urgency. Director Nick, ever perceptive, immediately noticed her tense demeanor.


    Leaning back slightly in his chair, his expression darkened as he prepared to listen.


    The female crew member leaned in and whispered the situation into his ear, her words drawing an even deeper frown across his face as he processed the troubling news.


    Upon learning what had transpired, Director Nick was already seething, though he managed to maintain aposed exterior.


    With a curt wave of his hand, he dismissed the crew to take care of the troublemakers, his voice cold as he added, <i>"Make sure they’re taught a proper lesson. It seems I’ve been far too lenienttely, and some people have forgotten that even I have limits to my patience."</i>


    His demeanor shifted instantly, the previously casual and approachable director now reced by amanding and indifferent presence.


    The transformation was palpable, and the room’s atmosphere grew tense.


    Even Xavier, who had been speaking with him moments watched silently as this unfolded, while the second-choice male lead actor instinctively lowered his gaze, trying to shrink into the background and avoid drawing any unwanted attention.


    The female crew member retrieved the files of the troublemakers, stamped each with a bold "Failed," and walked out to escort them away without asking for further exnations.


    After all, they had already been given a chance to exin earlier, and instead of owning up to their mistakes, they continued trying to wriggle out of ountability.


    She had seen this kind of tactic far too many times—one nce was enough for her to see through their excuses and the truth.


    The troublemakers, on the other hand, had not anticipated the situation escting to this extent.


    Their naivety betrayed their inexperience; as newbies in the industry, they didn’t yet grasp the weight of their actions.


    They also didn’t fully understand the consequences of being used as pawns—paid handsomely with resources aspensation—to stir up trouble.


    What they failed to realize was that the risk they took was far greater than the reward. No seasoned professional would have agreed to be a scapegoat.


    Now, not only had they been disqualified, but their reputations were tarnished, effectively cutting their budding careers short. It was a harsh lesson, but one the industry had no qualms about delivering.


    After the troublemakers were escorted out, the female crew member promptly called their small-time managers to inform them of the incident, delivering a stern warning.


    Once the calls were made and the matter settled, she turned her attention to Hera.


    Hera was still sitting by the pir, her head lowered, eyes staring nkly at her script as though she were ming herself for the chaos that had unfolded.


    Her eyes had reddened further, and she looked so despondent, so quietly distraught, that even the male crew member couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy.


    Seeing her in such a vulnerable state tugged at his heart, and for a moment, he wished there was more he could do to ease her pain.