too late for a second chance novel (Lila and Dorian) novel Chapter 18

Lila had spent the entire day with Taylor and Samuel, diligently jotting down notes in the script. Each page was filled with details about the auditioning actors—their traits, acting abilities, and how well they suited the roles.

Samuel noticed her concentration and took a peek at her notes when she stepped out. He was a bit surprised.

Although he treated her as his junior, he didn't genuinely hold high hopes for her. She was young, with no significant works to her name. If it weren't for Taylor's recommendation, he would never have let Lila join the production.

However, after a day of auditions, her insightful comments and meticulous records had slightly changed his perception.

Taylor patted his round belly. "What do you think of Lila?"

"She has more talent than I did at her age," Samuel replied honestly.

Taylor's smile widened, adding more creases to his face. "Lila has potential, but she can be a bit stubborn."

If she hadn't been so focused on Dorian in the past, she might have achieved something by now.

Camille tapped Taylor's shoulder, and he felt a bit dazed from the sudden force. "What's going on, darling?"

Without any small talk, she got straight to the point. "Did Zara come to audition today? Cut her from the list."

Samuel looked shocked. "Why?"

Taylor stroked his chin.

"I paid particular attention to her performance. She was decent, but she was nothing remarkable. Maybe we should reconsider before dismissing her outright.

"We should be fair about this. What do you say, darling?"

Camille snorted. "I have nothing against her personally, but there were a few others who auditioned for the same role today. The girl with the last name Payne was clearly better.

"Since we have someone more qualified, there's no need to keep Zara. I'm only saying this so neither of you lets Dorian's connections influence the decision."

Years of classical arts had instilled Camille with a graceful elegance. Yet her cold gaze now gave her a commanding air.

Adjusting her shawl, she thought back to Dorian's smitten look, yet he was so clueless. She felt a surge of anger, even a fleeting desire to expose Zara for who she really was.

She was genuinely fed up with it and realized she should stop urging Lila to reconcile with him. A man so easily swayed didn't deserve her.

Samuel flipped through the notes.

"There was indeed a girl who performed slightly better. I thought Zara's popularity could help draw attention, plus it would be a favor to Dorian."

After all, Taylor had recommended Dorian. Doing him a favor would surely make Taylor happy. However, Taylor's genial smile faded a bit, his tone firm. "A good project values talent over favors."

Samuel quickly acknowledged his mistake. "Understood, Mr. Foster."

"If Dorian has any objections, he can come speak to me directly," Camille said coolly, with an air that could have graced a portrait of a beauty in her youth.

Just then, Lila entered and caught Camille's last remark. She moved to her side and gently patted her back. "What's going on?"

Taylor and Camille exchanged a look, smoothly changing the subject. With years in the entertainment industry, Samuel read the situation easily. Although he was curious, he didn't press any further.

For days, Dorian had been trying to talk to Lila about Zara's audition results. But since filming hadn't officially started, he had been busy with other work and hadn't been around the set.

Every evening, Kieran picked Lila up right after work and took her home. After three days, Dorian hadn't managed to catch her even once.

His calls went unanswered. When he visited her apartment, the neighbor told him she hadn't been back in weeks.

Dorian considered it and could only conclude that she had deliberately booked a hotel to avoid him. Meanwhile, the audition results had started coming out.