Although Director Maxwell was happy and excited, he noticed that Amanda's complexion was poor and asked kindly, "Are you okay?"
Amanda offered a small smile and nodded. Director Maxwell, a man who didn't beat around the bush, spoke directly. "The lead female role belongs to you. Filming begins in half a month, so go home and prepare. The contract will be sent to your manager for review very shortly."
Jasper had originally planned on having the contract signed on the spot, but seeing Amanda's fragile state, he realized that wouldn't be possible.
Amanda's eyes, which had been unfocused, finally cleared upon hearing the news. Her exhaustion was replaced by a surge of genuine joy; her lips curled into a bright smile. "Thank you, Director!"
Director Maxwell smiled, waving a hand dismissively. "Let Mr. Kent help you out. Go home and get some rest."
"Yes, thank you," Amanda replied, nodding politely once more before allowing Jasper to support her as they walked out.
The Confrontation Outside
Winter, who had been waiting impatiently outside, panicked when she saw Jasper helping Amanda. She rushed forward to take Amanda from him. "Miss Amanda, what happened?"
Though she didn't know the details of the audition, she vividly remembered the "Big Boss's" silent command before he left: Make sure Ms. Amanda does not get too close to Jasper.
Jasper looked at his now-empty hand and frowned, glancing unhappily at Winter. The young girl simply pretended not to notice his gaze. Amanda, feeling utterly drained, looked back and forth between the two. She wrapped an arm around Winter's shoulder, half-hugging and half-comforting the girl.
"I'm okay. Let's go home."
"Yes, I'll take you home right away," Winter replied. At that moment, she didn't care if the audition had been a success; she just wanted to get Amanda to safety.
"What do we have here? I bet you were scolded until your head spun and now you're leaving in embarrassment!" Candice and Elena were still waiting nearby. Seeing Amanda's pale face, they couldn't resist throwing a few sarcastic barbs.
Jasper glanced at the two women with total indifference. He reached out and patted the head of a bristling Winter, who was busy glaring at Candice. "Hurry and take Amanda home," he commanded.
Winter felt a bit like a scolded schoolchild, but she didn't argue. She quickly helped Amanda toward the exit. Jasper watched their retreating figures and sighed in relief. He then turned his gaze back to Candice and Elena, who were still gloating.
"There's a saying," he noted coldly. "Those who laugh today may find themselves the joke tomorrow." Without another word, he turned and went back inside.
The Shocking Announcement
At that moment, Director Maxwell's assistant happened to run out. Before he could utter a word, Candice interrupted him. "It's just a contract, why is it taking so long? You're making my Lena wait forever!"
The assistant gasped, trying to find his voice. "The thing is..."
"But what?" Candice snapped arrogantly. "Just give us the contract to sign!"
The assistant, having been cut off twice and ordered around like a servant, finally snapped. "Sign what? The Director has already announced he has chosen a more suitable person for the lead role. Everyone can go home now!"
He had intended to be professional and graceful, but since Candice showed him no respect, he didn't feel the need to sugarcoat the rejection.
Elena, who had remained calm and composed until now, suddenly went pale. "What did you say?" she shouted, losing her cool.
"What are you shouting for?" the assistant snapped back. "When choosing an actor, talent comes first. You've been in this industry long enough to know that. You only received a few polite compliments from the Director." He added under his breath as he walked away, "She's not half as good as that other actress. Even though that girl's health wasn't great, she still had the grace to say goodbye to everyone before she left..."
Elena heard every word. She knew exactly who he was talking about. She bit her lip so hard it bled, her body trembling with rage. That bastard Amanda. She stole from me again.
Around her, the other hopefuls began to whisper. "What happened? I thought she said she failed?" "Did you hear that? Elena basically implied she had already been recruited!"
The mocking stares and hushed voices felt like needles. Candice, realizing the gravity of the situation, tried to comfort her. "Lena, there must be a misunderstanding. Don't listen to their nonsense."
"That's enough! Shut your mouth!" Elena screamed at her. "You're so arrogant all day long—aren't you afraid of getting slapped in the face?"
Candice's eyes filled with tears. "I...! Why are you talking to me like that?"
"Go away! I don't want to see your face!" Elena barked. Having suffered such a public humiliation, she blamed the entire disaster on Candice's rude behavior. She turned on her high heels and stormed off, unable to bear the laughter of the crowd a second longer.
Heading to the Harris Group
Once inside the car, Amanda sat back and closed her eyes. Winter kindly provided water and some aromatic oils to help her recover. After a few minutes, Amanda's spirit seemed to stabilize. Looking out the window at the passing scenery, she spoke softly to the driver.
"Take me to the Harris Group."
The driver, who had been personally selected by Quentin to look after Amanda, didn't say a word. He simply turned the wheel and headed for the highway toward the corporate headquarters.
"Are you sure?" Winter asked worriedly, using a wet towel to wipe the faint tear stains from Amanda's cheeks. "Wouldn't it be better to go home and rest first?"
Amanda smiled and shook her head. "I'm fine, thank you. I'll go to the company, and then the driver can take you home. Take some time to rest; you'll be joining me on the film crew in two weeks."
Winter's eyes widened with pure joy. "You passed?"
Amanda nodded. Winter's cheeks turned pink with excitement. "That's wonderful!" She was thrilled—not just for Amanda, but because she wouldn't have to worry about rent for the coming year.
Watching Winter's genuine excitement, Amanda's own smile deepened. "Yes," she whispered. "Everything will get better."