Kristen looked up to see Grace approaching with her agent, Zoe Zhao, a well-known socialite in the industry.
Zoe slid right into the seat beside Director Hong, practically plastering herself to him. "Director Hong, long time no see."
Grace also wore a white dress today, similar to Kristen's, but without Kristen's height or slim lines. In an instant, the comparison did her no favors.
"Hello, Director Hong. I'm Grace," she greeted softly, then glanced at Kristen. "Kristen, long time no see."
Kristen gave her a cool once-over and pressed her lips together without responding.
The air went awkward for a beat.
Martin smiled, but his words weren't polite. "Zoe, this meeting was set by me. Turning up uninvited isn't great form, is it?"
Zoe's smile flickered, then came back smooth. "Martin, we're all in the same business, fighting for the same bite of bread. No need to be so standoffish."
"The pie's only so big. Not being standoffish isn't an option," Martin shot back, then turned to Director Hong. "Director, Kristen fits the role of Leng Yue in your new drama perfectly. If you don't believe it, test her. She won't let you down."
"What a coincidence. My Grace loves that role too," Zoe purred, hooking an arm through Director Hong's. "Director Hong, give a newcomer a chance. Grace is really very good."
Director Hong's gaze moved between Kristen and Grace. In appearance, Kristen clearly fit the role better. But Kristen's broken-off wedding had hit the trending lists just days ago; casting her posed risks. He'd agreed to meet mostly as a courtesy to Victor.
As for Grace, he narrowed his eyes…
Seeing him hesitate, Zoe sensed an opening. "Director, Grace acts very well. Try her. Crying scenes, action scenes—everyone who's seen them is full of praise."
"Director Hong—" Martin began.
Director Hong looked up and cut in, "How about this: I'll give you both a scene from the script. Take it home and study it. The company's holding auditions tomorrow. You can both come and test."
"Great." Martin answered at once, fully confident in Kristen's skill. "Kristen definitely won't disappoint."
Zoe smiled. "Grace trained specifically in performance. Her acting will absolutely satisfy you, Director."
Director Hong smiled politely and didn't say more, excusing himself on account of other business.
As soon as he left, the smiles dropped from Zoe and Martin's faces. Zoe cast them a faint glance and said to Grace, "Let's go."
"Strutting for nothing," Martin muttered, glaring at Zoe's retreating back. "We're leaving too."
Underground garage.
Martin had gone to get the car. Kristen texted Old He to say she'd ride with Martin to discuss work and that he could head back.
"Kristen…"
A sugary voice sounded behind her. She turned to see Grace walking over without Zoe.
"My agent was there just now, so I couldn't say much," Grace said as she stopped in front of Kristen, her expression earnest with concern. "I heard all about the wedding. Is there some misunderstanding between you and Finn? How did it come to this?"
Kristen pocketed her phone and lifted her eyes, studying Grace closely.
In the dream she'd had on her wedding day, whenever she and Finn argued, Grace would "coincidentally" appear, speaking soft comforts, urging reconciliation…
If not for that dream, Kristen probably would have believed her nonsense again.
"Kristen, what's wrong?" Grace asked carefully when Kristen kept staring in silence.
A cold laugh slipped from Kristen. "Grace, do you think I'm stupid? Did you really think I'd never figure out the filthy things you and Finn have been doing?"
( End of chapter )
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