Chapter 94: Shifting Dynamics

Mariana stared out the window. The weight of the audition had lifted, replaced by a quiet acceptance. Win or lose, she had poured her heart and soul into that room, and that was all that truly mattered. A small smile touched her lips as she replayed the scene in her mind, the raw emotion a distant echo. Andrew's negativity, once a looming storm cloud, now seemed insignificant. In the front passenger seat, a snort of laughter erupted from Daphne. Hailey, glancing back at Mariana through the rear-view mirror, caught a flicker of amusement dancing in her eyes. Clearly, Daphne was regaling her with another story, and Mariana couldn't help but be drawn back to the present. Hailey glanced at the clock on the dashboard. "Hey, it's almost two. How about we grab some lunch before heading back?" she suggested, her stomach rumbling in agreement. Mariana turned from the window, a playful glint in her eyes. "Sounds good, but where do the esteemed Hailey and Ms. Cole wish to dine?" she aske