Chapter 193

Lila sat quietly, watching as Dorian's performance faltered on stage. His delivery lacked emotion, his presence off-kilter—a stark contrast to his usual charisma. Michael, seated beside her, finished his quip and turned to glance at her, expecting a response. What he saw instead was someone entirely calm, her gaze steady and detached. Her long lashes fluttered with each blink, but her eyes betrayed no emotion. To anyone watching, it would seem as if the man on stage were a complete stranger. Dorian himself realized something was wrong. When he stepped off the stage, his movements were unsteady, his confidence shattered. He knew. This role wouldn't be his. His assistant rushed over, concern etched on their face. "Mr. Blake, are you alright?" Dorian ignored the question, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Lila's now—empty seat. His fists clenched tightly at his sides. Throughout Michael's audition, Dorian had seen traces of Lila's guidance in every movement, every nu