Chapter 7

Taylor immediately called Dorian, not wanting to upset Camille further. Camille calmed herself down. "Since Lila wants to focus on her career, and you're experienced in directing, lend her a hand over the next few years while we still have some influence." "Don't worry about that. Lila is my prized student. I was most upset when she gave up this field to support Dorian. I even argued about it, blaming you for meddling in their relationship." She sighed. "Now, I regret it even more." At that moment, Dorian was having dinner with Zara. She had won a significant award, and Dorian suggested he treat her to a celebratory meal. He had been in a bad mood, still troubled by Lila's decision to break up with him. When Zara, half playfully, suggested the dinner, he agreed without much thought. "If only Lila were half as gentle and sweet as Zara," he mused. "Did Lila reach out to you?" Zara asked midway through the meal, sounding a little disappointed. Dorian frowned and shook his head. "No, it's my teacher. He suddenly asked me to go to his house. I've got to head over there now." Zara's eyes lit up. "Is it Mr. Taylor Foster? I've always thought he's incredible. Could I come along and meet him, too?" He was about to refuse but hesitated when he saw the hopeful look on her face. He couldn't turn her down and gently pinched her cheek. "Alright, but remember to be respectful. He doesn't like people who try to cozy up to him." She playfully swatted his hand away, her tone still light but full of anticipation. "I just want to meet Mr. Foster. Even if I only get a minor role in one of his films, I'd be thrilled." He looked at her fondly. "I'll help you get a role if Mr. Foster ever decides to direct again." Taylor's home was a modest villa with a small courtyard. The front had a simple iron gate. From inside the house, they could see the entrance. When Dorian arrived and stepped out of the car, Taylor tried to reassure Camille, "Please keep calm when you talk to him. I still hope they can work things out. "Lila is soft-hearted; if Dorian sincerely apologizes and promises to set better boundaries in the future—" He was interrupted mid-sentence by Camille's furious slap on the table. He jumped in surprise. "Why are you suddenly so worked up? Didn't we agree not to get angry?" "Look outside, and then tell me if I should be angry." With a cold laugh, she stopped the housekeeper from opening the door. "Don't let him in." Camille had seen the entire scene—how Dorian exited the car and opened the door for Zara. Taylor saw them standing side by side at the gate. Zara looked up at Dorian and spoke to him in an adoring, playful manner. They did make an attractive pair, but Zara was no match for Lila. Taking out his phone, Taylor searched for Zara's name and compared her online photos to the woman standing outside. He confirmed it. "It's Zara." He frowned and added, "We don't know this woman. What's she doing here?" "What is she doing here? She's tagging along with her 'brother' to try to cozy up to you!" Camille was so angry that she felt tightness in her chest. He chuckled. "You can sympathize with Lila, but don't get too worked up. So what do you want me to do now? I'll follow your lead." By now, Dorian had rung the doorbell for the second time. "Call him and tell him we had to leave just before he arrived. Make him wait outside." She waved to Kiley. "Kiley, go tell him the same. Let him wait." Kiley hesitated. "But what if he insists on coming in?" "Block the door, and don't let him. Just tell him I said he has to wait outside." Taylor understood her intention—to ignore him, partly to vent some frustration on behalf of Lila. But the disappointment wasn't too intense; it was more of a subtle warning or reminder. Kiley quickly walked over and apologized to Dorian. "Sorry, Mr. Blake. I didn't hear you earlier." She didn't open the door. Dorian frowned slightly. "Where are Mr. and Mrs. Foster?" Just as he asked, Taylor called him. "Alright, Mr. Foster. I'll wait for you at home—no need to rush. Take your time. Sure." After hanging up the phone, Zara tilted her head and smiled, looking innocent and harmless. "Let's just wait, then. There's nothing much going on today anyway." Dorian patted her head affectionately. He then turned to Kiley. "Kiley, could you at least let us wait inside?" Kiley didn't budge. She smiled politely. "Mrs. Foster said you should wait outside. They'll be back soon." He was stunned. "Wait outside?" Taylor and Camille had always treated him and Lila like they were their own children. They were the ones who called him over, so it was one thing if they had to step out unexpectedly, but why wouldn't they even let him in? Dorian asked, "Do you know what they went out for? If it's something urgent, I can help." Kiley shook her head. "No, they didn't mention anything." Zara sensed the awkwardness but tried to comfort him. "Don't overthink it. They probably just had to step out for something. Let's just wait here. The weather's nice, and the scenery is lovely." She wore a simple white dress with a large bow at the waist, and her half-up hairstyle made her look fresh and innocent—like a college student. Thanks to her debut role in a school drama, she had built her image around being the nation's first love. Dorian, moved by her purity, gently tucked her loose hair behind her ear. Inside the house, Camille, watching the display of affection, nearly threw the teacup in her hand. Taylor barely stopped her. "Don't get too worked up. That's fine porcelain from Zindar!" Camille huffed and slammed the cup onto the table. Dorian and Zara waited for over an hour, and he was growing increasingly impatient. He checked his watch and was tempted to call again, but Zara stopped him. Her forehead was sweaty, and her hair clung to her skin. "We've waited this long. Let's not risk annoying Mr. Foster. It could leave a bad impression." He sighed deeply, trying to calm his rising irritation. Half an hour later, a neighbor passed by, smiling at them. "Are you here to see Mr. Foster?" Dorian didn't respond, but Zara answered, "Yes." "Oh, sometimes I envy Mr. and Mrs. Foster. Even though they don't have children and are retired at home, students visit them often. Just this morning, a pretty young woman came by." The neighbor, a chatty and enthusiastic person, continued, "You wouldn't believe it. I've never seen such a beautiful woman before. Mr. Foster is a director, so I wonder if that woman might be one of his movie actresses." Dorian wasn't paying attention, but Zara's interest was piqued by the phrase, "I've never seen such a beautiful woman." Did that person just praise someone else for being pretty in front of her? After briefly pausing, she described Lila and asked, "Was it her?"