Jas’s gaze lingered on Adelyn for a second.
He wanted to give her a chance —for Freya’s sake —but amid the strong opposition from the investors, he simply didn’t hold the authority to push the decision through.
In the end, he could only refuse.
Through it all —
Adelyn said nothing.
She sat there quietly.
No defense.
No explanation.
No emotion.
Just stillness.
Her stillness like that, however, only drew a different kind of attention.
At the far end of the table, Camden Rhodes —the director —had not spoken once. He had been watching her ... studying her the entire ti. Since the mont she had stepped in the room.
Not her reputation.
Not the conversation about her.
Not Freya’s persuasion on her behalf.
Just ... her.
Her silence.
Her posture.
The way she was absorbing pressure without shrinking.
The way her gaze remained level —not defiant, not submissive. Simply asured.
He had to admit —he was impressed.
She did not resemble the girl they were all talking about —one who had beco infamous after being dragged into a scandal at such a young age.
There must be sothing that the public never saw back then ...
He finally leaned forward, clasping his fingers loosely.
"Ms. Grace."
His voice was calm —low, seasoned, carrying quiet authority.
Everyone turned towards him.
Adelyn lifted her eyes to et his, her politeness evident in her steady gaze —respectful, composed.
"Yes, Director Rhodes."
He studied her for several seconds more —long enough to make anyone feel uncomfortable.
Yet, her calm never faltered. She simply waited.
"You won’t defend yourself?"
The question surprised everyone. The investors exchanged confused glances.
Did the director want her to defend herself? Why?
Adelyn smiled faintly and shook her head.
"No defense could erase what happened ten years ago. It’s only right for to shoulder the responsibility."
Soft murmurs rippled across the room.
Camden’s eyes sharpened slightly.
"So, you accept the bla from the past?"
She didn’t answer imdiately. Taking a brief pause, she nodded.
"Not entirely ... but yes, a part of it. I walked away from the opportunity I should have cherished. That was my choice. And no apology, no explanation can change what has already passed."
Silence settled heavily once again.
Just a few simple words —yet enough to unsettle everyone.
They were preparing themselves to condemn her.
But watching her accept fault so calmly ... made it difficult.
Camden leaned back slowly.
A faint —very faint —curve touched his lips.
Interesting.
He was impressed again.
Jas noticed his expression and imdiately sensed what he was about to say. He wanted to stop him.
But before he could, Camden already spoke.
"I am willing to give you a chance."
Freya and Alia both froze, exchanging startled glances —hope in their eyes flickering instantly.
But the investors erupted.
They all started debating against his decision.
"Director Rhodes," one investor said seriously, "we respect your experience in the industry, but this is not a wise decision."
"Yes, the project scale is enormous. We cannot afford this kind of risk."
"We are investing heavily. We cannot make reckless choices at such an early stage. Please understand that."
The voices overlapped.
Jas frowned and leaned toward Camden.
"Rhodes ... perhaps reconsider. The investors won’t accept easily, and displeasing them like this is not in our advantage."
"If they cannot," Camden replied calmly. "They are free to reconsider their involvent."
For a second, it almost sounded arrogant.
But those who knew Camden Rhodes understood —he never bent under pressure when it ca to his work.
"Director Rhodes, we are thinking about the project —"
Camden looked at the speaker directly. "Do you believe I am thinking any less about it?"
Silence fell almost imdiately.
His fingers tapped the table, thoughtfully.
"I have worked in this industry for thirty-two years," he said calmly. "I have seen prodigies collapse ... and disasters rise into brilliance."
The investors shifted uneasily.
"Reputation tells about noise. Performance tells about truth. And I want to see how she performs."
His gaze returned to Adelyn.
"Giving you a chance promises nothing. So, when you take the audition, perform accordingly."
Then he turned to the investors.
"I understand your concerns. This is not a final decision. She will audition. The rest depends entirely on her performance."
The silence stretched.
Jas observed the room carefully. Seeing lingering hesitation, he cleared his throat.
"If anyone still has doubts, you are welco to attend the audition personally. We have no objection."
The investors exchanged glances —but no one challenged Camden’s decision further.
His reputation spoke louder than argunt.
Freya exhaled slowly —relief hidden behind her professionalism.
Alia blinked, quietly stunned. She still could hardly believe it had happened so suddenly.
Had Adelyn anticipated this outco?
Was that why she spoke so little?
Her gaze lingered on Adelyn, searching.
But Adelyn didn’t look at her.
Instead, she inclined her head politely toward Camden and Jas. "Thank you. I will not disappoint."
Camden nodded once. "I’m waiting to see you prove right." His gaze held quiet encouragent.
Adelyn smiled politely.
"Alright," Jas said, clapping his hands lightly to shift the mood. "Now that we have settled the important matters, let’s not keep the dinner waiting."
Everyone nodded.
Soon, the servers entered, placing dishes across the table one by one.
Freya had intended to excuse herself, but before she could speak, Jas addressed her.
"It’s been quite a while, Ms. Finn. Please stay and dine with us. No need for formality."
Freya smiled politely and nodded. "Thank you."
Dinner began.
Conversation resud —lighter now, more controlled.
Freya offered a few toasts to show her sincerity.
So investors, still displeased, deliberately asked Adelyn to raise her glass.
Though Freya wanted to interrupt, Adelyn stopped her. Her alcohol tolerance wasn’t back, and she believed she could manage. She didn’t want to burden to Freya further for the night.
Camden and Jas noticed and subtly helped when they could, though never making it obvious.
Eventually, the difficult investors lost interest and stopped pressing her.
The mont Freya sensed the shift, she quickly took the glass from Adelyn’s hand.
"That’s enough," she said, "Don’t force yourself anymore. Eat instead."
Adelyn smiled and shook her head. "It’s okay, Sister Freya. It wasn’t that bad."
"I said eat," Freya insisted, gesturing towards her plate.
Alia noticed the small change in her behavior and smiled. She picked up her fork and knife.
At first, nothing seed unusual.
Then —
A faint warmth crept along the back of her neck, making her pause.
She tried to ignore it ... but quickly realized she couldn’t. Her eyes stared at the food as though assessing it.
She lowered her cutlery slowly. Her pulse had already begun to quicken.
She reached for her water and drank —once, twice —but the heat only intensified.
She adjusted her posture, trying to remain composed. No one seed to notice.
But Freya, seated beside her, did.
Freya’s gaze sharpened instantly. She leaned closer. "Adelyn?" Her voice was low, but alert.
Adelyn didn’t answer imdiately.
Freya’s brows drew together as she saw her face turning slightly red. She placed a hand over hers and asked again.
"What’s wrong? Are you alright?"
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