At Warren Corp —
Dylan sat behind his desk, working through the stack of files laid neatly before him. Although he had been working the entire day, he still looked as though he had just begun. There was no trace of exhaustion, irritation, or frustration on his face.
His collar remained perfectly fastened, his tie still in place, and posture as upright as ever.
Everything about him ... was impeccably composed.
One look at him —and anyone could understand how such a man could command attention effortlessly.
A knock sounded at the door, but it didn’t deter Dylan’s focus. He neither looked up nor responded.
After a mont, the door was pushed open and Dylan’s secretary entered the room.
"President Warren," Secretary Wyatt said respectfully, "It’s already late in the evening. Young Miss must be waiting for you. Should I arrange the car?"
Dylan paused for a brief second —just long enough to glance at the watch in his wrist —before the stroke of his pen resud, signing his na in elegant cursive.
"There’s still ti."
Wyatt frowned slightly, confusion evident as he checked his own watch.
"But, President ... the weather forecast shows there will be a heavy thunderstorm later. If you leave any later, you might end up getting stuck at Ms. Grace’s place."
Dylan didn’t respond, nor did he offer any further explanation, but his lips subtly lifted in a smirk.
His silence was enough of an answer.
Wyatt didn’t press further. He simply nodded in understanding, bowed slightly, and left the room without disturbing him again.
—————
anwhile, at the Scott Residence —
The family had gathered at the dining table.
Liam and Bryer sat on either side of Clara, both tending to her with obvious care.
"Don’t you like shrimps?" Liam asked, peeling one before placing it into her bowl. "Have more."
"Yes, eat more, Clara. You are getting thinner than before," Bryer added with a frown.
Clara looked at both of them before letting out a small sigh.
"Don’t make eat so much. I’ll gain weight."
"There is nothing wrong with gaining a little weight. You’ll still look beautiful," Charlotte said, her brows knitting in concern. "You’re getting thinner every day. If this continues, I fear —"
BBefore she could finish, Clara interrpted gently.
"You don’t need to worry, Mom." She pressed her lips together. "Liam already arranged a nutritionist for . Even when I am not eating at ho, my proportioned als are well taken care of."
She paused before continuing, "And the reason I look leaner now ... is because I’m dieting."
Turning to Liam, she added, "Liam’s helping get into Director Rhodes’s upcoming movie, and the role I’m aiming for requires a specific physique."
Charlotte frowned.
What kind of movie requires you to beco this thin? If you hadn’t been adamant about joining the entertainnt industry, I wouldn’t have ever let you."
"Director Rhodes has always been particular about his characters," Liam explained. "Even minor roles are difficult to obtain. That’s one of the reasons his films are so successful."
Clara nodded, a faint excitent lighting her expression.
"This will be my first ti working in his movie. I’m really looking forward to it. And this will also be my year-end surprise for my fans."
Liam’s expression, however, turned serious. Setting down his fork and knife, he looked at her.
"Getting you into his movie won’t be as simple as we initially thought."
Clara’s expression shifted. "What do you an?"
"I don’t think I can just place you in the role. You’ll have to go through auditions."
"But Liam, didn’t you say —"
"I know," he interrupted calmly. "I said it would be easy because of my connections. But recently, I learned that both the investors and Director Rhodes are taking this project very seriously. The selection process will be entirely talent-based. Auditions are mandatory for all the major roles."
A clear hint of displeasure crossed Clara’s face.
Noticing it, Liam gently placed his hand over hers, patting it reassuringly.
"You don’t need to worry, I trust your capability. You’ll do well —even without my help."
"You trust too much, Liam."
"Your success in the last five years speaks volus, Clara. Of course, Liam will trust you," Bryer said with a smile.
Liam smiled softly, affection evident in his gaze.
You’re my only sister. If I don’t trust you, who will?"
Clara smiled back at her. But after a fraction of second, her expression hardened slightly in determination as she said, "But I have to get this role. I can’t afford to be a disappointnt." Her fingers tightened around her fork, almost making her knuckles go white.
—————
Back at Adelyn’s apartnt,
Eira stuck close to Adelyn, following her everywhere like a little shadow.
At first, it felt unfamiliar. Adelyn wasn’t used to having soone constantly around her. But gradually, the girl’s presence began to feel more and more ... natural.
Adelyn had always found children troubleso.
But this little girl ... was too endearing to be called a bother.
"Grr ..."
A faint sound broke the silence.
Adelyn turned her head.
Eira froze instantly and quickly covered her stomach with both hands.
Adelyn stared at her for a mont before a smile slipped onto her lips.
"It’s getting late," she said gently. "Since no one has co to pick you up yet, how about you have dinner with ?"
Eira nodded enthusiastically, her head bobbing up and down.
She couldn’t have been happier.
Not only did she get to et her mama and stay close to her ... now she could even have dinner with her.
Adelyn noticed the brightness in her expression and asked curiously, "what’s making you so happy?"
"Eira can finally have dinner with Mama—"
The words slipped out before she could stop them.
Eira froze.
Adelyn stilled, her brows slightly raising at her.
Mama.
Just as she was about to ask —
Dind-dong!
The doorbell rang, cutting through the mont.
Adelyn’s head turned toward the door, her brows furrowing slightly.
Another visitor?
Who could it be this ti?
And then —
A small hand slipped into hers.
Adelyn looked down.
The little girl’s eyes were already brimming with emotion— as if she was holding sothing back ...sothing truly heavy.
"It must be your Uncle Ford," Adelyn said gently. "He’s probably here to take you back."
She turned, about to walk toward the door —
But suddenly —
The small hand tugged her back.
Adelyn stopped and looked over her shoulder.
"What’s wrong?"
Eira didn’t respond imdiately, but her fingers tightened around Adelyn’s, as though unwilling to let go so easily.
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