After two days of continuous chaos, Emily still had several hickeys on her neck. She chose a top with a slightly higher collar to cover them up.

As usual, Zoey was sitting on the couch, munching on sunflower seeds and watching TV, looking every bit like the lady of the house.

Emily cleared her throat as she came down the stairs and sat on the couch. Zoey glanced at her.

"What? Want breakfast? Make it yourself!" Zoey's tone was still as arrogant as ever.

Emily knew very well that the meal Zoey made yesterday was only because she was worried about being caught by the master of the house.

However, she didn't want to make a fuss over a meal, especially since she didn't think much of Zoey's cooking skills anyway.

"I want to ask you something."

Zoey turned her head and gave Julia a once-over. "What do you want to ask?"

"Is your master's last name Butler?"

Emily had picked up on this during her conversation with Zoey yesterday. It was the first time she realized her husband's last name was Butler.

Zoey sneered, "You don't even know your own husband's last name!"

"How old is he?" Emily continued to probe.

Although she had been half-asleep yesterday, she could definitely tell during their intimate moment that he was a young man.

Zoey remembered Kenneth's instructions from the night before, and her eyes became somewhat distant. "He's in his forties."

"Oh..."

Emily Avery let out a meaningful "oh." The touch of that skin last night, those firm muscles-if a man in his forties kept up with his fitness, it made sense.

Zoey snorted coldly, "Let me tell you, don't be fooled by Mr. Butler's age. Even though he's in his forties, his body is no less fit than a guy in his twenties. He's charming and handsome!"

Emily could see it clearly now-Zoey was always defending this man. Maybe she had a thing for him all along!

"Alright, I have nothing more to ask," Emily said as she stood up.

"Hey, let me tell you, when the master comes, serve him well. Don't make him unhappy, or you'll regret it!"

Emily rolled her eyes dramatically. Zoey didn't seem like a housekeeper; she was more like the wicked stepmother from a TV drama...

Back in her bedroom, Emily glanced at her phone. Her reminder app notified her that she had an audition today.

Graduation was approaching, and all her classmates had signed with various companies, but she was still without a contract.

Without an agency or a manager, it was hard for her to get audition opportunities. Fortunately, this audition was an open call. The director was the famous Blithe, who was planning to shoot a historical drama.

Director Blithe was known for his willingness to give newcomers a chance. His logic was that after a few years in the industry, actors just get too much "stuff" in their eyes. They become too self-conscious, too full of reservations, and the raw, authentic feeling in their performances is lost.

That's how Emily got this audition opportunity, but she was only auditioning for the third female lead.

Even though it was just the third female lead, because of Director Blithe's reputation, dozens of people were auditioning for the role!

The competition was fierce.

The ringing of her phone pulled Emily out of her thoughts. Seeing the number on the screen, she couldn't help but smile.

"Oliver, what's up?"

"Sis, what are you doing?" A young boy's voice came through the phone.

"I'm getting ready to change clothes and then head to an audition."

"You have an audition today!" The boy on the other end sounded even more excited than Emily. "You've got this! Break a leg!"

Emily chuckled. "Look at you, getting all excited. It's just a third female lead."

"So what if it's the third female lead? No one starts as the lead actress right away! With your talent, you'll be a big star someday!"

"Alright, alright, you little flatterer. Do you have enough money? Are you still taking your medicine? Have you been feeling okay lately?"

"I have enough money, and I'm still taking my medicine. I feel fine..." The boy's voice sounded a bit impatient. "You ask the same questions every time we talk."

"I'm just worried about you, you ungrateful brat!"

"How are things with you and my brother-in-law? Any plans for a baby?" The boy asked excitedly.

Emily bit her lip and then smiled. "My little brother... the head of my one-man 'have a baby' fan club."

"I'm just worried I won't be able to see it happen later on."

"Don't talk such nonsense!" Emily's voice was suddenly sharp, her expression turning serious in an instant.

"Sis, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that," the boy's voice replied, now heavy with resignation. "But you know it's true."

Emily bit her lip, holding back her tears. The last time her younger brother Oliver was hospitalized, Dr. John, who had been treating him for years, had a serious talk with her.

Her brother was born with congenital heart disease. At that time, medical science wasn't as advanced, and there was no way to treat it. The doctors said he wouldn't live past seventeen.

Later, a hospital offered surgery, but Oliver had already missed the optimal treatment window. Undertaking the operation now may not yield any benefits and carry significant risks.

Born at the wrong time.

From the day he was born, Oliver had been living under a death sentence handed down by his doctors.

And yet, here he was, eighteen years old and a senior in high school. He had already lived one year longer than expected.

During his last flare-up, Dr. John had told Julia to prepare herself mentally. Oliver's condition was not good.

"Okay, okay, sis, don't be upset. I want to see my little nephew or niece sooner, that's all. You and your husband have been married for a year now. I know you're still in that lovey-dovey phase and want to enjoy your little world for two. But what about me?"

Emily snapped back to reality. "Alright, Oliver.

My husband and I have talked about having a baby, and he agreed. But you know, having a baby isn't something that happens just because you want it to. It takes time."

"Really? That's great! As long as he's cool with it, then it's all good! Okay, I won't nag you anymore. Take your time, no rush!"

Emily smiled. For the past year, she had been hiding the truth from Oliver.

In Oliver's eyes, the story was a perfect one. His sister had a husband who was a top executive and traveled often, which was why she was always free to come home and take care of him. This brother-in-law was successful, earned a good living, and, most importantly, doted on his wife.

"Okay, sis, I'll let you go. Good luck with your audition!"

"You call me if you feel even a little bit off, you hear me?" "I know, bye!"

After hanging up, Emily let out a long, heavy sigh. Her brother would forever be her greatest heartache.

But she couldn't afford to think about that now. The audition this afternoon was crucial because she was running out of money.

She rummaged through her closet and picked out an outfit. Actually, there wasn't much to choose from. She only had a few presentable pieces, and it took but a single glance to see them all.

After changing and putting on a little light makeup, she headed out the door.

What she didn't expect was to run into someone she knew.

Bailey Avery.

Even before her official debut, Bailey already carried herself like a superstar. Her manager led the way, with two assistants trailing behind her like eager puppies.

And Bailey? She strutted along, wearing a pair of sunglasses, exuding confidence.

Emily had just stepped out of the restroom when she spotted Bailey. Instantly, she retreated inside, not wanting to run into her here.

Seeing Bailey surrounded by her entourage made many aspiring actors waiting for their auditions envious.

"Hey, have you heard? Bailey Avery is the future Mrs. Edwards of A&B International. This audition is just a formality for her. But she's only auditioning for the second female lead, so it doesn't affect us."

"Thank goodness she's not competing with us. Otherwise, we'd be here for nothing!"

"Yeah, exactly. With Mr. Edwards backing her, she's bound to become a huge star. Guess it proves that talent doesn't matter when you can just marry rich!"

Hearing them gossip left a bitter taste in Julia's mouth.

If time could go back a year, all of this might have been hers, and she wouldn't still be here now, still fighting for a chance in an audition.

Julia glanced in a mirror, touched up her makeup, and regained her usual calm composure.

The roles of the first and second female leads were both crucial to the show, so their auditions were being held in a separate location from the other characters, which gave Julia a sense of relief. This way, she wouldn't have to run into Bailey.

Although Bailey was her half-sister, every time she saw her, Julia's mind was flooded with the image of Harry Edwards and Bailey tangled together in bed. It just made her utterly nauseous.

Over thirty actresses were waiting in the lounge for the audition for the third female lead. Some were carefully reading the character profiles provided by the crew, and some chatted in small groups.

Julia stood in a corner, deep in thought.

...

In another lounge.

This lounge was reserved for the first and second female leads. The seats were luxurious sofas, and there were only a few people present. Bailey looked around and saw only unfamiliar faces.

Even well-known stars in the industry needed to audition, but their busy schedules meant they had to arrange separate times with the director.

Although Bailey had the backing of Harry Edwards, she was still a newcomer with no notable works and no other commitments. Thus, she was scheduled to audition with everyone else.

Her assistant, Celeste, approached cautiously and whispered in Bailey's ear, "Miss Bailey, I just saw Emily Avery."

Bailey frowned, "What's she doing here?"

"She's here for the audition. I checked; she's going for the third female lead, so there's no conflict with you."

A look of disdain crossed Bailey's face. "Of course, there's no conflict. She doesn't even have an agent, so she can't possibly land a good role. But..."

Bailey beckoned Celeste closer with a crook of her finger. Celeste immediately leaned in to listen, and the two whispered for a moment.

"Miss Bailey, is this really necessary? I mean, setting aside whether she can even get the part, even if she does, she's just the third female lead. There's no way she could steal your spotlight. The second female lead has almost as much screen time as the first."

"What do you know? Emily Avery is not so simple. If she rises, she'll be my biggest rival. Just do as I say!"

Celeste nodded.

In the waiting room, Emily was still preparing herself. One by one, actresses went in for their auditions and came out looking dejected, which only made her more nervous.

The audition for the third female lead was being conducted by two assistant directors, not even Director Blithe yet, and it was already so strict. It was said that even if you passed the assistant directors, you still had to get through Director Blithe.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and everyone looked up to see who was standing there.

It was someone in work attire. There were quite a few staff members on site today to keep things organized with so many people auditioning.

"Who is Emily Avery?"

Emily Avery frowned but stood up. "I am."

"Come with me for a moment."

Emily followed the staff member out, feeling a bit suspicious. The staff member pulled her aside and looked her up and down. "So, you're Emily Avery?"

"Yes, is there something wrong?"

"Oh, it's like this. Director Blithe just reviewed your file, and he's quite interested. He'd like to meet with you privately," the staff member said with a smile.

Julia was quite surprised. "But... there's nothing on my resume. Why would he care about me?"

When it comes to looks, which actress in this business wasn't drop-dead gorgeous? And even if you weren't born that way, wasn't that what plastic surgery was for?

And as for her experience, she had only ever done bit parts. She had no significant role in her name. "That's exactly why Director Blithe is interested in you! I'm sure you've heard about his preferences. He loves a blank slate in an actor. There's more room for them to grow and be molded. So many other people fake their resumes, but yours is the cleanest of them all. That's what piqued his interest."

"But..."

What the person said was true. Director Blithe was famous in the industry for favoring newcomers, but Emily still felt uneasy.

Wasn't this a little too good to be true?

"But what? Are you really going to throw away such a great opportunity? Let me tell you something: today's auditions are just a formality. Many roles have already been decided. If you don't go, you'll have wasted your trip here."

Emily bit her lip. Although the industry was messy and full of hidden rules, what harm could come from just going to the meeting?

If he really does try to pull something, it's not like he can actually force me, she reasoned. I'll just say no then and there.

With that thought, Emily nodded. "Alright, I'll go."

"Good, follow me."

The staff led Emily away.

Emily wasn't familiar with the studio, so she had to follow the staff closely. They twisted and turned through so many corridors that she lost track of the way. Still, they hadn't arrived.

She couldn't help but feel suspicious.

"Excuse me, could you tell me which room Director Blithe is in? Why haven't we arrived yet?"

"Why do you ask so many questions, girl?

Director Blithe is a big shot. Do you think he would just use any room? Of course, it has to be a private one."

"Oh..."

Emily didn't think much of it and continued to follow the staff.

After a series of twists and turns, Emily completely lost track of the way they had come, only knowing that they had descended to the basement level.

It wasn't unusual for a recording studio to have a basement; some of the larger ones even had multiple underground levels.

This area was unlit and pitch dark, making Emily feel uneasy as she glanced around nervously.

They arrived at a large red double door, and the staff pointed towards it.

"Alright, we're here. You can go in."

"Aren't you coming with me?" Emily asked. "I'm not the one auditioning. I have other things to do. You go ahead." He opened the door.

Emily hesitated and slowly approached the door. As soon as she peeked her head in, she felt a push from behind and fell straight to the ground.

"Ahhh..." Emily screamed as she heard the door slam shut behind her with a loud "bang"!

She was pushed to the ground, landing face-first in a rather undignified manner.

When she managed to get up and return to the door, she found it wouldn't budge no matter how hard she pulled.

She banged on the door several times and shouted "Help!" but all she heard was her own echo.

When she had followed that so-called staff member here, she already felt the place was too secluded. At first, she could still see people around, but soon, there was no one in sight.

It was clear now-she had been set up.

The person who had arranged this had planned it all out perfectly. They knew this was a place where no one would ever come, and that was precisely why they had brought her here.

Emily turned around to inspect the place. It was pitch dark, with only a faint light coming from what seemed like a ventilation grate.

She turned on her phone's flashlight function and realized she was in a conference room. But since there were no meetings scheduled, the room was naturally unused, meaning no one would have any reason to come here.

She walked around and discovered there were two doors: the main door she had entered through and a back door. But the back door was also sealed shut.

What should she do now?

It was only then that Emily noticed her phone had no signal!

Of course it doesn't, she realized with a groan. This is a basement level. Unless they've installed a signal booster, how could there possibly be any reception here?

"Darn it!" Emily couldn't help but curse.

She had always known that this industry was a complicated mess, but she never expected to be schemed against before even setting foot into it!

With no way out, she could only call for help. But her phone had no signal.

Holding her phone, she took a slow, careful lap around the room. Suddenly, she stopped. Right in this spot, a single, weak bar of signal had appeared.

Emily looked up and saw that it was near the ventilation grate.

Just as she was about to make a call, that faint bar disappeared!

It flickered, there one moment and gone the next.

Emily glanced up at the ventilation grate again. It seemed like she would have to climb up there to get a stronger signal.

She dragged a chair over, placed it underneath the vent, and climbed up. The space was so cramped that she had to keep her head low. If it weren't for her flexibility, she wouldn't have managed to balance up there.

But once she got up there, she realized, who should she call?

The police?

What say what?

That she was trapped in an underground conference room because someone set her up? They'd probably think she was crazy.

But scrolling through her contacts, she realized there was no one she could call to rescue her. She had a husband, but she had never even seen his face, let alone had his phone number.

Emily opened her call history. The most recent calls were from Oliver and-

That man from the other night.

Just the thought of him made her heart beat faster.

Should she call him?

Would he come?

Her finger hovered over the unsaved phone number. Suddenly, her hand slipped, her finger tapped the screen, and the call went through.

She ignored the phone for a second to change her position; staying in one posture for too long was exhausting.

It was in that exact moment that the call connected.

"Hello-" Even though they had only met twice, Emily was very familiar with his voice.

"Hi, I... I'm trapped. Can you come rescue me?"

"What? Where are you now? Your signal is terrible. Move somewhere else, there's too much static!"

"This is the best signal I can get here." Emily quickly told him her location, but just as she finished, the call dropped.

She didn't know if he had hung up or if the call had dropped due to the poor cell signal.

She also didn't know if he had heard her address clearly, or if he would come.

Emily couldn't hold the position any longer and finally climbed down. She decided she had to rely on herself after all. She needed to find a possible way out.

About an hour passed. She tried everything she could think of, even attempting to crawl through the ventilation grate, but it was utterly impossible.

The place was stuffy and hot, and all the effort had drained her energy. Emily sat down, drenched in sweat and panting heavily.

If no one found her trapped here, would she suffocate to death? She was already starting to feel short of breath.

"Emily Avery-" a voice called from the doorway.

Emily immediately propped herself up and moved toward the door. "I'm here..."

"Over here, open the door," the man's voice instructed.

The door was quickly opened, and a beam of flashlight light shone in, causing Emily to close her eyes and turn her head away. After being in the pitch-black space for so long, she wasn't used to such bright light.

"It's okay now," Kenneth said, waving off the staff who had opened the door. The staff left immediately.

He turned to look at Emily. "Hey, you can come out now! Didn't get enough of the place?"

Emilyshuffled out. The moment she stepped out, her knees buckled, and she started to fall. Royce was quick, though, and caught her before she hit the floor.

"What are you doing? Trying to pull a fast one on me?"

"Dizzy," Emily replied weakly, her eyes still closed.

Kenneth pulled Emily into his arms. "It's too stuffy in here. Let's get out of here."

Emily took a few deep breaths to steady herself and then wriggled out of Kenneth's embrace. She looked up at him. "Okay."

Kenneth led Emily through a labyrinth of twists and turns until they reached the ground floor. He found a place with chairs where they could rest for a bit.

Suddenly, Emily slapped her thigh. "Oh no!"

"What's with the freak-out?" Kenneth frowned.

"I'm here for an audition today! I need to get there now!" Julia shot to her feet and hurriedly ran towards the audition room she had been to earlier.

When she arrived, the waiting room was already empty, with staff cleaning up.

"Excuse me, is the audition for the third female lead over?"

"It's all over. Why are you just getting here?" one of the staff asked offhandedly. Everyone is breaking their necks to become a star these days, and yet here's someone who actually shows up late!

Emily quickly dashed to the next room, which was the actual audition room.

Inside, two assistant directors were sorting through stacks of papers while chatting.

"Directors, I haven't had my audition yet!"

Both assistant directors looked up at her, one of them clearly annoyed. "Kid, rule number one in this industry is you follow the rules. Punctuality is basic. If you can't get that right, you're not cut out for this. Maybe next time."

"Yeah, it's been over for half an hour," the other director chimed in.