Freya's POV
The car swiftly arrived at the destination, and I entered the studio. Inside, I approached a person and asked, "Excuse me, is Mr. Harper here?"
The person, holding a stack of papers, adjusted her glasses and scrutinized me. "He's not in. What do you need from him?"
"Mr. Harper called and requested my presence for an audition. We scheduled it for nine-thirty."
"An audition?" The woman furrowed her brow. "What audition? Why haven't I been informed?"
"Mr. Harper reached out to me last night; perhaps he hasn't had the chance to inform everyone."
"So, which show are you auditioning for?"
"The Luna of the Lycan King."
"No way!" The woman immediately objected. "The roles in The Luna of Lycan King have already been filled."
Novia was about to speak, but I held her back.
Sensing the woman's hostility, I narrowed my eyes and patiently clarified, "Mr. Harper did message me about the audition today."
Just then, Michael emerged from his office, his gaze passing over us before he softly instructed, "Follow me, everyone."
Michael led us to a more spacious office-like area. "Kindly wait here for a moment." He directed me, then turned to the woman. "Lucy, you'll come with me."
After approximately ten minutes, Michael returned with Lucy and another man.
A somewhat younger man handed me a couple of sheets of paper.
"You have five minutes to prepare," Michael stated.
As I read the lines, I froze, realizing they were from the main character's stepmother in the show.
This stepmother served as the primary antagonist in the show. Strangely, I heard that this role had already been assigned to a well-known industry veteran. So why was Michael giving me lines for this character?
Pushing aside my doubts, I swiftly memorized the lines.
The lines involved the stepmother intentionally orchestrating the fall of Lycan King's Luna into a lake, only to jump in herself to rescue her, all to earn Lycan King's trust.
The stepmother was one of the most vibrant characters in this drama, serving as the first love interest of the male lead.
To get more power and aid the male lead in his journey to become the Lycan King, she agreed to become the mate of the male lead's father.
However, fate took an unexpected turn when the male lead, after ascending to the role of Lycan King, encountered his true destined mate—the female lead.
Caught in the throes of shifting political dynamics, she found herself in a complex situation. On one hand, she must endure the agony of her love, the current Lycan King, falling for another woman. On the other hand, her own circumstances demanded her to maintain her grace and generosity.
To love without being loved and to harbor resentment due to love constituted the greatest allure of this character.
When the time was right, I informed Michael, "It's ready."
With a deep breath, I seamlessly immersed myself into the character.
By the time my performance concluded, silence pervaded the room.
Michael cleared his throat and encouraged, "Let's hear your thoughts, everyone."
The assistant director cleared his throat and remarked, "The acting was acceptable, but the actor might be a tad too youthful to fully grasp the role. Furthermore, she's so strikingly beautiful that her presence invariably draws attention, which is advantageous for an actress, but can also be distracting."
Michael stroked his chin, maintaining silence for a prolonged moment.
I knew the assistant was right, and this quandary was undeniably practical.
After a brief pause, Michael asserted, "Yet as I listened to her lines, her age didn't strike me as a hindrance. On the contrary, I found her delivery impeccable and perfectly suited for the role."
At this time, another voice interjected, "I perused her resume—she has no prior work. Isn't it a significant risk to entrust such a crucial role to an inexperienced newcomer?"
At this juncture, Lucy chimed in, "Mr. Harper, this role carries almost as much weight as the female lead. Selecting a newcomer for such a pivotal position might not be the wisest decision."
Michael glanced at her, asking, "Do you have a better candidate?"
Lucy responded promptly, "Tracy and I have worked together before. This actor has a good flow, strong dramatic skills, and is genuinely interested in the role. I think we should give her a chance."
I was surprised. Weren't there rumors that Tracy was initially considered for the female lead in this drama?
Upon hearing Lucy's recommendation, Michael pursed his lips and admitted, "I've seen her performances."
Lucy's expression brightened, and she inquired, "What do you think?"
Michael replied faintly, "Skilled, no doubt."
Lucy mistakenly believed that Michael was complimenting Tracy until he continued, "However, she lacks emotion. Her portrayal feels mechanical, like a puppet without a soul."
A hint of displeasure flickered across Lucy's face, but she managed to hold it back and questioned, "Mr. Harper, if you had already made up your mind, why did you convene this audition?"
Michael glanced at her and explained, "I brought you here to witness the signing in person. I need to ensure that no one can exploit their influence to replace my chosen talent behind the scenes."
This statement prompted exchanged looks among everyone present. Lucy's expression shifted briefly, but she pressed her lips together and fell silent.
"Okay, this role is for her," Michael paused, directing his attention to Novia, who had been standing nearby, and inquired, "Are you her agent? And from which company?"
Novia clarified, "I am currently serving as her agent."
"Currently?" Michael raised an eyebrow.
I clarified, "I haven't officially signed with an agency yet."
Michael exhibited clear surprise at my words.
"In that case," he advised, "partner up with an assistant. When it's time to shoot, you'll need someone to handle errands. Don't let this hinder the production schedule."
Despite my internal agitation, I maintained a composed exterior and responded in a subdued tone, "Understood."
Sensing Lucy's impatience, I focused on the contract as she abruptly left the room, slamming the door behind her.
The remaining individuals engaged in conversation with Michael briefly before departing one by one. Eventually, only Michael, his assistant, Novia, and I remained in the conference room.
After perusing the contract, I swiftly appended my signature.
I extended my hand towards Michael. "Mr. Harper, I would greatly appreciate your guidance in the future."
Michael shook my hand and replied with a casual tone, "No need to be so formal."
The assistant retrieved the contract and handed me a fully printed version of the script.
"You're good to head home. It would be wise to thoroughly read through the entire script. This role is pivotal to the entire show. If you don't meet my expectations, don't blame me for being mean."
I nodded, though in my mind, I pondered, who could be as mean as Kingsley?