You Had Me, You Lost Me, You'll Never Find Me novel Chapter 12

In the end, Ashton was the one who stepped in to clean up the mess, otherwise Hugo would have been left broken and bleeding in a ditch.

Ever since then, Sylvia only sent Valerie basic living expenses, and it was likely because the cash flow stopped that Hugo was desperately trying to scheme his way into some money now.

Outside the car window, the city lights blurred together, casting a dark, melancholic shadow over Sylvia's face, a faint glimmer pooling in her gentle eyes.

Before she realized it, tears were streaming down her cheeks.

The driver glanced at her in the rearview mirror and offered a comforting word. "Don't be sad, miss. Every family has its issues. It's human nature to play favorites sometimes."

He had only caught bits and pieces of the conversation, but there was nothing new under the sun, and plenty of families were just as dysfunctional.

"But honestly, if your folks are playing favorites, you just have to focus on your own future. You're heading to the film studio, right? Miss, the opportunity is right in front of you. You have to grab it."

"If people look down on you, just prove them wrong. Then I can brag to my friends later and say, hey, I drove a massive superstar today."

A lump formed in Sylvia's throat. She knew he was just trying to comfort her, but in that moment, she felt a profound sense of warmth and strength.

"Thank you."

Stepping out of the taxi, Sylvia gathered her emotions and began reading the audition script Ryan Winslet had sent her.

A quick read-through was enough for her to tell it was an exceptional script.

Audition sides usually featured the most intense, conflict-heavy scenes, demanding a rich emotional range and allowing the actor to showcase the character's full depth.

This allowed the director to quickly determine if an actor was the right fit.

But she couldn't be entirely sure, as it could also be a "bait script."

Sometimes productions lured actors in with a couple of brilliant scenes, only to completely change the script once filming started—a common trick in the industry.

Sylvia carefully prepared her lines, taking a little extra time to locate the casting room.

By the time she arrived, she realized the auditions for her specific role had already ended early.

They were currently casting for other characters. She was late, and another opportunity had slipped through her fingers.

As the imaginary door opened, her pupils trembled slightly, and she instinctively took a step back.

She vividly portrayed the absolute shock and terror of facing her lover.

When the performance ended, the director remained expressionless, flipping through the files in his hands as he asked, "Is there anyone else next?"

That was when Sylvia stepped forward. "Director, may I give it a try?"

Seeing an unfamiliar face, the director asked, "What's your name?"

Sylvia stated her name, but it didn't ring any bells for the director. Noting her luminous skin and stunning eyes that naturally exuded an innocent, vulnerable aura, he assumed she didn't fit the dark tone of the role.

Unwilling to give up, Sylvia listed a few of her previous acting credits.

"Director, how will you know I can't do it if you don't let me try? Please, just give me a few minutes. That's all I need!"

The director looked impatient, ready to send her away, when the man sitting next to him suddenly spoke up. "Let her try."