Chapter 67

Evelyn paused mid-step, glancing sideways at Isabella with unreadable eyes. "Is there something else, Miss Langley?"

Isabella's gaze darted between Nathan and Evelyn, feigning innocence. "Evelyn, you seem quite close with Mr. Aldridge. Have you known each other long?"

Adrian's knuckles whitened around his glass, his darkening expression betraying his turmoil. The woman he'd divorced kept becoming more enigmatic.

Nathan's brow furrowed sharply. "And you are?"

Linking arms with Adrian, Isabella beamed. "I'm Adrian's girlfriend, Isabella Langley."

A mocking glint flashed in Nathan's eyes. He'd come tonight expecting entertainment—the whole industry knew how Isabella had snatched the lead role from Scarlett's new project.

No wonder Scarlett had been drowning her sorrows, begging him to accompany her.

Everyone knew Isabella and Adrian's engagement was imminent. Their families' intertwined interests made them the perfect power couple.

"Ah, the rising star of the hour." Nathan's smile didn't reach his eyes. "The Golden Ticket actress who replaced an award-winning lead. Your reputation precedes you."

Isabella's pulse spiked. She'd ridden Adrian's coattails to success—his company financed this very production.

"You're mistaken, Mr. Aldridge. The director made the casting decision." Her voice dripped honey. "The investment simply filled a production need I could assist with."

Maintaining her Innocent Angel persona was crucial. Gentle, talented, kind—these were her weapons for next year's awards campaign.

Adrian was merely a stepping stone to her crown.

Nathan scoffed. "Let's hope your acting justifies the budget. Sterling Manor co-produced this—if ratings tank..."

His unfinished threat drained the color from Isabella's face. This adaptation of the renowned screenwriter's work was her comeback vehicle, featuring an underdog heroine tailor-made for audience love.

Done with her dramatics, Nathan turned to Evelyn. "Shall we?"

Isabella dug her nails into her palms as she watched them leave. How did that woman command such obedience from Nathan Aldridge—Sterling Manor's second-in-command?

"Adrian!" She stamped her foot petulantly. "Are you just going to let them humiliate me?"

Adrian remained silent, his gaze fixed on the empty space where Evelyn had vanished.