Chapter 103

The silver high heels appeared flawless, showing no signs of tampering. But the moment Susan Thompson took her first step, the heel snapped without warning.

Her body swayed, but years of dance training gave her the flexibility and reflexes to quickly regain balance. A sharp pain shot through her ankle, though thankfully no sprain occurred.

Equipment provided by Capra Group for auditions would never have quality issues. Someone had clearly sabotaged these shoes.

Susan couldn't be bothered whether it was Candy Wilson or Nicole Capra behind this. The immediate problem was finding replacement footwear.

Each audition participant received custom costumes and shoes. Susan considered borrowing from other actresses, but her feet were unusually small - not even a size 35. The smallest available was size 38, completely unsuitable.

When her turn came, Susan decisively discarded the broken heels. Bare feet were better than ill-fitting shoes.

Nicole and Candy's performances earned praise from the judges, but Director Torey Smith remained unsatisfied. He sought something extraordinary, not merely competent.

When Susan stepped onto the stage barefoot, Torey's eyes lit up.

Her makeup wasn't heavy, yet she perfectly embodied the seductive charm of the imperial concubine. No exaggerated eyeliner or dark eyeshadow needed - her mere presence radiated the allure that could topple kingdoms.

Innocence and sensuality blended seamlessly in her. Every smile and glance held mesmerizing power.

Torey nodded inwardly. This was how a true femme fatale should be - not through cosmetic darkness, but innate, lethal magnetism.

Clutching the prop pillow, Susan recalled the script's scene where the concubine dances for her beloved. The pillow should have looked ridiculous, but thoughts of Ethan Sullivan - still comatose after saving her - brought a pang of sorrow.

As music began, she raised her flowing sleeves, bare feet lightly touching the stage. Pain flared from her back wounds, but remembering Ethan's wish to see her shine, she gritted her teeth and danced with increasing grace.

Her delicate feet gleamed like jade under the lights. The audience held their breath, eyes tracking her every movement.

Vincent King knew he shouldn't stare, yet couldn't look away from those perfect feet. He even considered covering them with his jacket to hide them from others.

Seeing this, Candy dug her nails into her palms. She pressed against Vincent, cooing, "Vinny..."

Vincent remained oblivious, gaze fixed on the stage. Andrew Lucas witnessed this, fury igniting in his eyes.

That wanton woman dared seduce so openly! Andrew clenched his fists, barely restraining himself from dragging her offstage.

At the dance's climax, Susan became one with her role. Clutching the pillow, tears glistened as she choked out, "Ethan, I'll marry you! Just wake up and I'll marry you! Together in life, united in death!"

These scripted lines became her heartfelt vow.

Andrew's aura turned glacial. What did she say? Marry whom? United even in death?

The set fell utterly silent, everyone stunned by this unexpected declaration. Only Candy's face darkened with barely contained rage.