Chapter 104

Andrew Lucas radiated icy hostility, yet couldn't dampen the thunderous applause filling the venue.

The judges' panel erupted in continuous praise.

Those who had moments ago lavished compliments on Nicole Capra and Candy Wilson now unanimously favored Susan Thompson's performance.

Candy's sweet features clashed jarringly with the seductive femme fatale role.

Though Nicole's appearance somewhat fit the part, her stiff dance moves fell far short of embodying a devastating beauty.

Susan's minor flubbed line became insignificant.

She had channeled the enchantress's allure to perfection.

Torey Smith charged onto the stage and engulfed Susan in a bear hug.

"Perfect! Goddess Luo, you're the enchantress I envisioned! After this commercial airs, you'll haunt every man's dreams!"

"Yes! That bewitching aura! It steals men's breath!"

Susan gasped for air in his crushing embrace.

Two icy voices snapped simultaneously: "Release her."

Andrew and Vincent King had materialized onstage.

"Vincent..." Candy's eyes reddened with hurt.

Vincent startled awake from his trance.

He'd nearly drawn his blade to sever Torey's offending hands.

Masking his lapse, he descended the platform stone-faced.

"Vincent...do you...have feelings for Susan?" Candy bit her quivering lip. "If you do, I'll step aside—"

Blood-drenched memories flashed before Vincent's eyes.

The small hands that had pulled him from death's brink belonged to Candy.

He yanked her into his arms. "I only want you, Candy. Susan means nothing to me."

As if convincing himself, he repeated: "Absolutely nothing."

When Torey finally released Susan, only Andrew's stormy expression greeted him.

"Andrew, you're right! Hands off another man's woman!" Torey retreated with an awkward chuckle.

The phrase darkened Andrew's glare further.

He knew Torey referred to Ethan Sullivan.

"Goddess Luo, you embody my vision! Only you can portray this enchantress!"

Susan flushed at the effusive praise.

"I should personally thank Ethan for this opportunity." Her eyes softened mentioning him. "He's the one who recommended me for the audition."

Andrew seized her wrist violently.

"Susan, must you parade your charms before every man? This commercial shoot is canceled."

"Andrew!" Torey interjected. "This is art! Don't insult artistic expression!"

"Letting her perform would defile art!"

"Harassing your ex makes you less than a man!" Torey dared to counter.

Andrew's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Repeat that."

Torey instantly cowered. "I said nothing..."

"Withdraw from the audition," Andrew commanded.

The thought of countless men fantasizing over Susan's images set his blood boiling.

Torey gulped but stood firm. "Ethan granted me full authority over casting decisions!"

"Petty revenge after being dumped? That's pathological—"

"Torey!"

The director promptly silenced himself.

Nicole seized the moment to cling to Andrew's arm. "Andrew, I have a compromise..."