Michael visibly relaxed, though his tone was still slightly awkward. “This is the second time you’ve caught me sneaking snacks.”

Lila glanced at him, a flicker of surprise crossing her face, as if she had forgotten the earlier incident on set. Michael assumed she didn’t remember and wasn’t bothered-back then, they were rivals, and her attention had been wholly focused on Dorian Blake.

“Come on in. Let’s go over the details,” he said, holding the door open for her with a polite gesture.

Lila stepped inside, silently noting how different he was from Dorian. The current Dorian, with his self-centered demeanor, would never go out of his way to hold a door for someone, let alone a temporary agent.

Michael handed her the script. “We’re flying out two days early to adjust to the time difference. I still need to go over the script, so I’ll need your help running lines. After that, there’s the screen test. Nothing too complicated, mostly just to handle any unexpected situations.”

Lila nodded, amused by how composed he was now compared to his sneaky behavior earlier. It was like looking at two completely different people.

As she scanned the script, Michael studied her, his brows gradually furrowing. After a moment, he tapped the table with his fingers.

Lila looked up. “I need to review the material first to make the rehearsal more precise―”

“Hold on,” Michael interrupted, looking conflicted. “You’re with Magi Pictures now, but you were with Dorian Blake for years. You two even dated for a long time…”

He trailed off, clearly deliberating how to phrase what he wanted to say. “You’re worried I won’t be genuine with you?” Lila guessed.

Considering their past as rivals, it made sense for him to have reservations. After all, she had actively competed against him on behalf of Dorian, even taking resources from him.

However, before she could reassure him, Michael shook his head. “That’s not it.”

He trusted Cedric and Liam’s confidence in her professional abilities.

“Do you know Dorian is also auditioning for this project?” Michael frowned. “You shouldn’t have taken this job. Running into him will only stir up trouble.”

His concern made Lila laugh softly, her heart warmed by his unexpected thoughtfulness.

“Don’t worry. It’s been a long time, and I’ve moved on. He won’t affect me anymore.”

Michael looked skeptical but said nothing. He pulled a bag of chips from under the table, ready to snack, but stopped when he noticed Lila watching him. Sheepishly, he put them back.

“I just eat when I’m bored,” he muttered, scratching his head. “But Liam says I have to maintain my figure. It’s a hard life, I tell you.”

The topic of Dorian was left behind for now.”

Their flight landed overseas at 8:00 am local time, thanks to the time difference. Michael yawned, pulling two suitcases-one in each hand.

“I can carry mine,” Lila offered, trying to take one.

Michael kept walking, still yawning, his entire demeanor lazy. “This time difference is killing me. I should be lounging in bed playing video games back home, but no, I’m here, Stuck with an extra workday.”

As she reached for her luggage again, he dodged her hand. “Nope. If Liam finds

out I made you carry your own bags, he’ll lecture me to death.”

They hadn’t gone far before Michael abruptly stopped, blinking at a in the distance. “Am I still

half-asleep, or does that gu

like Dorian Blake?”

Lila followed his gaze, and by pure chance, her eyes met Dorian’s across the

room.