Chapter 32
It appeared that Jamie had unknowingly backed Lila up.
Teddy, with his somewhat simple-minded demeanor, greeted his idol cheerfully, “Hello, Ms. Hayes !”
She immediately flashed a warm smile. “Have you finished filming the morning scenes? Rest well. We have scenes together this afternoon, so let’s give it our all!”
He nodded eagerly, like a child praised by a teacher. “Sure thing, Ms. Hayes! You rest well, too.”
Jamie glanced at him before looking back at Lila. “Ms. Hart, what brings you here? Our filming has gone pretty smoothly today. The director even praised us for performing well as newcomers.”
“Since I have a break now, how about I take you all out for a meal?” Lila replied, a hint of appreciation evident on her face. She hadn’t expected them to be so easy to work with.
“Teddy, you don’t have a formal acting background, so after some time, I’ll arrange for you to get a teacher to improve your acting skills.
“If you have any questions, feel free to ask Jamie. I see a few seasoned actors in your crew. You can observe them during downtime to learn a lot.”
Teddy broke into a bright smile, his youthful energy infectious to those around him.
Lila smiled, her eyes clear and bright like spring water.
Teddy was inexperienced and naive and could hardly withstand such an alluring gaze. The moment he met her eyes, his face flushed.
He awkwardly turned his head, stumbling over his words. “I-I will, and I’ll work hard.”
Dorian clenched his fists. How could she smile so seductively at another man? He couldn’t help but step forward.
Zara seemed oblivious to his change in mood, casually pulling on his arm.
“How about we go out to eat? It just so happens that Darcy is here, too.”
Dorian pulled his gaze away from Lila, glancing at the sleeve that Zara was tugging. He felt inexplicably irritated.
He discreetly withdrew his arm and replied coldly, “Let’s go.”
Zara looked at her empty hand, her emotions darkening in her eyes.
“Sure! It’s been a while since I’ve had a meal with Zara-so many of my classmates like you. The boys in my class know about our relationship and have been asking me for your autograph. When can you sign a few for me? I want to show them off!”
Darcy chatted away, her heavy eye makeup accentuating her exaggerated expressions, which made her look somewhat terrifying.
Zara suppressed her disgust and looked up again, wearing a gentle smile. “Sure!”
Dorian frowned. “How often have I told you your makeup doesn’t look good? Can’t you change it up?”
“Dorian, what do you know? This is fashion!” Darcy retorted, unhappy at being scolded but too timid to argue back too strongly.
Knowing that Dorian usually listened to Zara, Darcy quickly tugged on her arm. “Zara, you agree, right?”
Lila had previously suggested that Darcy would look better with lighter makeup to highlight her facial features.
Darcy only found her annoying.
“It looks fine,” Zara replied, trying to keep her tone neutral. But if one listened closely, annoyance lingered beneath her words.
However, Darcy’s blind admiration for her meant she was easily distracted by Zara’s presence.
Hearing Zara’s response, Darcy deliberately raised her voice and said, “Some people just have bad taste and don’t understand aesthetics. They might be jealous of how vibrant and elegant I look, afraid I’ll steal their spotlight. That’s why they say light makeup looks better!”
Though she aimed her remarks at Lila, each word coincidentally landed harshly on Zara.
Lighter makeup made Zara look more like a pure, delicate flower, charming and endearing.
“What a fool. Does Darcy even have a brain?” she thought.
Lila’s eyes fell on Zara. Though her gaze seemed light, it felt piercing.
Zara tried to act calm. “Since we’re all going out to eat, Lila, would you like to join us?”