Chapter 216

"Interesting." Ezra Vaughn stroked his chin, eyes gleaming with amusement.

He slung an arm around Tristan Cole's neck. "Hey, Tris, how about inviting Aria to play tactical simulation with us this weekend?"

Tristan shoved him away with a look of disgust. "Have you lost your mind?"

"That game's fine for us guys, but would a girl even be interested?"

Their group did frequently organize tactical simulation matches.

They'd brought female companions before, only to find them either exhausted after two steps or becoming walking targets the entire time. Eventually, they stopped inviting women altogether.

Ezra lowered his voice mysteriously. "Don't ask questions. I just want to see if she can handle it."

"If she can, then I'll tell you why," he added.

Tristan rolled his eyes. "You're being cryptic."

Still, curiosity prickled at him—what was this guy plotting?

The next day, Tristan returned to the film set.

The moment Aria Bennett finished shooting, he approached her with a bright smile.

"Lulu, free tonight?"

She raised an eyebrow. "What now?"

Tristan cleared his throat. "Some friends want to meet you."

"They've seen what your talismans can do. They're all begging for protection charms."

Aside from Ezra, the others had been pestering him nonstop to arrange this meeting—all for those coveted talismans.

Hearing they were potential clients, Aria didn't object.

"Fine. Send me the location," she agreed readily.

Tristan's eyes lit up. "Want me to pick you up?"

"No." Her refusal was firm.

This guy was notoriously flashy and a well-known playboy. The last thing she needed was to end up in gossip headlines.

Tristan didn't push it. Getting her to agree was victory enough.

After discussing with the group, he sent Aria the address of their usual private dining spot.

Aria's acting was impeccable—she nailed every scene in one take.

By mid-afternoon, her scenes were done.

After bidding Director Gideon farewell, she left the set directly.

Director Gideon couldn't be more pleased with Aria.

With her and Dylan Park's solid performances, this drama was guaranteed not to flop.

As for the female lead, Serena Blake—he'd long given up hope.

It wouldn't be the first time a drama's supporting actress outshone the lead.

Serena watched Aria and Tristan leave together, laughing, and felt her teeth ache with envy.

"How come she gets to leave early?" she muttered.

Director Gideon shot her a cold look. "She finishes every scene perfectly in one take. Problem?"

"You, on the other hand—if you keep messing up like yesterday, you're fired."

Serena's eyes reddened, but she dared not retort.

This drama was her last chance at redemption.

"I wasn't feeling well yesterday. It won't happen again," she said meekly.

Yesterday, her nerves had gotten the better of her with her crush on set.

Director Gideon waved her off impatiently. "Go get ready."

Serena slunk away to hair and makeup.

In the dressing room, Dylan Park was getting prepped.

Serena tried striking up a conversation, but Dylan barely acknowledged her before hurrying off, clearly avoiding her.

Fuming, Serena stamped her foot.

Why did men always flock to Aria?

Especially Tristan—he should've been her type.

Now she was down to just Owen Archer as a backup—far from enough.

If she could snag Tristan, she'd dominate the entertainment industry.

As she schemed ways to catch his attention, Tristan walked right past her without a glance.

Serena gritted her teeth.

Were these men blind? How could they ignore someone as stunning as her?

Tristan was deliberately avoiding her.

The memory of Serena's tear-streaked makeup still haunted him.

Better to steer clear.

His avoidance weakened Serena's luck even further.

The original storyline had long since derailed.