Chapter 234

Adrian Valdemar had lived in shadows for as long as he could remember.

In the Valdemar household, only his eldest brother Alexander ever acknowledged him.

His father despised him. His mother loathed him, often resorting to physical abuse.

One memory stood out vividly—his mother gripping his throat during an episode, screaming hysterically, "Why don't you just die?"

Even in lucid moments, she avoided him like the plague.

His grandfather was preoccupied with business. Alexander was buried in studies.

Gradually, Adrian grew accustomed to solitude.

Then Julian arrived—a boy even more unfortunate than himself. Finally, he had company.

As an adult, people either treated him with cold indifference or groveled for favors.

This was the first time anyone had offered him genuine kindness.

Adrian froze, fingertips trembling imperceptibly.

He clenched his jaw, forcing his expression into practiced indifference.

Sophia Laurent gave him no time to recover. Turning to Lucas Sheridan, she declared, "He's perfect for the Young Marquis role."

Lucas raised an eyebrow, reassessing Adrian.

The young man's striking features—chiseled jawline, arresting eyes—lived up to the script's description of "peerless beauty."

More remarkably, his looks were completely natural.

Lucas's eyes lit up. "Sophia, another Lowell Entertainment discovery? How has someone this striking stayed under the radar?"

"Not ours." Sophia cleared her throat. "Just tell me if he'll work."

"Physically? Flawless." Lucas nodded. "Shall we screen test now?"

Adrian's breath hitched.

"Not today." Sophia waved a hand. "I'll bring him back in a week. Can you wait?"

"Absolutely!" Lucas agreed readily. "We've searched three months for this role. A few more days won't matter."

Adrian remained rigid throughout, his mind reeling even as he followed Sophia out.

A screen test?

What if he embarrassed himself?

What if he humiliated Sophia?

Regret flooded him. He should have refused outright.

"Earth to Adrian!" Sophia's voice carried across the distance. "Stop daydreaming! Come here!"

He bristled instantly. "Who are you calling—"

"Whoever responds." Her smirk held feline mischief.

Scowling, Adrian stalked after her—though the tips of his ears burned betrayingly red.