CHAPTER 005
854 Words
Madison Blake entered the elevator with a calm heartbeat and a face that showed no emotion. She had survived more challenging situations than this one. Auditions remained a minor challenge compared to the severe difficulties she had already faced.
The elevator rose quickly while the mechanical sounds of its operation filled the confined area. The waiting candidates fell silent as the elevator doors opened. All eyes turned toward her.
Despite the awkward silence, she walked forward with a composed demeanor.
"Is that... Madison?" a woman whispered.
"Yeah," another replied. She abandoned her professional life to marry that man she chose.
"What’s she doing here? She abandoned the industry according to public perception.
"Maybe her family's fortune tanked? The women in the waiting room whispered about her fiancé ending their relationship.
Every word from the room reached Madison's ears without missing a single statement. When someone provoked her, Madison refused to remain silent, as she had never been one to tolerate such actions.
She grabbed a cup of coffee from a nearby table before flicking her wrist to send the hot liquid onto the two women who had spoken the loudest.
Gasps rippled through the room. The two women stood frozen in disbelief as dark stains ruined their expensive clothing.
"What the hell?!" one of them screeched.
A subtle grin appeared on Madison's face as she turned her head to the side. You seem preoccupied with my personal life, so I thought you would appreciate a different topic to discuss.
Fury flashed in their eyes. "You're insane!"
"No," Madison corrected. I make a habit of staying present when people discuss me because I won't tolerate their speech when I'm standing right there.
The other candidates exchanged whispers about the incident while some laughed and others remained doubtful.
Several women moved toward Madison to prevent her from passing. Money seems to be your only reason for bullying people, according to you.
"Apologize to them," another demanded.
You believe in fairness now that it suits your needs? Interesting. The energy that should have been there when they spoke against me was completely absent. Madison spoke with composure, yet her eyes displayed an intense coldness.
A gentle voice with a sweet tone interrupted the escalating argument. The group should avoid creating a public disturbance.
Brielle Carter approached Madison with her carefully crafted smile as she stepped forward.
She pretended to care for Madison by taking her hand. You could have informed me about your audition plans instead of keeping it to yourself. You could have taken my place without any objections from me.
"Brielle, seriously? The audience around you questions your decision to support her following her recent actions. Someone scoffed.
A tiny, helpless expression formed on Brielle's lips. I only want to avoid any negative emotions between us.
Madison's head moved in response to a silent stare. Brielle, you can move to the side if you want to proceed with your audition.
Brielle paused while her face showed signs of doubt.
Everyone in the vicinity felt the tension in the air. The way Madison spoke with confidence while Brielle stumbled in her words transformed the entire environment. Brielle's usual unchallenged admiration started to show small signs of weakness.
Brielle spoke again, but this time her voice held a hint of nervousness. "I just meant—"
Madison cut her off by saying, "I understand your meaning." I provided you with an escape route that required no effort from your side. Either take it or don’t."
Brielle's expression turned somber for a brief instant before she restored her pleasant smile. The outcome will reveal itself through competition.
The strained atmosphere between them continued, but Madison chose to end the conversation. She chose a seat as the others continued to gossip among themselves.
The elevator dinged again. A woman emerged from the elevator alongside two assistants who walked beside her. When she walked through the door, the entire room changed its atmosphere.
The woman scanned all candidates before her eyes stopped on Madison.
"You." Her voice sounded powerful yet annoyed. "What are you doing here?"
Madison didn’t bother standing. I joined the competition alongside all other applicants.
The woman scoffed. "You? As if. Do you believe you have any chance of conducting the VEIL exclusive interview? Dream on."
Her eyes remained fixed on the woman as she slightly shifted her posture. "We’ll see."
The woman glared at Madison before she abruptly spun around while her assistants hurried to catch up.
Rachel Evans arrived from the side while keeping her face blank. "So this is your grand plan?"
"One of them," Madison said.
Rachel sighed. You perceive the interview with VEIL as a distant dream. After beginning this path, you will never regain your previous state.
Madison met her gaze, unwavering. I have always maintained my forward direction.
Rachel looked at her for a brief moment before showing a smirk. "Alright then. The upcoming events will reveal themselves.
The room regained its silence after the initial disturbance.
Madison wasn’t just another contestant. She was truly unique.
People who have no remaining stakes become the most threatening entities in any situation.
- Writer
