「The voice acting studio.」

After Chloe Reed’s audition, she was shown to the reception room.

Iris Yates was by her side, cheering her on. "Don’t be nervous. It’ll be fine, I’m sure of it. Your vocal performance is so consistent. I was listening from outside and almost started crying. You’re definitely going to get it!"

Her friend’s anxious energy was starting to rub off on her. Chloe Reed pressed down on her hand. "Alright, let’s just wait for the news."

A short while later, the project manager and the voice director came in together.

The voice director spoke directly. "Chloe Reed, right?"

"Yes." Chloe Reed stood up, nodding with a smile.

The voice director raised a hand. "Please, sit. Don’t be so formal. I listened to your audition. Your emotional expression is good, but I can tell you probably haven’t done this kind of voice work in a long time. Your control of the tension isn’t quite there yet."

Chloe Reed’s heart leaped into her throat. "Yes, that’s true."

The voice director and the project manager exchanged a look. Then, the director said, "Go home and wait for our call. But, barring any surprises, I’ll be offering you a contract. Your vocal color is a great match for the female lead’s character profile. After a little time to get back into the swing of things, you’ll find your groove."

Chloe Reed’s eyes lit up instantly. "Okay! Thank you, Director."

Outside the studio, Iris Yates let out a long breath. "I knew it! As long as you decide to come out of retirement, you’re bound to succeed!"

Chloe Reed put her hands on her friend’s shoulders. "Dinner’s on me!"

"Alright!"

After a few steps, Iris Yates turned to look at her. "Do you have any money?"

Chloe Reed: "..."

Ouch. That hit a nerve.

Her cards were frozen.

Seeing the stiff expression on her face, Iris said, "This is why a woman can go without anything else, but she can’t go without money. Girl, it’s time to get your career going. Once you hold the financial power in your own hands, who’s going to give you a hard time?"

"Mhm!"

Chloe Reed nodded. She had several cards—half from Charles Reed, the other half from Walker Grant.

She was the prized daughter of the Reed family and the wife of the Grant family’s second young master. When had she ever had to worry about money?

Never in her wildest dreams did she think she’d end up in a financial stranglehold.

She was finally starting to understand: you couldn’t rely on anyone but yourself.

"Don’t worry, dinner’s on me. You can treat me after you get your first paycheck!" Iris Yates said, patting her on the shoulder.

"Okay."

Chloe Reed’s lips curved into a smile, and the two of them left in high spirits.

However, no sooner had they left than Sunny Reed arrived.

Two days passed, and Chloe Reed still hadn’t received a call from the voice director. She couldn’t help but feel confused.

’Didn’t he say it was just a formality?’

’Why hasn’t he contacted me yet?’

She hesitated before calling the voice director to ask about the situation.

"Sigh... Your vocal color is indeed a good fit, but you still lack experience. I’ve already found someone more suitable." After saying this, the voice director hung up directly.

Chloe Reed was completely dumbfounded!

’He found someone more suitable?’

’That’s not what he said before!’

Iris Yates burst in, furious. The moment she was through the door, she started cursing, "I’m so pissed! Why is that bitch everywhere? You do voice acting, she does voice acting. Why does she have to steal everything from you?!"

Chloe Reed asked, her expression dazed, "What are you talking about?"

Iris Yates looked at her with a pained expression. "The role you auditioned for ended up going to Sunny Reed. I asked my friend, and she told me that someone pulled strings with the studio’s upper management to specifically give the role to Sunny Reed."