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So joined them. “Mom turas, let’s sit. The others aren’t here yet, and I just checked the results aren’t Holy.”

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As they talked, Teresa and Evelyn learned Lucas had spent ten years as a trainer at a talent agency, yet every year someone else was elevsen to debut over him.

Terese was in disbelief! “Ten years? How could they possibly overlook you? You’ve incredibily talented and have the looks."

Lucas shrugged, a hint of resignation in his voice. “Maybe I just wasn’t cut out for it. The company always said I wasn’t good enough?”

Teresa’s expression darkened. How familiar that sounds, she thought bitterly. “Don’t believe that,” she said firmly. “That’s classic gaslighting from the company. You are amazing.”

“Thani,” Lucas said, meeting Teresa’s gaze with genuine appreciation. “My assistant–he’s also my best friend–he says the same thing her.”

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“That’s the You’re really amazing,” Teresa replied, wondering. But why no debut after ten years? Had someone deliberately satiofaged Luca’s career? It was just a gue…

Evelyn didn’t quite follow the young people’s conversation. She asked Lacas, “What are prout plans now?”

“I came to Jarithung to give myself another shot by taking the Film Academy Entrance Examination,” Lucas explained, a spark of determination in his eyes.

“It’s been ten years. I don’t want to give up on my team. Why can’t I stand on stage? Why can’t be on the screen? I just can’t bring myself to Sve up yet?"

“Soep fighting for a Tema encouraged. Do what you want to die. Don’t love with regrets.”

Larsen was silent for a long moment. Then he shook his head, the determination fading. “But promised my mom. If this tast matches the first se, I’ll go with her ‘labey her completely.”

Teresa’s heart ached for him. “Lautas, you don’t have to do that whatever the test shows, you are stik juures. You belong to yourself first. testore any role someone else gives you Don’t abandon your team over this.”

Lucas offered a bitter smile. “You don’t know my mom. I don’t want her lashing out at you. She never wanted me in the spotlight anyway. So… I’ll listen. I don’t want to cause any more trouble for you.”

The depth of his resignation deepened Teresa’s sympathy. His kindness was evident. Suddenly, Jonathan’s words echoed: You both care way too much about how people feel–even when those people don’t really matter. But family, she thought, isn’t someone who doesn’t matter.

At that moment, Teresa fiercely wished Lucas were Evelyn’s son. Then he could freely pursue his dream. He didn’t deserve to have his wings clipped.

Outside the testing center, Jennifer arrived just as Peggy did. They walked towards the entrance from opposite directions, their paths converging; their eyes locked instantly.

Peggy stared at Jennifer for several seconds, her gaze sharp and appraising.

Jennifer recognized her instantly. With a disdainful lift of her chin, she looked away, thinking, ‘Wasting a second on a woman like that.’

They entered the building without a word, strangers passing in silence.

The moment Peggy saw Lucas talking and laughing with Evelyn and Teresa, her face darkened. Her voice cut through the air, sharp and imperious. “Lucas, get over here. Now!”

At the sound of that voice, Lucas paled. He stood up slowly, took a deep breath, and walked towards her.

Jennifer walked straight to Evelyn and Teresa. “Are the results ready?” she asked, her voice tight.

Evelyn shook her head. “Not yet.” She turned towards Peggy. “Allow me to introduce you. This is my eldest daughter, Hannah.”

Peggy’s head snapped towards Jennifer. ‘So this is her…’ she thought. The fleeting resemblance she’d noticed suddenly made sense. Her expression shifted from surprise to something unreadably complex.

After a few seconds, disdain hardened her features. She turned her face away from Jennifer, directing a venomous sneer at Evelyn. “Doomed to birth girls, weren’t you? Daughters and nothing more.”

Her voice dripped with scorn. “But I’m different.” She drew herself up proudly. “I have a son, Lucas. I succeeded where you failed.”

Evelyn let out a cold laugh. “Daughters are wonderful. I have three wonderful daughters and count myself blessed. Look at you.” Her voice turned cutting. “Drifting for years, hiding from your shame in Nareigh, living like a coward all your life.”

Peggy’s face darkened instantly. “Say that again! Who are you calling a coward?”

Evelyn stood her ground. “Peggy, drop the act. You know exactly what you did. Don’t pretend otherwise!”

Lucas looked bewildered, turning to Peggy. “Mom? What did she mean? What did you do?”

“Nothing,” Peggy snapped impatiently. “I’ve done nothing wrong. Don’t listen to her lies!”

Jennifer scowled, her voice tight with irritation. “When are those results coming? I can’t stand being here any longer. It’s annoying.” ‘This woman could never be my mother,’ she thought with absolute conviction. ‘I just need this over with.’

“I’ll call and check,” Teresa said, stepping away to make the call.

Evelyn turned back to Peggy, her voice firm. “If that test proves Lucas isn’t my son, we’ll go back to Nareigh. After that, you won’t hear from us again. Ever.”

Peggy met her gaze with a cold smirk. “See that you do.”

“Unlike you,” Evelyn retorted sharply, “I keep my word.”

Teresa couldn’t reach Jonathan, but a nurse informed her that the results were ready.

“The results are in. Let’s go,” Peggy announced, leading the group to get the results.

Lucas went to get the results himself. He held the report in silence. After a tense moment, he extended it towards Evelyn. “Ms. Davis,” he said quietly, “you should be the one to open it.”