My Beloved Has Risen from Death's Embrace novel Chapter 91

"Why?"

Xanthea's brow furrowed, and before he could reply, Isabella's mocking laughter rang out, her expression one of ridiculous amusement. It seemed she found the notion of Xanthea's aspirations ludicrous.

Standing haughtily behind Orion, just as she had at the auction, the scene was a bitter parody. Why, indeed?

Because the role in "Realm of Illusions" was tailor-made for Isabella from the start. Why then stage this whole open audition charade to mock her?

Watching her exhaust every resource, striving desperately for a script that was never truly within her reach, did they find it amusing, laughable even?

Xanthea's gaze turned icy in an instant. She jerked her hand away from Orion, who was applying ointment to her wounds, and stormed off, "Hypocrite."

With a sharp snap, the white bottle in the man’s hand crashed to the floor, shattering into pieces, some of which sprayed onto Isabella, causing her to yelp and hop back, lifting her skirt, "Xanthea, are you insane?"

"Get lost!" Orion's deep, resonant voice boomed, startling Isabella into silence.

"Ms. Nightshade, Mr. Lockwood didn't mean it like that."

Cedric tried to follow her to explain, but Xanthea was already speeding away, not even glancing back.

How could this happen? Her motorcycle was completely destroyed in the explosion. How did she escape unscathed?

Miranda rushed to the roadside, incredulous as she watched the Bentley speed away, her long nails digging into her palms in fury. What a charmed life she led!

Even if Ms. Nightshade couldn’t see the depth of his feelings, how could she call him “hypocrite” after he had dashed into the exploding wreckage to save her?

"Why didn't you let Ms. Nightshade be a part of 'Realm of Illusions'?" Cedric couldn't help but ask, understanding everything when he saw Orion tightly clutching the shards.

Ms. Nightshade had chosen such a dangerous way to audition for the role of Phoenix, nearly dying in the process. Orion must have been terrified, unwilling to put her in danger again.

"But from Ms. Nightshade's perspective, having invested so much only to have it dismissed in a moment, she must feel wronged, and might even hate you."

Hated him? Throughout her life, she had always despised him the most. Otherwise, why would she take such a huge risk instead of seeking his help?