“Hey, Dr. Chadwick," Ripley said, cheeks tinting. Her admiration was plain as day, and it didn't escape Ariana's notice that Mitchel seemed to turn heads wherever he went.

Shifting her focus, Ariana and the director opted for the usual route: regular auditions.

With Remy directing traffic, each actress took their shot, script in hand. Ripley's act stayed with Ariana, resonating more than the others.

Following the auditions, Ariana and the director conferred, finally settling on Ripley for the lead role.

They went over the filming dates with Ripley, exchanged goodbyes, and got ready to leave. As they headed out, Ripley personally saw them off, waving cheerfully. For a split second, her eyes lingered on Mitchel before refocusing.

Next on their agenda, Ariana and Mitchel set off to fetch Melon from Mitchel's place. En route, Ariana glanced at her phone, then shot Mitchel a playful look. “So, thoughts on Ripley?"

“Why would my opinion influence your casting decision?" Mitchel replied, genuinely confused.

Ariana's laughter bubbled up. “Did you not catch Ripley's glances?

Looks like Dr. Chadwick's fan club just gained a member. You never seem to lose your touch, do you?"

A hint of amusement twinkled in Mitchel's eyes. "Fan club? Since when did I have one?"

Ariana smirked, ticking off on her fingers. “Well, there are the smitten nurses at the hospital, the eager junior researchers in your lab, and don't forget the patients who always rave about the handsome Dr. Chadwick."

Mitchel, ever so unruffled, simply murmured an "Hmm" as he drove.

But at the next red light, he suddenly asked, "What about you?"

Mitchel spoke with a depth of sincerity, and when he looked at Ariana, she could tell he truly meant every word.

Caught off guard by the sudden shift in conversation to her, Ariana laughed a little too nervously. “Well, I also can't help but admire you, Dr. Chadwick. With your impressive medical track record, who wouldn't? Your skills and intelligence in the field are something else."

Wanting to change the subject, she said, "Things went off without a hitch today. The movie shoot was issue-free now."

They exchanged a few words, but then Ariana found herself distracted by the passing scene outside. A quiet settled between them. They both felt a bit awkward.

The silence persisted until the car pulled up to the Chadwick home.

As the gates opened, the unmistakable sound of Melon's laughter filled the air.

Opening the door, Mitchel was greeted by the sight of Rodney, Melon, and Catalina, all engrossed in some floor game.