Chapter 7

Caroline's face scrunched up right away.

Ryan, always the sensitive one, piped up, "Mom, what's up?"

Caroline snapped back to reality and forced a grin. "Oh, nothing, just a bit wiped out."

Sarah, catching on, quickly said, "Sorry, I rushed you. The trip must've been a killer."

Caroline replied, "Never mind, I'm good. Sarah, can you keep an eye on the kids? I gotta change real quick."

Sarah nodded, pulled out some snacks, and called the kids over to munch.

Sophie's eyes lit up at the sight of the food. She only sat down properly when Ryan tugged her. "Thanks, Sarah."

Ryan handed Sophie some food and then looked seriously at Sarah. "Sarah, can you do us a solid?"

Sarah, taken aback by Ryan's serious tone, straightened up. "What's up? If I can help, I'm in."

"Sarah, can you help us find a job that kids can do?"

"A job?" Sarah was a bit thrown. "Why? You're still so young."

Sophie, with her mouth full, raised her little hand. "Mom's too tired. Ryan and I wanna find a job to make some cash and help her out."

Sarah was floored, touched, and heartbroken all at once. These kids, not even five, already thinking about helping Caroline.

"Well, finding a job isn't tough. With your cute faces, you could easily sign with any agency, become famous child stars, get tons of endorsements, and rake in the dough."

The more Sarah talked, the more the kids' eyes sparkled. But then, a female voice cut in from behind. "No way, you can't let the kids go out and make money."

The kids' faces fell when they saw Caroline and looked at Sarah with hopeful eyes.

Sarah tried to convince her, "Caroline, lots of kids start their careers early these days. If they get into the entertainment biz now, it'll be great for their future."

Caroline was having none of it. The kids were still young, and the entertainment world was a mess. She didn't want them dealing with adult stuff too soon.

Caroline walked over, scooped up both kids, and hugged them tight. "I know you wanna help, but you're still kids. I got this."

"But you clearly don't wanna go to the audition," Ryan mumbled, his words hitting Caroline hard.

Caroline realized Ryan had picked up on her mood. She ruffled his hair. "I'm not upset. Just remembered something."

She had made up her mind. She'd go to the audition, nail the role of the second female lead, make some money, and do it for herself. Since she was back, she couldn't dodge Roxanne and the others forever.