Justin couldn’t resist sneaking a glance at the man watching them from the second floor. Then he turned to Bianca with a smile. “I heard you’re new here as an agent’s assistant?”
“Yes, sir.”
“You handled the situation very well just now,” Justin said, still stealing glances at the second floor.
Bianca felt honored and a bit stunned. She fumbled for words, saying, “Th-thank you, Mr. Wilson!”
“Yes, really,” Justin confirmed with a smile. “Come with me. I want you to meet some well-known directors and producers.”
Bianca’s eyes widened in surprise. As an assistant, she never imagined Justin would personally introduce her to such influential people in the entertainment industry!
Bianca found Justin to be kind and approachable, which made her like him even more.
However, little did she know that Justin was only following Dave’s orders. In reality, Justin preferred socializing with attractive women over spending time with someone like Bianca.
Despite this, Justin introduced Bianca to numerous celebrities and spoke highly of her to each one.
As Justin treated Bianca with special attention and respect, and as the other guests observed how gracefully she handled the earlier drama, they began to view her in a new light, with admiration and respect.
Watching Bianca talk confidently with influential figures, Jessica felt a mixture of pride and sadness.
Perhaps Bianca was destined for a different journey, one that diverged from Jessica’s own path but promised success nonetheless.
As the night drew to a close, nearing midnight, the party came to an end.
Bianca’s tense nerves finally relaxed. She exited the hall side by side with Jessica.
“Bianca, I’ve decided to resign,” Jessica announced suddenly, her smile weary but accepting.
“What? Why?” Bianca halted in her tracks, stunned by her supervisor’s unexpected declaration.
Jessica let out a heavy sigh. “I’ve been doing some soul-searching, and I’ve realized that this industry isn’t right for me. I’ve given it my all, but it’s just not working out. It’s time for me to move on.”
“But…” Bianca’s heart sank at the thought of losing Jessica, her mentor and supervisor, so soon after meeting her. Despite their short time together, Bianca had learned a lot from Jessica.
“Please don’t try to convince me to stay. Sometimes, leaving is the best option. At my age, I want to focus on enjoying life rather than chasing after dreams that may never come true.” Jessica’s words were sincere, reminiscent of her earlier encouragement to Bianca. “The entertainment world can be tough, but you’re talented and capable. Perhaps you’ll succeed where I couldn’t…”
With tears in her eyes, Jessica looked up at the full moon overhead. “Bianca, I’m passing my unfinished dream on to you. Promise me you won’t give up.”
“Jessica-”
“Hey, don’t make it sound like we’re saying goodbye forever.” Jessica gently ruffled Bianca’s hair. “Even if we’re not working together anymore, we can still stay in touch. You can always count on me for anything you need.”
Bianca brushed back her tears and nodded bravely.
Suddenly, Jessica’s expression turned mischievous. “Oh, look! Your ‘friend’ is here to pick you up!”
Bianca was surprised when she followed Jessica’s gaze and saw Dave leaning against a tree nearby. The dim moonlight cast mysterious shadows on him, making him look even more aloof than usual.
“I should go,” Jessica said, patting Bianca on the shoulder. “But hey, good guys like him are hard to find. Take a chance!”
Bianca blushed. After Jessica left, she approached Dave. “Mr. Evans, why are you here?”
“I thought it wouldn’t be safe for you to go home alone at this time.” Dave stood up straight and took her hand. “Let’s go.”
Bianca was moved by Dave’s gesture, unable to tear her eyes away from him. His handsome features seemed even more captivating in the moonlight. In just moments, Bianca found herself thinking naughty thoughts and feeling a bit flushed for reasons she couldn’t quite explain.
Dave noticed Bianca’s hesitation and looked at her curiously. Catching her gaze, Bianca quickly looked away, her cheeks flushed red.
“Um, Mr. Evans, when should I return this dress?” Bianca asked, trying to change the subject.
“I’ll send it back tomorrow,” Dave replied calmly.
“Oh, I don’t want to bother you. Just give me the address, and I’ll return it myself,” Bianca insisted.
“You’re my fiancee, remember? No need to be so formal,” Dave replied casually.
Bianca was taken aback. Fidgeting nervously, she began to explain, “Um, about that engagement… It was just for show. Don’t take it seriously.”
Just as Bianca raised her head, their eyes locked again. There was something mysterious in Dave stares that seemed to touch Bianca’s heart. But it was the mischievous smile on his lips that made Bianca quiet; she realized he was just teasing her.
Bianca couldn’t help but feel a bit let down. She wondered why. Did she secretly wish he’d treat her like his fiancee?
Quickly shaking her head, she tried to push those strange thoughts away. They were just friends and roommates. How could he see her differently?
Moreover, what if he found out about her night with a stranger? Would it change how he saw her?
Feeling a pang of regret, Bianca wished she could undo that one-night mistake.
Yet, if it hadn’t occurred, she wouldn’t have met Dave.
With the summer breeze gently caressing them, Bianca decided to stop dwelling and simply enjoyed Dave’s company as they walked home hand in hand.
That night, at the Scott family’s house.
Ashley sobbed into Stacey’s lap while Peter paced in the living room.
“It’s all Bianca’s fault! Dad kicked her out, and now she’s taking it out on me! She doesn’t want me to be happy!” Ashley recounted her version of what happened at the party to Stacey and Peter, leaving out her own wrongdoing. She painted Bianca as the villain, claiming she had set a trap for her.
“Peter, Ashley might not be your biological daughter, but you can’t let Bianca treat her like this!” Stacey cried. “She’s rich now, but she won’t help us out of our financial troubles. Ashley worked hard to get into Phoenix Entertainment, but Bianca ruined it!”
“Enough!” Peter couldn’t take it anymore. He snapped at Stacey and stormed off to the bedroom, frustrated.
He couldn’t believe how ungrateful Bianca was. He vowed to get back at her someday!
Stacey’s attitude changed instantly, a cold smile playing on her lips.
“Mom, what should I do?” Ashley cried pitifully.
“Tell me the truth. Did you start a fight with Bianca?” Stacey asked sternly.
Ashley hesitated, biting her lip. “I… I just wanted to stand up for you!”
Stacey shook her head in disappointment. “I’ve told you before that you must be smarter about this. Rushing into things will only make it worse. And leaving evidence behind? That’s just asking for trouble.”
“But I couldn’t stand working with her anymore! I wanted her gone,” Ashley said angrily.