Zoey grinned. “This project is important for the company. I can’t just rely on a new agent who got a promotion through an exception. Let’s have a fair competition. Anyone with the skills should have a shot at the role, don’t you agree?”
Bianca remained composed. “So, Miss Carter, are you saying… if someone doesn’t get the role, they’re not good enough?”
“That’s one way to see it,” Zoey chuckled.
Considering Bianca’s current standing, landing the lead role in Mr. Lopez’s movie seemed almost impossible.
Zoey’s intention was clear: to prove that Bianca wasn’t up to the task and ultimately get her fired from the company!
With a snort, Natalie struck a pose of superiority. “Bianca, Mr. Lopez doesn’t like agents without big-name stars bothering him. I suggest you don’t waste your time. Otherwise, your career might suffer if Mr. Lopez gets annoyed with you.”
Bianca lounged on the sofa, unaffected. “Thanks for the advice, Miss King.”
Natalie grew more irritated by Bianca’s calm demeanor. She believed Bianca had landed her job through connections and led a messy personal life, yet she acted arrogantly here.
Suddenly, Natalie remembered her earlier encounter with Bianca and the man from the racetrack, and her resentment toward Bianca deepened.
“Miss Carter, I tried to be nice and give her a heads-up, but she didn’t take it well. Mr. Lopez is coming later. Maybe you could talk to her? It could get pretty awkward otherwise. I mean, Miss Scott is part of our company. We can’t let her embarrass us in front of Mr. Lopez, right?”
“Okay, I’ll talk to her.” Zoey pretended to be concerned and looked at Bianca with a worried expression. “Bianca, if Mr. Lopez asks later, you can say you came with me. If he finds out you sneaked in, he might not be happy. It could affect our future projects.”
The door to the lounge creaked open, and Vincent’s assistant stepped inside from outside.
“Excuse me, is Miss Bianca Scott here?” Bianca stood up gracefully. “That’s me.”
The assistant greeted Bianca with a professional smile. “Miss Scott, Mr. Lopez has finished his meeting and wants to see you in his office immediately.”
“What?” Natalie stood up, her previously arrogant expression now replaced with disbelief.
“Mr. Lopez wants to see her?”
“Yes, Miss King.”
“But… But we were here before her!” Natalie gritted her teeth, trying to contain her anger, knowing she had to keep up appearances.
“I’m just following Mr. Lopez’s orders,” the assistant repeated.
Then, turning to Bianca, the assistant said, “This way, please.”
As Bianca approached the door, she paused and gave Zoey and Natalie a meaningful smile from her gleaming eyes. “I’m sorry for sneaking in, but it seems I should be the one to meet Mr. Lopez first.”
With that, she walked into the office.
“Mr. Lopez wants to meet Bianca before us? Does he even know her well?” Natalie’s confusion was mixed with anger as she glanced at Zoey.
Zoey’s expression turned sour.
Then she snorted and said, “Maybe it’s because she bumped into Mrs. Lopez at the last banquet. However, even if she knows Mr. Lopez, he doesn’t pick actors based on connections. She only has a few unknown artists on her roster who can’t impress him.
Plus, it’s been circulating in the company and the film industry that Bianca is determined to get the lead role in Mr. Lopez’s movie to prove herself. So, he’s even less likely to help her. Now, everyone’s waiting to see her fail!”
To humiliate Bianca and make her a laughing stock in the industry, Zoey deliberately spread the information. That way, Bianca wouldn’t be a threat to her.
Zoey grinned and walked over to Natalie, giving her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “Don’t worry. You’re definitely going to get the lead role in the end.”
“But…” Natalie’s expression darkened. “Last night, Sophia tweeted something, and it became the top trend. I’ve heard rumors that she might be planning a comeback.”
Vincent had been drawn to Natalie three years ago because she reminded him of Sophia.
Natalie wouldn’t have gotten the leading role if Sophia hadn’t stepped away from the spotlight.
The idea of Sophia coming back filled Natalie with fear.
Zoey chuckled and said, “Sophia’s been out of the spotlight for five years. Marriage and motherhood change a woman, often making her less relevant. Besides, showbiz is ruthless. Sure, she was once popular, but she’s been gone for ages. She’s old news now, barely remembered. Trying to make a comeback? I doubt she’ll get much attention. It’s not a big deal.”
Natalie let out a sigh of relief. Exactly! She was young and beautiful. How could a former popular actress overshadow her?
Meanwhile, Vincent’s mood lifted when Bianca entered the office.
Zoey and Natalie had been getting on his nerves. Ready for a change, he had his assistant invite Bianca instead.
Bianca brought news about Sophia, hinting that Sophia wanted to meet with him personally.
Vincent’s composed demeanor shifted to excitement as his eyes lit up. He stood up, leaning on his desk, and exclaimed, “Really?! That’s fantastic! When is she available?”
Bianca gave a soft smile. “Anytime,” she replied.
She had arranged a meeting between Vincent and Sophia, and now she hailed a taxi to go home.
After stepping out of the taxi and closing the door, she turned around, only to find herself face-to-face with a figure that was both familiar and strange.
Her eyes widened in shock. “Haris?!” she exclaimed.
What was he doing here?
Haris wore a faded white T-shirt and black jeans, with a sneer on his lips. “It’s been a while, Bianca. You’re looking smarter and more stunning,” he said insincerely.
Bianca had no interest in talking to him and tried to walk past him.
But Haris quickly blocked her path.
With a flash of irritation in her eyes, Bianca warned, “Move, or I’m calling the cops for harassment!”
With that, she brushed past him, not giving him a second glance.
“Bianca Scott!” Haris called out from behind her, his voice rough. “Your fiance doesn’t know about that night, does he?”
Bianca froze, then slowly turned to face Haris with a frosty gaze.
“What are you getting at?” she asked coldly.
Haris smirked. “Nothing much.” He sauntered over to Bianca with a careless swagger. “I’ve been a bit short on cash lately. I need your help. You know, if it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t be getting engaged so quickly or have claimed your mother’s estate, right? I’ve done my part. It’s only fair if I get something in return.”
Bianca let out a mocking laugh. “I’ve met some shameless people, but you take the cake! Let’s be clear. I want nothing to do with you anymore. Don’t expect anything from me.”