“I’ve been thinking the same thing, but… who would go to such lengths?”
“Sophia, I’m afraid I have to trouble you with one thing.”
After getting ready, Bianca went to work.
As soon as she walked into her department, she felt her colleagues’ judgmental stares.
They didn’t even bother hiding their gossip, even when she was there.
“You know what? Bianca tried to sign Sophia privately, but the company said no.”
“She had no choice. She agreed to get demoted if she couldn’t get one of her artists the lead role in Vincent’s new movie. But how could any of her less famous artists be Vincent’s first pick? She’s counting on Sophia as her last chance.”
Bianca frowned. She only mentioned to Zoey that she’d give it a try. When did she agree to get demoted if she failed?
“What a shame! She made a wrong bet! Can’t believe Sophia and Bianca both live such scandalous lives. They both seem to have gotten ahead by relying on men!”
“They’re two peas in a pod!”
Laughter filled the office.
Bianca didn’t bother arguing and walked to her office. Then, a voice called out from behind, “Miss Carter, there you are!”
Bianca stopped and turned around to see Zoey walking confidently towards her.
“Bianca, you must have heard about what’s happening with Sophia. It seems the company made the right decision. Mr. Lopez will announce the lead actress for his film soon. Looks like your efforts might not pay off.”
Others in the department joined in, saying, “With how people are talking now, Sophia’s reputation is ruined. It’s almost certain that Natalie will get the lead role in Mr. Lopez’s movie! If some people are smart, they should resign before they’re forced out.”
“Yeah, it’s better to leave now than wait to be fired. Then she won’t be able to show her face around here anymore!”
Bianca realized Zoey had planned this whole thing to get rid of her from the company.
So, Zoey was behind tarnishing Sophia’s reputation and boosting Natalie’s image this time.
As a director at Phoenix Entertainment, Zoey was cunning, but her methods weren’t utilized in the right way.
Bianca nodded with a small smile and looked at Zoey calmly, “Miss Carter, care to make a bet with me?”
“What kind of bet?” Zoey folded her arms and gave Bianca a scornful look.
“If Natalie gets the lead in Mr. Lopez’s movie, I’ll leave the company on my own. But if Sophia gets the part, it’ll show your poor judgment. Then, you should step down and let someone more capable take your place. Are you in?”
Bianca’s proposal caused a stir.
“Wow, did you hear that? Bianca’s challenging Miss Carter!”
“How can she suggest this? Does Sophia even have a chance?”
“No chance! Sophia just came back, and she’s caught up in scandals. Mr. Lopez’s movie is a big deal that is aiming for awards. He wouldn’t pick a former star with a controversial past as the lead. That’d be shoving himself to the brink of downfall, right?”
“Exactly, Natalie is the best choice for Mr. Lopez and the audience. Bianca’s setting herself up for failure!”
Zoey raised her eyebrows in surprise. She was just looking for a reason to get rid of Bianca, and now Bianca was challenging her.
“I trust in Natalie’s talent. I accept your bet. But if you lose, you’ll have to go. I do feel a bit sorry for you.”
“I’m ready for that. Don’t worry about me.” Bianca smiled and looked around the room. “Everyone here heard. If you lose, Miss Carter, you promised to step down as director!”
With that, Bianca walked gracefully to her office, not looking back.
As soon as Bianca turned away, Zoey’s smile disappeared, replaced by a furious glare, like she wanted to tear Bianca apart.
Her colleagues joined in with comments, “Miss Carter, Bianca’s being so cocky. Who does she think she is, challenging you like that?”
“She’s just bluffing. You’re going to win for sure! We believe in you!”
Zoey scoffed. “Who does she think she is, betting with me? If I lose, it’ll mean I’m not good enough. But I’ll make sure she regrets it and leaves the company embarrassed!”
As soon as Bianca settled into her office and closed the door, she received a call from Vincent.
“Bianca, what’s going on with the trending topic today?”
Holding her phone tightly, Bianca replied, “Mr. Lopez, someone is spreading lies about Sophia to stop her from being in your movie. But don’t worry. I’ll deal with these rumors before we announce the lead actress.”
Vincent, knowing Sophia well, suspected something fishy behind the rumors. He was worried that public opinion might affect his decision to cast Sophia.
Hearing Bianca’s words, Vincent felt a bit better.
“Thanks, Bianca. I hope to hear good news soon.”
Meanwhile, Zoey leaned back in her office chair, crossing her legs elegantly. She picked up her phone and called a gossip journalist from her contacts list.
“I have something juicy for you. If you share it online, it’ll get a lot of attention…”
After hanging up, Zoey’s lips curved into a sly smile. She whispered to herself, “Bianca, now that you’ve fallen into my trap, I won’t just push you out of the company. I’ll ruin your reputation in the industry!”
Shortly after, a famous blogger revealed Bianca’s bold bet with Zoey. This caused a stir and made the competition between Natalie and Sophia for the lead role even more intense.
If one of them lost, it meant their agents had to leave, too!
People were excited about this.
Fans chose sides quickly. Some were on Team Zoey and Natalie, while others supported Bianca and Sophia. The talk got more intense, and Bianca and Zoey became known to the public.
People online were eager to see what would happen next.
Even celebrities were secretly betting, trying to guess who would win.
Most bets were on Zoey. She was the director of Phoenix Entertainment and represented Natalie, a big star.
But what about Bianca? She was just a new agent. And Sophia? She had a questionable past. People were waiting for them to make a mistake.
The entertainment world was buzzing with excitement.
As the evening came, Bianca sat on her sofa at home, enjoying some watermelon and scrolling through Twitter, amused by the heated comments.
“If Natalie doesn’t win, I’ll livestream myself running naked in the street!”
“This new agent and old actress must have planned this for attention, using Miss Carter and Natalie. If they lose, they’ll be the laughingstock!”
“Bianca seems like a recent graduate. They say she got her job at Phoenix Entertainment through connections.”
“So, she got ahead by knowing people, huh? That explains her arrogant attitude.”
“It’s time for her to leave the entertainment world!”