Skipton Film Academy is highly esteemed in the film industry, known as one of the best film schools globally.
Many international superstars, Oscar winners, top directors, and famous scriptwriters were graduates of Skiyton Film Academy.
It was considered a dream school for anyone in the film industry.
Bianca felt uneasy. The professors at Skiyton Film Academy were globally respected and known for their strict standards, usually not providing private coaching even for payment.
She didn’t know Natalie had attended Skiyton, let alone that Natalie could arrange sessions with a professor.
This gave Natalie a major advantage.
Bianca had thought about hiring a coach for Sophia, but she hadn’t considered anyone from Skiyton Film Academy.
Lost in these thoughts, Bianca exited her office as the elevator doors opened.
Natalie and Zoey stepped out of the elevator with a middle-aged woman.
The woman wore a sapphire blue dress that came to her knees. Her deep blue eyes and red lips were set off by neatly swept-back blonde hair and a friendly smile.
Natalie was engaged in a lively conversation with her in French.
When Bianca noticed Natalie, Natalie’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Bianca, good to see you. Let me introduce you. This is Camille Dupont, a professor at Skiyton Film Academy. She taught me when I was in college.”
Natalie stood confidently in front of Bianca, while Zoey lingered behind, watching closely.
Bianca smiled politely and greeted the professor with a nod. “Nice to meet you, Professor Dupont.”
Camille forced a smile and asked Natalie in French, “Is this the agent you mentioned?”
Natalie replied in French, “Yes, this is Bianca Scott.”
Camille sneered, giving Bianca a disdainful look. “I heard you became an executive agent right after graduation. Where did you study? Who were your instructors?”
With a slight smile, Natalie turned to Camille and said softly, “Ms. Dupont, I’m not sure if Bianca speaks other languages. Let me translate for her.”
Camille’s disdainful expression towards Bianca grew stronger upon hearing this.
‘Bianca couldn’t speak another language? Maybe she didn’t attend a prestigious university after all. It seemed Natalie’s assessment was correct. Bianca appeared to rely more on connections than on merit to advance.’
“Bianca-”
As Natalie stood with her arms crossed, preparing to speak, Bianca cut her off. “Don’t worry, Miss King. I speak French.”
Then she turned to Camille and replied fluently in French, “Ms. Dupont, I graduated from Crestmont University, and I didn’t have a personal instructor.”
Camille’s eyebrows furrowed. First, she hadn’t expected Bianca to speak French so well. Second, she wasn’t pleased that Bianca didn’t have an instructor.
Typically, it was the most exceptional students who were chosen by professors for specialized guidance, though not all students had personal instructors.
Given Bianca’s background at the esteemed Crestmont University without a personal instructor, Camille assumed her academic achievements were mediocre at best.
Camille gave Bianca a scornful look. “A good agent should prioritize integrity over using shady tactics to get ahead. Natalie was my top student. Throughout her college years, she consistently ranked at the top of her class, and I had high expectations for her. If all agents in your country are as opportunistic as you seem to be, how can I trust sending my top student here to build her career?”
She then turned to Natalie and added, “In my view, you shouldn’t have returned home to start your career.”
Camille’s comments weren’t just directed at Bianca but also seemed to insult her entire country, leaving Bianca feeling uneasy.
Bianca stood tall and faced Camille confidently. “Thank you for your advice, Ms. Dupont. But if I may defend myself. While Crestmont University may not be as famous as Skiyton Film Academy, it ranks among the world’s top universities. I consistently excelled in my studies there and was honored as the valedictorian. This achievement opened doors for me at Phoenix Entertainment. Our company values individual talent over just academic credentials, and my promotion reflects that.”
Upon hearing about Bianca’s academic success at Crestmont University and her valedictorian status, Camille’s opinion of Bianca shifted.
With a calm smile, Bianca added, “While I may not match Miss King’s agent, Miss Carter, in educational background and skills, perhaps you could ask about the prestigious university Miss Carter attended?”
Zoey’s expression immediately darkened as she was unexpectedly caught in the turmoil despite being a mere observer on the sidelines.
Intrigued by Bianca’s remarks, Camille’s attention shifted to Zoey. Since Natalie was Zoey’s artist, not Bianca’s, Zoey should have been the focus of Camille’s attention.
Before the professor could say anything, Natalie intervened. “Ms. Dupont, it’s getting late. Let’s head to the artist training center.”
Camille nodded in agreement and followed Natalie without further comment.
Zoey shot a disapproving glance at Bianca before turning her attention to the rest of her department. “Thanks to Natalie, Professor Camille Dupont will be training our company’s artists this afternoon, which is a great opportunity. Spread the word, everyone. Meet at the training center. Every artist must attend, no exceptions.”
“The professor from Skiyton Film Academy is taking charge! This is an amazing opportunity! A real once-in-a-lifetime chance!”
“Natalie has not only promoted herself but also opened doors for others in the company. She’s truly incredible!”
The office buzzed with excitement, but Bianca remained unaffected.
Zoey glanced at Bianca and chuckled softly. “Bianca, your artist roster isn’t exactly brimming with talent. With opportunities like this, make sure they all attend the session. Unfortunately, Sophia isn’t one of our artists and won’t benefit from Ms. Dupont’s expertise. But don’t worry! I’m sure Sophia’s acting skills can shine without any guidance, right?”
With that, she smirked and walked away with an air of arrogance.
Meanwhile, at the artist training center, Natalie leaned in close to Zoey, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. “I can just imagine Bianca scrambling to find someone to coach Sophia now.”
Zoey clicked her tongue disapprovingly. “No worries there. Mr. Harvey has already made sure Edenfield Film Academy’s instructors are booked up. She won’t find anyone to help.”
Natalie sneered. “Even if she manages to find someone, they won’t measure up to a Skiyton professor.”
Zoey’s eyes sparkled with determination. “I’m not letting her gain any advantage. I’m determined to see her fail this time!”
After briefing her artists about the upcoming class, Zoey returned to her work.
****
Bianca took a short break in the afternoon and headed to Edenfield Film Academy.
Edenfield Film Academy was known as one of the country’s best and most respected art schools.
While Bianca couldn’t secure top industry figures like Ms. Dupont from Skiyton Film Academy, she believed that professional coaching would benefit Sophia’s talent and hard work. It could help Sophia grow and become more confident.