“You’re Ruby Garcia? What is the famous Ruby Garcia we read about in textbooks? The one who founded Blosa Film University, the visiting professor at Skiyton Film Academy, and taught the country’s first globally recognized stars?” Bianca asked, barely able to contain her surprise.
Ruby chuckled softly. “Well, those are some impressive titles you’ve given me. But truly, I’m just a simple old woman,” she replied, her smile gentle and warm.
Bianca couldn’t believe it. It all felt like a magical coincidence.
Rumors said Ruby had been living abroad.
‘Why was she here, in this old building?’
Bianca didn’t want to pry, but she couldn’t help but think: maybe Ruby could teach Sophia…
“Ms. Garcia,” Bianca said firmly, “I have a request.”
Ruby smiled kindly. “Of course, after all your help today. What can I do for you?”
Taking a deep breath, Bianca explained Sophia’s situation to Ruby, hoping she would agree to guide her.
“Ms. Garcia, I’ll ensure you’re compensated for your time,” Bianca assured her.
Ruby listened attentively, then walked to the kitchen with her hands clasped behind her back. “I’m quite old now, so money doesn’t mean much to me. Just visiting me more often would be enough.”
“So, you agree?” Bianca asked eagerly.
Ruby nodded slowly and continued into the kitchen.
Bianca stood in awe. She had just met Ruby Garcia, a legend in the film industry, and secured her agreement to teach Sophia. Was this real?
Feeling like she was in a dream, Bianca left after sharing lunch with Ruby.
Once Bianca departed, Ruby picked up her phone and dialed a number.
A calm female voice answered eagerly, “Ms. Garcia, I was just about to call you. How are you finding things back in Edenfield? Is everything okay?”
“Everything’s fine,” Ruby replied with a smile. “Madison, guess who I bumped into today?”
“Who was it?”
“Bianca.”
“Do you mean… Bianca Scott?” The woman on the other end of the phone said excitedly.
Ruby’s voice warmed with affection. “Yes, she’s a lot like you were at her age. The moment I saw her, I felt a connection. She looks so much like you. Remember, Madison, your international career is valuable, but don’t forget about your daughter. She’s had a tough time recently. It might be good for you to visit her…”
“I understand, Ms. Garcia. In fact, Leonel and I are planning to return next month.”
“That’s great to hear. It’s been so long since you visited. Will you be staying longer this time?”
“I plan to. I owe Bianca a lot, and it’s time I make things right. This visit might also be a good chance to arrange her marriage.”
“Marriage?”
“Yes,” the woman explained, “Everleigh and I were pregnant at the same time. We promised that if we had children of the same gender, they’d be like siblings. If they were different genders, they could even become a couple. Even though Everleigh is no longer here, our agreement still stands. I’ve heard her son is quite impressive. He earned two master’s degrees in Mubluosia at a young age and has already returned to Edenfield.”
Ruby looked sad when Everleigh was mentioned.
Everleigh was Ruby’s best student; she was full of talent and dear to her heart. But she tragically chose to end her life because of love.
It deeply affected Ruby. Even now, after many years, she still finds it hard to accept.
Ruby sighed and said, “Okay, I’ll meet the young one.”
“Sure, I’ll set it up.”
Once Bianca left, she immediately called Sophia to tell her the exciting news. Bianca also told Sophia about a meeting with Ruby at the art classroom at Edenfield Film Academy on Saturday.
That evening, when Dave came back, he found Bianca relaxing on the couch, a broad smile on her face, humming happily.
Intrigued, he sat beside her, put his arms around her, and asked, “What’s making you so happy?”
“I met someone really famous today!” Bianca couldn’t wait to share this with Dave.
“Who was it?”
“Ruby Garcia, a famous figure in the film and TV industry. You must have heard of her, right?”
“Ruby Garcia…” Dave’s expression changed slightly, and then he smiled. “I thought she was abroad. Are you sure it wasn’t a prank?”
“I really don’t think so…” Bianca couldn’t believe an elderly lady would deceive her.
Dave lightly tapped Bianca’s forehead with his finger and said, “But you said she’s a big deal in movies. Do you really think someone like her would just happen to meet you? Don’t be too trusting.”
Touching her forehead where Dave had tapped, Bianca replied reluctantly, “I’ve set up a meeting with her. She’s going to mentor Sophia in acting this Saturday in the Edenfield Film Academy’s art classroom. It’s not a place just anyone can go, right?”
Hearing Bianca’s words, Dave’s expression turned serious again. Could it be true that Ruby was back?
He wondered why he hadn’t heard anything about it.
Looking at Bianca, he offered a gentle smile. “I really hope so. And remember, if there’s any trouble, I’ll be there for you right away.”
Bianca felt reassured and nestled against his chest. She looked up at his strong jawline and teased, “Seems like you have a tracker on me, Mr. Evans. You always appear when I need help.”
Dave responded calmly, “Maybe it’s destiny.”
Bianca quietly nodded. She had never believed in destiny before meeting Dave, but her outlook had shifted.
And now, she believed in it completely.
At two o’clock on Saturday afternoon, Bianca arrived promptly at the art classroom of Edenfield Film Academy.
Since it was the weekend, the building was mostly empty.
Ruby had arrived earlier than Bianca and welcomed her with a warm smile.
“Ms. Garcia.” Bianca greeted Ruby respectfully, saying, “Sophia will be here soon.”
Just then, Bianca’s phone rang. It was Sophia calling.
As Bianca answered, she could hear the worry in Sophia’s voice. “Bianca, the nanny for Elaine, can’t come today due to something urgent. You know how Elaine is… I’m really worried about finding someone she’ll be comfortable with on such short notice.”
Elaine was shy around new people, especially when she first met Bianca.
For Sophia, finding a last-minute nanny for Elaine naturally caused concern for any mother in that situation.
Bianca had gone out of her way to arrange for Ruby to help Sophia with her acting. If Sophia didn’t come, it might be difficult to get another chance.
Thinking quickly, Bianca proposed a solution. “Sophia, how about this? I’ll look after Elaine for you.”
“You? But remember what happened last time…”
Sophia remembered when Elaine had bitten Bianca.
“I’ve already met her. We’re not strangers anymore. I think she’ll be more comfortable around me this time. Sophia, this opportunity is too valuable to miss.”