Sophia was in the car Bianca had arranged for her. She wore a simple outfit-a cream-colored plaid shirt neatly tucked into a long black skirt, giving off a relaxed and casual vibe.
After ending her call with Bianca, Sophia looked out the car window. She felt a bit nervous, but she wasn’t overwhelmed by fear or timidity.
Determined to shine in the audition, Sophia was prepared to give her all and meet her supporters’ expectations.
Suddenly, a loud noise startled Sophia. She lost her balance and tumbled to the side.
It felt like the whole world was spinning around her for a moment.
Meanwhile, the theater staff were bustling more than ever, preparing for the event.
Eight cameras were strategically placed around the stage, ready to capture every angle of the live audition, which was already trending on Twitter. Online discussions about the audition had been buzzing since before eight in the morning.
The audition was designed to be fair, with both audience votes and judges’ decisions playing a role in the final outcome.
Vincent had kept the identities of the judges a secret, fueling online speculation and debate about who they might be.
It was twenty minutes to ten, and the audition was about to begin.
Vincent arrived at the theater gate dressed in a tailored suit, immediately drawing the media’s attention. Flashbulbs captured his every move as reporters surrounded him, extending microphones for interviews while security guards escorted him inside.
Following Vincent’s entrance, the arrival of the next individuals caused quite a stir.
One by one, the mysterious judges made their way in.
First was Brian Brown, a dean from Edenfield Film Academy and a highly respected figure in the performing arts.
Next came Robert Shaw, a nationally renowned actor who was acknowledged by audiences as a seasoned performer.
Elsa Lewis, the nation’s leading stage performer, and Larry Smith, a renowned director, also arrived. These were prominent figures often seen on TV and in the news.
The arrival of the final judge left everyone in awe.
It was Louis Watson, the president of Blosa Film University.
Louis and Ruby were the visionaries behind the establishment of Blosa Film University. Together, they revolutionized the film and television industry, which had been stagnant domestically for nearly a century. They brought it onto the global stage and sparked significant growth in the sector, nurturing the country’s first internationally acclaimed superstars.
Their contributions to the nation were significant, yet they preferred to remain out of the public eye, becoming more familiar through history books than public appearances.
Louis, who had dedicated himself to education for many years, chose to avoid fame. He kept a low profile, occasionally appearing in professional journals or on TV interviews.
Despite his low-key approach, Louis had a well-established reputation in the entertainment industry.
Louis’s participation as a judge in the audition caused a stir online. Enthusiastic discussions erupted among netizens.
“Wow! It’s amazing that Vincent got Louis, the president of Blosa Film University, to judge the audition. This really elevates the entire event to another level.”
“I can’t wait to see who Louis favors in the audition.”
“Getting recognition from Louis in the industry is a huge boost.”
“Natalie, my idol, is bound to make an impression on Louis.”
As the acclaimed judges settled into their seats, Bianca checked her watch. It was ten minutes to ten, and the audition was about to begin. But Sophia was nowhere in sight.
Anxious, Bianca tried calling Sophia, but there was no answer, heightening her worry.
Just then, Zoey walked in from outside, dressed sharply in a business suit and high heels. She projected the image of a capable and charismatic career woman.
Spotting the distinguished judges, especially Louis, Zoey approached them with a warm smile. Bianca had intended to greet the judges herself, but Zoey beat her to it.
Zoey warmly welcomed the judges, leaving Bianca no opportunity to speak. Then, Louis turned to Bianca and casually asked, “You’re Bianca Scott, right?”
Bianca was surprised that Louis recognized her. She replied with a polite smile, “Nice to meet you, Mr. Watson.”
Louis had been briefed by Ruby that Bianca was Madison’s daughter. Seeing her resemblance to Madison, Louis was struck by how much she resembled her mother.
Madison’s daughter had grown up so quickly. Time really flew by.
Seeing Louis’s gentle gaze towards Bianca, Zoey’s expression darkened. She had greeted Louis warmly, yet he had ignored her, opting to talk to Bianca instead.
‘Was Louis taking a particular interest in Bianca?’
‘What was so special about Bianca?’ Zoey wondered to herself. Even if Louis was interested in someone younger, he should reconsider.
Feeling overshadowed, Zoey was filled with frustration and annoyance.
Seeing Louis’s interest in Bianca, the other judges also directed their attention towards her, engaging her in polite conversation.
It only intensified Zoey’s irritation. An idea struck her, and she turned to Bianca with a forced smile. “Bianca, the audition is about to begin. Where’s Sophia?”
Zoey’s comment caught everyone’s attention.
Natalie had arrived early, yet there was no sign of Sophia. It was unlike Sophia to be late for such an important event.
Feeling the judges’ eyes on her, Bianca quickly explained, “Mornings are always busy, and Sophia lives far away. I talked to her earlier, and she’s already on her way. She should be here soon.”
Zoey laughed softly, her voice tinged with mockery. “I heard Sophia was dancing in the park yesterday, trying to get attention before the audition. It must have been tiring. But she’s not here now. Why didn’t she leave earlier if she knew the trip would take time? Natalie cleared her schedule and left very early. She’s all about improving her skills, not taking shortcuts.”
The judges, except for Louis and Robert, seemed disappointed as Zoey continued with her doubts.
“Sophia doesn’t seem serious about acting better. Dancing in a park to win votes from the public is disappointing.”
“The audition is about to start, and she’s still not here. Does she even care about this chance?”
“With her lack of dedication, I doubt her acting skills are good enough. I don’t understand why Vincent is even considering her. Natalie is a better actress, in my opinion. Why waste time auditioning Sophia?”
Before the auditions began, Zoey had already stirred up trouble, tarnishing Sophia’s reputation.
Trying to keep her calm, Bianca stepped aside to call Sophia again. This time, Sophia picked up.
“Sophia, we’re about to begin. Where are you?” Bianca’s voice was filled with concern.
Through the howling wind, Sophia sounded strained on the other end. “Bianca, I’ve hit a snag. But don’t worry, I’m on my way.”
“What happened?” Bianca’s right eyelid twitches nervously.
“I was crossing the Bay Bridge when there was a car accident.”