Natalie replied with a confident smile, “No need to worry. I’ve already called my instructor. She’s coming over.”
In this last round, there was no script. The actresses had to invent the setting, story, and character themselves.
Because of this unique challenge, Natalie and Sophia were given extra time to get ready.
The final round’s only criterion was their ability to make the scene come alive.
When Camille arrived at the theater during the preparations, it caused a stir among the judges; even Louis stood to welcome her.
It was clear to everyone that Camille had arrived to specifically support Natalie.
Under Camille’s guidance, Natalie swiftly outlined her performance, and Camille took charge of directing the finer details for the upcoming performance.
This significantly boosted Natalie’s confidence.
At the theater, everyone praised Camille, leaving Bianca and Sophia on the sidelines. But they didn’t mind. Instead, they focused on discussing the details and direction for the next performance.
When the preparation time ended, it was finally Natalie and Sophia’s turn to compete.
Natalie took the stage first. As the spotlight shone on her, a silence fell over the room.
With Camille’s guidance, Natalie’s performance evolved from her previous ones. Her acting now had a new depth, gripping and intense.
After Natalie finished, the judges stood and applauded.
Camille, sitting among the judges though not voting, was a respected figure from the Skiyton Film Academy, and her opinion mattered.
“Natalie nailed it. I have no complaints. How about you, Mr. Louis Watson?” She turned to Louis, focusing intently on him.
Louis responded casually, “She did a good job. Now, I’m curious to see what Sophia will bring to the stage.”
‘What more could Sophia have done this time?’
Earlier, Natalie had Camille’s coaching right before her act, but Sophia didn’t have any help from a coach.
Even though Sophia did better last time, this round wasn’t just about Natalie. It was also about impressing a professor from Skiyton Film Academy. It wasn’t a fair competition.
The three judges frowned at Sophia.
With Camille’s influence in this round, they could confidently vote for Natalie.
Bianca was surprised by Natalie’s decision to get coaching from Camille.
‘Wasn’t that a bit like cheating?’
While she pondered this, Zoey’s mocking tone caught her attention. “Looks like you’re backing the wrong horse, Bianca.”
Looking directly at Zoey and Natalie, Bianca replied sharply, “Natalie needs a coach because she can’t measure up to Sophia on her own. Isn’t that giving her an unfair advantage?”
Zoey smirked. “Are you jealous because Natalie has a good coach and Sophia doesn’t? Bianca, it’s your own fault for not arranging a coach.”
Bianca scoffed, “Miss Carter, with all your influence, why didn’t you find a coach for Natalie? She had to rely on her college instructor. It seems like you’re expecting to win effortlessly.”
Zoey’s expression turned sour.
Arms crossed, Natalie challenged Bianca, “There’s no rule against coaches in auditions. Being jealous won’t help you. If you’re capable, why not get a coach for Sophia right now?”
Bianca remained unfazed. “Do you doubt my ability?”
Natalie scoffed sharply. “Even if you do, what’s the point? Can your coach match Ms. Dupont? She is…”
Before Natalie could finish her sentence, she was interrupted by a voice from behind.
“Ms. Garcia!” Camille called out.
Turning around, Natalie saw Camille rise from her seat, approach an elderly lady, and bow respectfully.
“Ms. Garcia, what brings you here?” Natalie asked.
Natalie furrowed her brows, wondering if this elderly lady was who she suspected.
Just as the thought crossed her mind, the judges stood up, looking shocked.
There was only one Ms. Garcia that Camille would hold in such high regard.
“Is that… Ruby Garcia?”
“Pleased to meet you, Ms. Garcia. My name is…”
Louis wasn’t alone. Several others also gathered around Ruby, introducing themselves warmly.
It was surprising enough to have Louis, the president of Blosa Film University, there. But Ruby, the legendary figure in the country’s film industry, appearing was astonishing.
With these two respected individuals present, the theater buzzed with excitement.
Vincent approached, took Ruby’s hand, and exclaimed, “I thought you were in Mubluosia! If I’d known you were coming, I would have offered you a ride.”
Ruby responded with a gentle smile, saying, “I just wanted to see how my favorite student is doing.”
“Your student?” Camille’s eyes widened in surprise. She knew Ruby had been coaching actors in Mubluosia and hadn’t taken on private students in years. So, who was Ruby referring to?
The room was filled with puzzled looks. Natalie had Camille as her coach, but Sophia didn’t have one. Who could Ruby’s student be?
With a calm smile, Ruby made her way through the crowd. All eyes followed her as she stopped in front of Sophia.
Looking at Sophia, Ruby’s face softened, and she smiled warmly. “Sophia is my student,” she declared.
Everyone was surprised to find out that Ruby was Sophia’s coach. Why hadn’t Sophia told anyone about this? She had kept it secret.
Zoey and Natalie were stunned. They remembered something Ruby had said earlier… What was it exactly?
Natalie couldn’t believe Ruby’s claim that Sophia was her student.
Curious to understand more, Zoey approached Ruby with a forced smile. “Ms. Garcia, I heard you’ve been overseas. How did you meet Sophia and start coaching her? We don’t mean to scrutinize, but Sophia has never mentioned being your student. Is there a reason she hasn’t talked about it?”
Ruby looked at Zoey, and her friendly expression turned serious. “Not everyone likes to announce they have a good coach as if they’re afraid no one would notice. A coach’s strength means nothing if the student lacks will or talent. Otherwise, they only perform when told what to do and fall apart on their own. What good does that do?”
Everyone understood that Ruby was aiming her comment at Natalie, so they remained quiet.
With a displeased expression, Ruby spoke to the silent group. “Don’t assume things. It was Bianca who asked me to coach Sophia for a while.”
What!?
The revelation that Bianca had convinced the famous Ruby to coach Sophia was shocking.
Those who had previously underestimated Bianca were now paying close attention to her.
Moments earlier, Zoey and Natalie had mocked Bianca for her struggle to find an acting coach. Now, they felt deeply embarrassed, as if they had been slapped in the face and their cheeks burned with shame.
Bianca hadn’t just found any coach. She had found the best.
Ruby warmly took Bianca’s hand and gave her a gentle look. “Bianca, I wish I could have come sooner, but I was delayed. How is the audition process going?”