Justin couldn’t help but think Dave might be a little jealous of this new partnership, but he was just following Dave’s instructions.
“Well then, here’s to a successful partnership,” Justin said with a smile, gently shaking her hand.
In preparation for the upcoming show, Bianca took Reese on a shopping trip, picking out several elegant outfits for her. Reese was so moved by Bianca’s kindness that she was nearly brought to tears.
Meanwhile, Blake had been spending a lot of time in the training room. Bianca was quietly standing outside the door several times, but the invisible barrier between them held her back from gathering the courage to approach him.
Since their last argument, Leonel had disappeared from Bianca’s life as if he’d never been there at all.
Bianca visited the hospital several times to check on her mom, but she never saw Leonel during her visits.
Feeling like she couldn’t change his mind, Bianca decided to give him space and stopped trying to reach out.
Meanwhile, the Star Search team had started their filming. Blake and Reese, both contestants, were accompanied by Bianca, who was there, as their agent.
After getting them settled in the dressing room, Bianca stepped outside to get some fresh air. The long car ride had made her feel a little dizzy.
As Bianca took a sip of water, she heard a sharp voice behind her say, “Well, well, Bianca, fancy seeing you here.”
She turned to see Natalie, unmistakable with her bold makeup and dramatic presence. Natalie’s long, wavy hair, vibrant red lips, and sharp eyeliner stood out even more against her sky-blue fishtail dress. It was clear she’d gone all out for this show.
Bianca, having dealt with Natalie many times before, knew exactly what was coming.
Sure enough, Natalie smirked and said sarcastically, “So, you’ve brought your little trainees from that tiny agency of yours? The show should really be more careful about who they let in. It’s a shame to see ordinary people bringing down the quality. So disappointing.”
Instead of getting angry, Bianca just gave her a mocking smile, totally ignoring Natalie’s words against her.
“Miss King, have you already forgotten the embarrassment of being ignored by the CEO of Phoenix Alliance Group last time?” Bianca said with a subtle smile on her face. Her sharp words hit Natalie’s sensitive spot perfectly.
Having dealt with people like Natalie before, Bianca knew about her pride and vanity. She knew just how to get under her skin.
Natalie quickly looked embarrassed at those words. She shot Bianca a stern look and replied, “If Phoenix Entertainment doesn’t want me, I’ll find another place that does. I’m done with them.”
Bianca kept her calm smile. “That’s right, you’re with Orion Entertainment now. I wonder how many commercials you’ll have to do to make up for the damage. From what I hear, a big star didn’t get the boost she expected and was let go…”
“Huh!” Natalie scoffed, showing her anger. She realized Bianca was trying to provoke her and glared down at her with a smug sneer.
“Bianca, do you really think your small company can produce any good artists? Your artists aren’t even close to the level of Orion Entertainment’s. Do they think being on the show is a big deal? Let me tell you, every reality show needs its underdogs. Your artists are just there to play that part. They should just make a quick appearance and go home to avoid the embarrassment.”
Bianca just laughed and decided not to argue with Natalie. It seemed pointless. On stage, the contestants’ skills would show who was really talented. Everyone would see who the true losers were when the results came in.
Arguing about it now wouldn’t change anything.
Bianca chose to stay silent, but Natalie kept going. “I’ve heard rumors that you begged the production team to make Sophia a judge. It sounds like you’re not confident in your own talent and had to resort to some behind-the-scenes tricks. That’s not fair to the others…”
Hearing this, Bianca couldn’t help but frown.
Suddenly, she stepped toward Natalie. Misreading the move, Natalie flinched, but when she saw Bianca stand her ground, she calmed herself and asked, “What’s going on? You seem a bit shaken.”
With a firm look, Bianca replied firmly, “First of all, there were no shady dealings. Sophia’s appointment as a judge was a decision made by the whole team. Neither I nor my staff did anything unethical. If you’re going to make accusations, you need proof. Second, I always act with integrity. I believe in a fair competition. Yes, having connections is part of the industry, but that’s not how I operate. So don’t make baseless accusations.”
Natalie, taken aback by Bianca’s serious tone, quickly tried to brush off her discomfort and mumbled, “Okay, I’m just saying.”
Bianca shot back with a smirk, “You’re just making things up. Go ahead and spread those rumors. Our lawyer will come after you, I’ll promise you that.”
Natalie felt a chill from the fierce look in Bianca’s eyes. She knew her plan had backfired and that she had pushed Bianca too far.
Feeling defeated, Natalie balled her fists in frustration. “I’m done with this argument. Time will show who’s really better. I believe Orion Entertainment will always outshine your little agency. Just don’t cry when you lose.”
With that, Natalie hurried off, her high heels clicking behind her.
Bianca let out a sigh of relief. Even though she was angry, she forced herself to stay strong. As the leader of her company, it was her job to protect its reputation, her artists, and herself.
Bianca and Sophia had come in separate cars. Sophia, who got there early, was probably already getting ready.
Each judge had their own dressing room.
Bianca quickly found Sophia’s room, following the signs. She knocked softly on the door and opened it when she heard a response from inside.
Sophia was sitting at the back, finishing up with the makeup artists.
Looking up at Bianca, Sophia asked, “What’s going on, Bianc?”
Just as Bianca was about to answer, she noticed a woman applying makeup next to Sophia.
The woman looked strangely familiar.
When the woman saw Bianca, she paused and smiled knowingly.
Suddenly, Bianca remembered who she was. This was Dave’s “cousin,” the one she had met at the mall.
Now, here she was in the judges’ room, getting ready. Could she be a judge for Star Search, too?
It was hard to believe that someone so young had been chosen as a judge alongside the big names in the entertainment industry.
Just as Bianca and the woman were about to talk, someone called Bianca away.
But the real surprise for Bianca was still just around the corner.