Chapter 591: Don’t Even Think About It

Everyone had expected Brenda to speak with Reese first. It would’ve made perfect sense. Reese was at the peak of her fame, with over 100 million fans backing her. But Brenda was clearly looking for a partner agency, and going straight to Bianca now made perfect sense.

The other agency heads lowered their heads, disappointment on their faces.

“Well… looks like I came here for nothing.”

"We don’t stand a chance. Emerald Artists Agency has way too many big names."

"I heard they’ve been planning this for months. We clearly didn’t do our homework."

Bianca, meanwhile, felt something odd. Brenda’s eyes looked strangely familiar, though she couldn’t figure out why.

"Yes, I’m Bianca Scott, general manager of Emerald Artists Agency. Nice to meet you, Ms. McGee."

Bianca reached out her hand, and Brenda shook it with a smile. That strange feeling of familiarity grew even stronger.

"Likewise. I was wondering if you’re free for a quick chat. Maybe a walk outside?" Brenda said, glancing around the banquet hall.

The guests nearby were full of envy.

"Oh wow, she’s getting a private talk with her!"

"We can’t compete with that. She’s got Reese, Sophia, and other top stars. How can we even match up?"

"If Reese and Sophia agreed to join us, we’d pay any contract penalty without hesitation."

"Don’t even think about it. Emerald Artists Agency would never let them leave."

The murmurs grew louder, full of envy and frustration.

Who wouldn’t want a private moment with Brenda? Bianca was lucky. In the end, power always spoke loudest.

Still, no one planned to give up. With so much at stake, they weren’t going to stand aside. After all, this wasn’t some formal contest.

The party was meant to introduce Brenda to help her get to know the entertainment scene in Edenfield.

Bianca wasn’t about to waste the chance. She stood up with grace and gave a warm smile. "Of course, my lady. I’d be honored."

With everyone watching, Bianca stood up calmly and followed Brenda out of the banquet hall.

"Let them gossip all they want. Come on, let’s enjoy our drinks."

"Exactly! It’s not every day the top artist agencies from Edenfield gather like this. We’d be crazy not to network," someone added.

"You’re right. Look over there, that’s the CEO of Phoenix Alliance Group, the brains behind Phoenix Entertainment. Let’s go toast Mr. Evans."

Even after Bianca and Brenda left, the energy in the banquet didn’t fade. If anything, it got livelier. Toasts were shared, glasses clinked, and people moved through the crowd, chasing dreams and forming connections.

Businessmen surrounded Blake, all eager to get close to the new head of the Lawson Group.

"Mr. Lawson, you’re an outstanding young man, so talented and full of vision. Taking over the Lawson Group and hosting this incredible event for Universal Pictures is a huge accomplishment. Your future looks bright!"

"That’s right! Your potential is amazing. And don’t forget, you were a brilliant artist too. I still listen to your songs, they’re real classics."

"Mr. Lawson, this isn’t just praise. Since your return, you’ve been in the spotlight. If you ever chose to come back to the stage, you’d easily steal it from Reese. It’s a shame you left music, but I’m sure the Lawson Group will soar with you leading it."

Blake smiled warmly. He raised his glass and clinked it with theirs, showing just the right mix of charm and humility.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Blake said, raising his glass, “your trust and support mean everything to me. I look forward to working with all of you in the future. Cheers!”

At the same time, Dave was surrounded by his own crowd. With Phoenix Alliance Group’s stock recently surging, everyone wanted a chance to speak with him.

"Mr. Evans, I’m from Sergio Films. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I hope we can work together one day."

"Mr. Evans, I’ve started expanding into finance and real estate alongside my agency. It would be a dream to partner with Phoenix Alliance Group on a future project."

"As they say, seeing is believing. Meeting you today shows why your reputation is so well-earned. Mr. Evans, let’s toast to future success. If we can help in any way, just say the word."

Blake heard the words and felt the difference. He was the one showing respect. Dave was the one receiving it. That said it all.

He looked away and focused back on the people around him.

Outside the banquet hall, Bianca walked beside Brenda. Their conversation flowed smoothly, touching on the film and television industry.

The night air was cool and gentle, but something felt strange. Bianca slowed down her steps. She could feel the ground beneath her feet slowly becoming deeper.

"Miss Scott, are you okay?" Brenda asked. Her smile stayed gentle, but there was real concern in her eyes. She reached out and held Bianca’s arm. "You seem a little lightheaded. Why don’t you rest in my room for a bit? We can continue our talk once you’re feeling better."

Bianca’s head felt cloudy. She didn’t understand how two glasses of wine could affect her like this. Maybe the wine was stronger than usual. Or maybe the long night was finally catching up to her.

She gave Brenda a small, grateful smile. "Thanks for helping me."

The two of them walked away into the evening, leaving behind the vibrant hum of the banquet hall.

Time passed. Inside the hall, Dave kept glancing at the doors. A strange anxiety filled his chest. He had no idea Brenda had taken Bianca to a room. He just felt that something wasn’t right. But he didn’t know what it is.

The party carried on without slowing down. People kept raising their glasses, and the wine kept flowing. Dave, who usually handled his drinks well, suddenly felt the surroundings were spinning. Then, a heavy feeling struck him, draining his energy.

Just as he was about to go look for Bianca, Reese showed up. Her timing caught him by surprise.

"Mr. Evans, are you okay?" she asked, reaching out to help him.

"I'm fine," Dave said, though he didn’t sound sure. He looked around the room, eyes scanning the crowd. "Where’s Bianca?"

Reese gave him a faint smile. "She and Ms. McGee finished talking earlier. Bianca felt a little tipsy, so she went to rest in one of the rooms. She asked me to tell you."

Dave’s expression shifted. "Which room is she in?"

"I'll take you to her," Reese said right away.

Dave didn’t question it. Bianca trusted Reese, and they were close.

With no reason to doubt her, he followed.