Chapter 80 – The Heiresss’ Revenge: Abandoned No More (Sandra Hill)

Archie sneered in contempt.

The industry was replete with acting coaches.

Yet, those with genuine skill were rare.

The only figure of distinguished repute was Rory Gutierrez’s mentor, Lawrence Cruz.

Lawrence, an eminent figure since his youthful debut, remained unrivaled for many years.

Eventually establishing his own entertainment firm, his proteges were all actors of exceptional caliber. Rory started as an idol, initially pursuing the path of a pop icon.

Yet, by serendipity, he met Lawrence.

Lawrence saw potential in him and took him under his wing. A year later, Rory’s new drama series launched, solidifying his acting prowess.

Even now, Rory remained unparalleled in the industry.

Sandra had no way to know Lawrence.

Archie rolled his eyes and reminded Mason,

“Mason, you already have numerous mentors, and your schedule is demanding.”

As a star, proficiency in various arts was fundamental.

Even his chess teacher was a treasured national master. Thus, for Archie, Sandra’s recommended individual was inconsequential.

Mason, for the first time, defied his agent.

“Let’s postpone the recent lessons. I wish to learn from Sandra.”

Sandra glanced at her wristwatch.

“Good, I have an hour now. Let’s proceed to Lequa Villa.”

Wesley had been silent throughout, as though affirming Sandra’s decision as his own.

Archie inquired,

“Mr. Cooper, will you be with us?”

Wesley’s tone was indifferent.

“Of course.”

Archie pressed his temples.

Why are they all holding such faith in a village girl?

Later, they arrived at Lequa Villa.

Mason handed the script provided by Lisa to Sandra.

“This is the scene I am to perform.”

He explained, “There’s another portion that involves impromptu dialogue.”

Sandra skimmed the script.

“Fine, I know how to read.”

The female character within was a formidable force. She was decisive in her actions and radiated a daunting aura.

Archie was dismissive, considering Sandra an emotionless script-reader.

Wesley sat off to the side, his fingertips rhythmically tapping on his thigh.

Sandra smiled.

“Mason, shall we begin?”

Then, her temperament transformed.

The woman, moments ago serene, now exuded a chilling aloofness. Her gaze, cold and lethal, beheld Mason as if peering at the deceased.

A gesture from her appeared to carry the weight of mountains, oppressive and suffocating.

Archie stood dumbstruck.

His scornful expression solidified.

In contrast, Mason felt an ease wash over him. His emotions surged in response, his expressions saturated with conviction.

At the conclusion of the brief performance, Sandra reverted to her usual demeanor.

The intimidating presence that surrounded her vanished, as if its prior existence was an illusion.

Mason wiped the perspiration that had formed, admiringly.

“Sandra, you are my idol!”

Archie approached in disbelief, examining her intently.

“Sandra, were you teaching Mason how to act?”

There are two kinds of capable actors: those who can guide their partners during a performance, and those whose acting skills simply overpower their partners.

The former can instantly immerse their partners in the scene, making the interaction effortless and the work easier. But it is a true test of an actor’s skill. Only the most seasoned and capable veterans achieve this level of performance.

The latter kind of actors generally possess superior acting skills. They use their commanding presence to fluster their partners. For those partners, even a strong psyche may result in a long-lasting shadow, hindering any further development in their craft.

The former type of actors are highly esteemed, while the latter, despite being subject to complaints, remain unchallenged.

Archie’s mind was beyond astonishment. This was the first time he had witnessed someone capable of guiding their partner. Nowadays, actors are preoccupied with chasing wealth and fame, neglecting the craft of acting. Those veterans of high moral standing, who choose not to sully themselves with the industry’s debauchery, typically retreat from the scene altogether.

Should Sandra truly decide to enter the entertainment world, Archie dared not predict the full extent of her potential impact. A single role would be sufficient to catapult her to the heights of stardom.

Suddenly, Archie felt a pang of regret. The Coopers would never permit their young mistress to be tainted by the entertainment industry’s notorious influence.

But still. His eyes settled upon Sandra. “Sandra, I apologize for my earlier remarks. May I ask for your forgiveness?” he said with utmost sincerity.

“What have you said again?”

Archie, initially stunned, couldn’t help but let out a chuckle. “Sandra, does this mean you harbor no anger towards me?” Sandra had noticed his undisguised contempt and disdain. However, she remained nonchalant. Disdain from others was a common occurrence. But his apology did seem genuinely sincere.

“Let’s not dwell on such trivialities.”

Glancing at her wristwatch, she added, “The mentor should be arriving shortly. Can one of you pick him up?”

Now acutely aware of her capabilities, Archie was intensely curious about the mentor and quickly volunteered. “Sandra, I’ll go.”

“Don’t waste time.”

Archie chuckled and dashed off.

Mason… For the first time, he saw his typically serious agent resemble the Samoyed dog he owned. The next moment, Archie reappeared at the door, his face illuminated with excitement, now resembling the flushed sky at dawn. His movements were awkward. For a moment, his ability to speak was overtaken by a giddy grin, reminiscent of the village simpleton. One might suspect a cerebral mishap if not for his good health.

“Archie, are you alright?” Mason inquired.

Archie struggled to find his words. Finally, he managed, “It’s Lawrence Cruz.”

Mason, stunned, replied, “Stop. No way.”

There was no way for him to meet Lawrence. It was said that Rory had secured Lawrence’s help through a highly influential acquaintance. Such an opportunity wouldn’t fall on him.

Without wasting a moment, Archie opened the door. All eyes followed his lead.

An elderly man with flecks of gray in his hair entered, clutching a book. His face bore few lines that would betray his age. Anyone unaware that he had lived over six decades would likely guess him to be around forty.

His every gesture radiated genteel refinement, as if a sage approached them at a leisurely pace. The atmosphere seemed to still at his arrival, his presence casting a radiant sheen over the immediate vicinity.

Approaching, Lawrence looked upon them with a mild smile.

Mason, regaining his senses, said, “Lawrence?” He struggled momentarily before enunciating, “What brings you here?”

“Have I mistakenly ambled into the wrong place?”

Sandra responded, “You’re late.”

For a brief moment, Lawrence’s air of elegance faltered, a subtle hint of dismay crossing his expression.

“My young friend, you promised me a painting in return for my favor.” Having assisted Rory and yet to receive his reward, he was eager.

Sandra fetched a painting from the next room and tossed it to him. “Will this satisfy you?”

Lawrence’s excitement was palpable. He abandoned his carefully curated persona, his joy over the artwork evident.

Mason and Archie exchanged a glance. What could possibly thrill such a revered master to this extent?

They cautiously approached the painting.

It depicted a harmonious interplay of mountains and rivers, where the reflections in the water formed a scene of their own. The artist’s attention to detail was remarkable. From the vibrant birds to the layered mountains, everything coalesced into a sublime picture under the interplay of light and shadow.

Upon inspecting the signature, Mason almost succumbed to overwhelming emotion.

Archie, noticing his reaction, fixed his gaze upon the name.

Remarkably, it was none other than Kimberley. She was a contemporary master of painting. Her artistic prowess was unparalleled in the world. At the last auction, one of her artworks fetched three hundred million.

Certainly, that particular piece was larger than the one currently under discussion. However, when it came to artistic conception, the present work was superior.

Mason’s gaze fixated intensely on Sandra. Could it be that Kimberley was actually Sandra? Impossible!

When this crossed his mind, he scared himself. Sandra had lived in a remote village where educational resources were severely lacking. The fact that she possessed such impressive acting skills was commendable enough. How could she…

His heart began to palpitate with chaotic intensity. His mind turned blank.

Archie’s shock was beyond words.

Conversely, Wesley’s demeanor remained tranquil. It seemed he could remain nonchalant to every aspect of her. However, upon closer examination, his eyes held a sparkle comparable to the brilliance of diamonds.

“Lawrence, are you fond of painting?” Mason set aside his doubts. Now, he was acutely aware of his objective: to elicit Lawrence’s assistance. Thus, he began by ingratiating himself with Lawrence.

Lawrence nodded, then carefully guarded the painting. “Are you trying to compete with me for it?”

His vigilant gaze rendered Mason embarrassed.

“No, certainly not. I would like to seek out more paintings to offer you, in gratitude for your tutelage,” Mason said. Lawrence observed him for a moment. It took him quite a while to recall his identity.

A low chuckle eventually escaped him. “Is this my new student?”

Sandra nodded.

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