Chapter 2019
Ivy nodded and turned to address Balfour with a courteous, “Mr. Howard.”
Ah, she was really going all out pretending she did not know him.
Balfour sighed in resignation, “Ms. Dunhill.”
Since she did not want to reveal her identity as Mrs. Howard in public, he decided to play along with her charade, curious to see how long she would keep it up.
Thankfully, Colton was already in on her identity and would ensure she was well taken care of on set. Balfour’s visit had achieved its purpose.
“I’ll call you Ivy, and you can call me Colton for convenience,” Colton said, guiding her to the contract on the table and pulling out a chair for her. “I oversaw this contract myself. Everything promised to you is in writing here. So, you can rest easy.”
Ivy could tell Colton was genuinely eager for her to take the lead role in “Ballad of Valor.”
The detailed contract translated all of Colton’s verbal promises into legally binding clauses.
“And… If my performance doesn’t meet your expectations, is that a breach of contract?” Ivy was here to make a buck, not lose
one.
Colton flipped to the penultimate page and said, “It says here that won’t count as a breach on your part.”
“Alright, then I’ll sign,” Ivy said, picking up the pen. Yet her gaze inadvertently wandered to Balfour. She had never signed a contract before, but Balfour had.
Catching her glance, Balfour nodded, understanding she was seeking his approval.
With his affirmation, Ivy’s lips curved into a smile as she signed her name on the dotted line.
Giselle had been waiting at the door for some time and was growing impatient. After her agent had come to hurry her once more, she headed for Colton’s office.
“Giselle, Colton’s still with a client; you can’t go in there.” The assistant quickly intervened as she tried to barge in.
Giselle was not accustomed to being treated this way, and her expression soured, “I’ve been waiting out here forever, and I have other appointments. I just need a word with Colton.”
Ignoring the assistant’s protests, Giselle pushed open the office door and walked in.
She arrived just in time to see Ivy signing a contract, too far away to make out the details.
“Giselle, what brings you here?” Colton asked, surprised to see her.
She had expressed interest in the lead role in “Ballad of Valor,” but her mature image did not fit the lively and spirited character,
so he had turned her down.
Given Giselle’s understanding nature, he thought the matter settled, but here she was again.
“It’s about ‘Ballad of Valor. I’ve got some thoughts I wanted to share with you, Colton,” Giselle said with a smile, turning to Ivy. “I thought you were here job hunting. Shouldn’t you be interviewing with HR? What are you still doing here?”
Ivy glanced at Colton, then at Balfour. She already felt disappointed seeing Balfour there, and Giselle’s questioning only added to her discomfort. Deciding to drop the pretense, she declared, “Signing a contract to act in Colton’s film. That’s my job.” “What?” Giselle felt a twinge of dread, her gaze landing on the contract in Ivy’s hands. “Ivy, you’re saying you’re going to act?”
