Chapter 2033
Giselle and her assistant arrived, arms laden with an array of iced coffees, distributing them to the crew and cast members who were toiling under the scorching sun. “You guys are amazing, working hard in this heat. Here, grab a cold one and chill for a bit.”
“Giselle, you’re just too kind-hearted,” someone called out.
“Giselle is not only a pro but also super friendly,” another added.
Everyone was thrilled with the iced coffee, and compliments for Giselle flowed non-stop.
After praising Giselle, some turned their attention to Ivy. “Unlike some people, who can’t act to save their lives but still hog the spotlight, making us roast in the sun with her.”
“Yeah, it’s like they say, ‘The cap doesn’t fit the head.”
Their words were not directed explicitly, but those in the know could read between the lines.
Ivy sat to the side, watching their joyful expressions, and suddenly felt a heavy weight in her chest. She stood up, intending to retreat to her trailer for some alone time.
“Ivy.”
Giselle saw her leaving and immediately approached with an iced coffee in hand.
She was shooting nearby and had heard that ‘Ballad of Valor’ was kicking off today, instructing her assistant to keep an eye on the set.
Learning that Ivy had been struggling with her first scene, Giselle promptly had her assistant bring over a round of iced coffees. She wanted to show Colton and the entire crew that she, not the newcomer Ivy, should be the leading lady of ‘Ballad of Valor.’ “Ivy, have some iced coffee,” Giselle said with a smile, extending the cup towards her. “How’s it feeling to be on set for the first time?”
Unsure if Giselle’s question was genuine or loaded, Ivy replied softly, “Thanks. It’s my first time acting, so I lack experience and…” “Giselle, you have no idea. We’ve been at it for ages and haven’t nailed a single scene,” a crew member said obsequiously, casting a disdainful glance at Ivy.
They did not know about Ivy’s connection to Balfour and only saw her as a lucky but untalented newcomer.
The crew was initially shocked at Colton’s choice of a novice for the female lead in ‘Ballad of Valor! But after today’s debacle, they were convinced Ivy had landed the role through anything but her own merit.
After all, how could a project as significant as ‘Ballad of Valor’ cast someone who could not act?
Giselle’s heart leaped with joy upon hearing the crew’s assessment of Ivy.
In just half a day, so many had taken a dislike to Ivy, which was perfect.
It seemed she would not have to lift a finger to make Colton realize his casting mistake and replace Ivy with her.
“Then you guys have indeed had it rough,” Giselle said with a show of sympathy before turning to Ivy. “But don’t blame Ivy. It’s her first time on set, and it’s normal for beginners to struggle.”
Stepping forward, she took Ivy’s hand with feigned affection. “Don’t feel bad, Ivy. It’s always like this the first time. I just got lucky and had a great team and a great director, which made my first experience smoother.”
At first, Giselle’s words seemed comforting, as if she was encouraging Ivy not to feel down.
But a closer look revealed she was flaunting her seamless journey from the start, boasting about her natural talent for acting. Her words were a subtle nudge for Ivy to step down gracefully.
≈ IF
Though Ivy understood the mockery in Giselle’s words, she felt at a disadvantage and could not muster a retort.
“What’s your first scene about? Maybe I can help you go over it?” Giselle offered, appearing genuinely eager to assist.
Before Ivy could decline, another crew member said, “Wow, Giselle, you’re just amazing. Juggling your own scenes while helping someone else with theirs. You’re wonderful both outside and inside.”
