Chapter 2040
[The relationship of these two are definitely unusual]
Ivy scrolled through the comments with a growing sense of dread. Meanwhile, across the city, in the steel and glass tower that housed the Howard Group Building, Balfour was also staring at the absurd headlines flickering on his screen.
He was well aware of the murky waters of the entertainment industry, but he had not anticipated Ivy, a newcomer, getting tangled in such rumors so quickly. “Quinton, dig up everything you can on that makeup artist. And get our PR team on those fake news stories online, stat.”
“Ivy? No way!”
Clara, who had been lounging at home, feet kicked up and barely working for the past two weeks, discovered on Twitter that Ivy had somehow slipped into the world of showbiz, landing the lead role in ‘Ballad of Valor’!
Jobs had been scarce after losing out on a commercial shoot, let alone a lead role in a major film.
“No wonder Ivy’s been acting so high and mighty. She’s cozied up to the director,” Clara muttered, jealousy turning her words bitter as she retweeted the post.
Though not a household name, Clara had a following, and her retweet lent an air of credibility to the rumor among her fans.
The online debate intensified, and Ivy, huddled on her couch, watched with mounting anxiety. She reached out to the director, desperate to clear the air. “Colton, I swear I didn’t steal anything, and now you’re getting dragged into this mess, too…”
“It’s alright, I believe you,” Colton sighed, his face etched with frustration. This had escalated beyond simple denials.
His assistant, eyeing the Twitter storm, suggested, “Director, maybe we should consider recasting? There will be other opportunities to work with Ivy.”
“That’s not an option,” Colton shot back without a second thought, “She’s perfect for the role. Without her, ‘Ballad of Valor’ loses
its heart.”
The assistant looked helpless in the face of Colton’s resolve. “But the scandal is already affecting the film. You’ve poured years into ‘Ballad of Valor, and so have we. None of us want to see it fail because of this.”
Amid the argument, Ivy felt a knot in her stomach. She treasured this role but could not bear the thought of ruining everyone’s
hard work.
“Let’s just focus on the shoot for now. We’ll deal with the media later,” Colton said, determined to keep Ivy but equally aware of the looming threat to the film.
The assistant sighed, unable to sway him further.
On set, Ivy could feel the weight of whispers and stares. The rumors had painted a target on her back, making it impossible to focus.
Just as she wished the ground would swallow her whole, a familiar voice broke through the noise.
Looking up, Ivy’s eyes locked with Balfour’s.
Frozen, her feet refused to move.
What was Balfour doing here?
Colton was the first to shake off the surprise, rising to greet him. “Mr. Howard, what brings you to our set?”
