Chapter 2093
Meanwhile, Giselle’s home was in total disarray. The candlelit dinner she had meticulously prepared in anticipation of Balfour’s arrival had become a joke.
That old hag had dashed all her hopes!
Had it not been for the old woman’s meddling, she was certain that Balfour would have seen her message and come rushing over!
“I know Balfour has always carried a torch for me. He must have… Just wait, Balfour; I’ll clear all the hurdles in my path, even if it means dealing with your kin. They won’t escape my wrath!” She seethed, clenching her teeth.
Wine stains from the bottle she’d hurled in frustration dribbled down the wall, framing her vengeful expression in a sinister tableau.
Giselle’s face was swollen the next day when she arrived at the film set.
In the dead of night, fueled by anger, she had downed an entire bottle of red, a futile attempt to drown her sorrows, her eyes bloodshot and weary.
When she took off her sunglasses, her agent jumped in shock. “What in the world happened to you? What did you get up to last night? Look at your face! Do you even remember you have a pivotal scene to shoot today?”
The agent was beside herself with frustration. Was Giselle really going to shoot today’s scenes in this state? She might as well be handing her rivals ammunition to mock her.
Frowning, the agent sent an assistant to fetch some ice and a raw steak. “You’ve got half an hour before the first scene. Pray that the ice can take down some of that swelling.”
Giselle, oblivious, was still fuming about last night’s debacle.
She could not fathom what Alyssa saw in Ivy. Why protect her so fiercely?
She was already making inquiries into Ivy’s background, determined to uncover the identity of the woman who had gained the old lady’s favor.
She had underestimated Ivy’s cunning. The woman had curried favor with the old matriarch early on, ensuring that Balfour would have to consider his family’s feelings even if he did not like her.
And so, Balfour was wrapped around Ivy’s little finger.
Giselle gulped down the espresso her agent handed her, a ritual she followed every time she had to sober up after drinking through the night.
Otherwise, her face would puff up like a pancake, a sight even she could not stomach.
As expected, the director’s face was thunderous when she finally got in front of the camera. He did not scold her directly but let loose on her assistant.
“What kind of management is this? Knowing she had an early call, how could you let her drink last night? Look at those bloodshot eyes. They’re clear as day on camera! How am I supposed to shoot this? Hmm? I’m filming a youthful beauty, not an alcoholic!” The assistant, numb from the scolding, was coming to terms with the true nature of his job: to be everyone’s punching bag.
Sigh. Just stand there and take it.
Giselle knew she was not on her A-game today and quickly sent someone to fetch coffee and pastries to appease the director, proffering them as a peace offering.
“Director, I’m so sorry. I knew we had
id scenes today, but last night’s engagement was unavoidable. You know how it is in our line of work…
Though the director accepted her offering, he did not immediately soften. “At your level of stardom, you still need to attend these social calls?”
Giselle’s face tightened. Just give her an out, for heaven’s sake. Why the third degree?
“Director, you jest 1 may have been in the business for a while, but to call me a star is quite a stretch. Rest assured, my team will ensure this never happens again!
Throwing her team under the bus to save her own skin was classic Giselle.
The director grunted noncommittally. “Alright, go wait on the side. We’ll shoot your part once your face has de-puffed.
