Chapter 2022


    Chapter 2022


    Giselle’s eyes danced with mischief as she sauntered over and sat across from the director, her voice


    tinged with curiosity. “I heard you have been working on ‘Bad of Valor’ for years. I haven’t seen any


    new flicks from youtely. Looks like all your eggs have been in this one basket, huh?”


    “That’s right,” Colton replied with a gleam in his eye. “I love the ‘Bad of Valor’ story. I’ve been hands-


    on with the script. I’m telling you, this movie will be a hit.”


    Colton became quite chatty when the topic turned to ‘Bad of Valor.


    After wrapping up hisst film, he had hit a creative wall, unsure what genre to tackle next or how to


    break new ground.


    Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    Then ‘Bad of Valor’ came along the tale of a female entrepreneur, a script that had taken years to


    perfect.


    “But isn’t casting a rookie for such a pivotal movie a bit risky?” Giselle prodded.


    Her question was met with Colton’s deep, scrutinizing gaze.


    Feeling the weight of his stare, Giselle quickly put on an innocent face, waving her hands dismissively.


    “Oh, don’t get me wrong, Colton. I’m not saying Ms. Dunhill isn’t up to snuff. It’s just… Your choice has


    me puzzled, that’s all. I just wanna get where you’reing from.”


    Reminded of the moment he saw Ivy in thatmercial, Colton could not help but smile with


    satisfaction. “Ivy might be new to acting, but the moment I saw her, I knew she was the one for the role.


    She’s got this fire that I’ve been looking for in my lead!”


    “Really? She’s that perfect for the part?” Giselle’s jealousy simmered beneath the surface, unvoiced.


    Without hesitation, Colton nodded firmly. “She’s the ideal choice in my mind. And I have total


    confidence she’ll nail the part.”


    “Yeah, I trust you, Colton. You’ve got a knack for coaching actors to brilliance.”


    Giselle bit back her jealousy and resentment, offering insincere praise.


    She could not believe that Ivy, a novice, could outperform her on her first gig.


    She was eager to see how Ivy would fare and was waiting for Colton to regret not casting her as the


    lead in ‘Bad of Valor.’


    “Colton, I’ve got another gig, so I should head out,” Giselle said with a smile, rising from her chair.


    “Wanted to catch up, but my schedule’s jam-packed. Next time you start a new project, you better think


    of me, okay?”


    Relieving at her departure, Colton replied, “Absolutely, it’d be an honor to work with a star of your


    caliber!”


    “You’re too kind, Colton! See you next time.” Giselle turned and walked away, her smile vanishing the


    moment she was out of


    sight.


    –


    Now, she truly recognized Ivy’s threat a neer who had caught Colton’s eye and even had the


    Balfour in her corner.


    She would never underestimate her again.


    Ivy left the office with a carefree swagger, the Howard family’s chauffeured car waiting outside. She


    hopped in without a second thought.


    Once settled, Ivy noticed the car was not moving and asked, “Hey, why aren’t we driving off?”


    The driver seemed oblivious to her query, remaining silent in his seat.


    After a little while, with the driver still idle, Ivy was about to leave the car and find her own way home


    when the back door opened, and Balfour slid in.


    “Let’s go.”


    At hismand, the driver immediately started the car, not even giving her a chance to exit.


    As it turned out, the driver had not moved earlier because Balfour had instructed him to wait for his


    arrival before driving off.


    “Why the rush earlier? Couldn’t wait for me?” Balfour’s voice was deep and steady.


    Ivy, seething with annoyance, did not even want to engage in conversation.