Chapter 18


    Chapter 18: Confrontation


    After the meeting concluded, Troy leaned back in his chair, massaging his temples to ease the


    tension.


    Just then, his phone chimed.


    Troy picked it up and nced at the caller ID before answering, “Hello.”


    “Mr. Marshall, are you at the office? I need to speak with you.”


    Troy nced at his calendar, his eyebrows furrowing. “Did you finish filming that quickly today?”


    Sarah hesitated on the other end, her voice tinged with an unusual edge, “Well, about that… there.


    was actually no filming today.”


    “No filming? Why?” Troinquired.


    During a brief restroom break earlier, he had noticed that Imogen’s office was locked up–indicative


    of her absence from work.


    Considering her dedication to on–site supervision during shoots, it was unusual for her to cancel a


    filming day.


    “When we arrived at the studio, Ms. Forbes abruptly informed us that the shoot, was postponed due


    to an urgent matter. She left without further exnation, catching us off guard.”


    “There must have been apelling reason for her to halt the shoot. Since there was no filming,


    why don’t youe to the office?”


    Over the past three years, Troy had grown ustomed to Imogen’s meticulous work ethic. It


    seemed improbable that she would cancel a shoot without a valid reason.


    Despite her words, Sarah’s tone hinted at a veiled smirk, “Well, something important must have


    come up. By the way, Mr. Marshall, I have a request.”


    “What’s that?”


    “I’d like my makeup artist to apany me for the shoot. Since returning from abroad, my skin has


    been acting up. I’m concerned that the makeup artist from New York might not be familiar with my


    skin conditions, resulting in subpar makeup and photography. My personal makeup artist is well–


    versed in my skin’s needs and can ensure the best oue.”


    Troy considered it a minor request, “You don’t need to run such matters by me.”


    Sarah responded, “It may seem trivial, but propermunication is key in work, regardless of the


    scale. During coborations, mutual respect, and sincerity are vital. I’m quite invested in this


    endorsement, and it’s only fitting that I treat everything with utmost seriousness. Failing to inform


    you could easily be misconstrued.”


    “Your point is valid.”


    Sarah had needed to exin this miner detail to Troy, yet Imogen hadn’t informed him about


    canceling the shoot. The implications were apparent, but Troy implicitly trusted Imogen’s judgment


    and work ethic forged over years of partnership.


    Hanging up the call, he resumed his work.


    The following day, Sarah and her team arrived promptly on set, and the arrangements from the


    previous day remained intact.


    Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    With her makeup impable and wardrobe on point, Sarah began shooting.


    However, a new predicament unfolded–a sh erupted between the makeup artist and Sarah’s


    Chapter 18. Confrontation


    personal makeup artist.


    “Director Forbes, pleasee to the makeup room.” An assistant rushed to inform Imogen.


    Concerned, Imogen set aside her magazine and headed toward the dressing room.


    Charlie, the makeup artist, emerged with a frazzled expression, her voiceden with worry, “Ms.


    Forbes, you’re just in time. Ms. Page has brought her own makeup artist, and they’re having a


    heated disagreement over the makeup and styling.”


    Imogen entered the room, and h gestured toward the woman beside her, “Director Forbes, allow


    me to introduce you to Ms. Marian–Sarah’s personal makeup artist. You may have heard of her;


    she’s the official makeup artist for the Miss World Competition.”


    Charlie rolled her eyes discreetly.


    “Hello,” Mira greeted Ingen.


    “Nice to meet you, Ms. Marian.” Imogen nodded, then turned to h, her tone diplomatic, “Director


    Willy, I understand that Ms. Page is ustomed to working with her preferred makeup artist.


    However, why was the agreed–upon styling and makeup not adhered to?”


    “Director Forbes, before you get upset, let me exin. Ms. Marian believes that the provided styling


    and makeup need toplement Sarah better. She feels that the look you designed doesn’t align


    with her appearance.”


    Charlie couldn’t restrain her irritation, interjecting, “h, it’s not about matching or not matching.


    Frankly, Ms. Marian’s approach deviates entirely from the intended theme. This makeup and styling


    are entirely unsuitable for the advertisement’s concept.”


    h chuckled, her tone condescending, “Ms. Charlie’s words are quaint. Nowadays, the sess of


    an endorsement hinges on a star’s fan base, doesn’t it? Sarah’s appeal lies in her poprity. As


    long as she looks good, her fans will support her–styling isn’t all that relevant.”


    Charlie was about to retort, but Imogen silenced her, addressing h, “Director Willy, I hope you


    understand that our cooperation is crucial and governed by a contract. Ms. Page is obliged to follow


    our styling and makeup guidelines for the shoot. Changing these elements without proper.


    authorization constitutes a breach of the agreement and should have been discussed with us.”


    At that moment, Sarah abruptly stood, her tone apologetic, “Ms. Forbes, I must apologize. I


    neglected to inform you, but I did discuss this matter with Mr. Marshall yesterday, and he approved


    the change.”


    Imogen stood there, speechless.


    Her mouth opened and closed, words failing her.


    In an instant, she felt like a clown, unwittingly dancing on a stage of shadows.


    To hear that Troy had been informed about this alteration but not her was a blow to her professional


    integrity.


    It was a revtion that left her speechless and wounded.


    Chapter 19: Troy Doesn’t Believe Her At All