Ivy sighed, âSo, do you believe Iâm innocent now?â
Balfour glanced back at the computer screen, where the surveillance footage played. He tugged at his tie as an inexplicable irritation gnawed at him. âWas there something else you wanted to discuss through the call?â he asked:
Despite presenting clear evidence to Balfour, his tone remained indifferent.
It was utterly baffling!
Ivy let out a resigned sigh, âThereâs another thing I need your help with. Itâs clear someone took these photos with malicious intent. Could you look into whoâs behind the camera?â
âHmm.â Balfour grunted coldly. He had already set Quinton on the case.
The scheme wasnât exactly cloaked in secrecy; a brief probe by Quintonâs contacts had traced the breadcrumbs back to Clara.
âMaâam, itâs Clara.â
Hearing the investigation results from Quinton, Ivyâs expression twisted into a snarl.
She had thought that after handing over three million dollars, she could sever ties with the Dunhill family for good. Yet Clara was like a specter, haunting her still and intent on bringing her down.
If they chose to be ruthless, Ivy saw no reason to hold onto the last shreds of familial ties.
âMaâam, should I step in and give Clara a warning?â Quinton offered.
Ivy pondered for a moment before shaking her head, âNo need. Iâll handle this myself. But Quinton, I do need another favor from you, if youâre willing.â
Quinton nodded, âBalfour told me that you could count on me whenever you need.â
â
Ivy instructed, âI need you to dig into what Claraâs been up to lately any gigs sheâs picked up and any crew she joined.â
Ivy knew Claraâs priorities â her career was paramount for now.
If she was to teach her a lesson, she had to hit her where it hurt most.
Quinton got on it right away, and soon he had news: Clara was jobless for this time and she was desperately networking to snag roles in any crew. Claraâs hunger for fame was her Achillesâ heel. If she got no jobs and no spotlight for now, she must be in total despération.
âWell, perhaps itâs time I offer her an âopportunityâ, Ivy had something on her mind.
She borrowed Quintonâs work phone and, pinching her nose to disguise her voice, dialed Claraâs number, âHello, is this Clara Dunhill?â
âYes, whoâs this?â Claraâs tone was irritable, which was indicative of her sour mood.
Ivy continued, âIâm with the casting team for Love Fortress, and weâre currently finding an actress for a role, Would you be interested in auditioning?â âThe casting director?â Clara perked up immediately, her tone warming up. âIâm sorry, could you repeat that? Which crew are you with?â she asked. Ivy pinched her nose again and repeated, âLove Fortress'â
âLove Fortressâ?â Clara wracked her brain and was unable to place the name. Iâve never heard of it.â