Ivyâs eyes widened in shock. âWhat are you talking about? Who said Iâm not coming back? Iâm just on a break, thatâs all. Once Iâm feeling up to snuff, Iâll be back on set, no question about it.â
She had been concerned about the director possibly wanting to recast her role. It would be a devastating blow to her career and the project they had all poured their hearts into.
âIt was after that one time, you know, when that guy swung by and gave the director an ultimatum.
Since then, everyoneâs been saying youâre out,â Margot said, pressing her lips together.
Ivy instantly knew she was talking about Balfour.
Thalia, overhearing Margotâs casual trash-talking about Balfour, felt it was a bit much.
What if Ivy sided with him and ended up in a feud with Margot? Thalia knew better than to get involved in such thankless predicaments. Her strategy was simple: hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.
Margot was not one for playing mind games, and she genuinely believed Ivy was not the type to back out. Plus, she was looking forward to their on-screen rivalry.
âI was counting on doing more scenes with you. Donât bail on me, okay? Even if he tries to stop you, youâve gotta fight for it. Freedomâs something you take for yourself, right?â
Ivy could not help but smile at Margotâs earnestness.
âThereâs no need to worry. Iâll be back once Iâve had enough rest. But did the director mention anything about the second female lead?â
The role of the second female lead in Coltonâs movie was crucial, almost as much as the two protagonists. Dianaâs sudden departure had hit the production hard, and most of the footage they had shot might be unusable now, especially the scenes with Valor that Ivy might have to reshoot.
Margot shook her head. As a minor character on the set, she was not privy to the directorâs plans.
âDonât stress about it. The director will want to finish this script, no doubt. Despite the setbacks, this is his passion project. Heâs already invested so much into it; he wonât give up halfway. But you, donât rush things. Weâll all be here waiting for you when youâre ready.â Thalia agreed wholeheartedly. After seeing Ivyâs portrayal of Valor, they could not imagine anyone else bringing the same level of brilliance to the role. It would be no exaggeration to say her performance was perfect.
âAlright, I appreciate it. Iâll be back, no doubt about it.â
Even when Balfour had posed the question to her in private, despite her momentary hesitation, Ivy felt a surge of determination when Margot and Thalia came with the production crewâs hopes. Her resolve to return to acting and finish the movie was unwavering.
Right then, Balfour returned with a bunch of drinks, apparently having made a quick run to the nearby convenience store.
Margot felt guilty and could not bring herself to meet his gaze. After all, she had just been encouraging Ivy to return to filming. But now, with Balfour present, her courage deserted her.
âLook, you get some rest. Thalia and I have got to head back to the set,â Margot said abruptly as Balfour walked in.
Balfour did not seem to mind the visitors. Seeing Ivy happy made him more than welcoming.
âDrop by anytime,â he said stiffly as they exited, his tone sending a ripple of fear through Margot. She grabbed Thaliaâs arm and hurried out, half-expecting Balfour to chase after them.