Chapter 2040
[The relationship of these two are definitely unusual]
Ivy scrolled through the comments with a growing sense of dread. Meanwhile, across the city, in the
steel and glass tower that housed the Howard Group Building, Balfour was also staring at the
absurd headlines flickering on his screen.
He was well aware of the murky waters of the entertainment industry, but he had not anticipated
Ivy, a newcomer, getting tangled in such rumors so quickly. âQuinton, dig up everything you can on
that makeup artist. And get our PR team on those fake news stories online, stat.â
âIvy? No way!â
Clara, who had been lounging at home, feet kicked up and barely working for the past two weeks,
discovered on Twitter that Ivy had somehow slipped into the world of showbiz, landing the lead role
in âBallad of Valor!
Jobs had been scarce after losing out on a commercial shoot, let alone a lead role in a major film.
âNo wonder Ivy's been acting so high and mighty. She's cozied up to the director,â Clara muttered,
jealousy turning her words bitter as she retweeted the post.
Though not a household name, Clara had a following, and her retweet lent an air of credibility to the
rumor among her fans.
The online debate intensified, and Ivy, huddled on her couch, watched with mounting anxiety. She
reached out to the director, desperate to clear the air. âColton, I swear I didn't steal anything, and
now you're getting dragged into this mess, too...â
âIt's alright, I believe you,â Colton sighed, his face etched with frustration. This had escalated beyond
simple denials.
His assistant, eyeing the Twitter storm, suggested, âDirector, maybe we should consider recasting?
There will be other opportunities to work with Ivy.â
âThat's not an option,â Colton shot back without a second thought, âShe's perfect for the role.
Without her, âBallad of Valorâ loses
its heart.â
The assistant looked helpless in the face of Coltonâs resolve. âBut the scandal is already affecting the
film. You've poured years into âBallad of Valor, and so have we. None of us want to see it fail
because of this.â
Amid the argument, Ivy felt a knot in her stomach. She treasured this role but could not bear the
thought of ruining everyone's
hard work.
âLet's just focus on the shoot for now. We'll deal with the media later,â Colton said, determined to
keep Ivy but equally aware of the looming threat to the film.
The assistant sighed, unable to sway him further.
On set, Ivy could feel the weight of whispers and stares. The rumors had painted a target on her
back, making it impossible to focus.
Just as she wished the ground would swallow her whole, a familiar voice broke through the noise.
Looking up, Ivy's eyes locked with Balfour's.
Frozen, her feet refused to move.
What was Balfour doing here?
Colton was the first to shake off the surprise, rising to greet him. âMr. Howard, what brings you to
our set?â