"Even if it exceeds the budget, it won't be by much. Ivy's prices are very low so it saved us a sum of money. The biggest expense is the actors' fees. I never expected her to be willing to lower her price," Paul replied.Aurum lounged on the sofa, crossing his legs. "She believes in this movie, thinks it's a rare gem of a script, and believes it could win awards, which is why she agreed to a lower fee.""No, no, it's all thanks to your influence. Since you insisted that she play the lead role, I had no reason to refuse. Your recommendation and her willingness to lower her fee is a stroke of luck for me! It's like I've hit the jackpot!" Paul said.In the restroom, Ivy stared motionlessly at her reflection in the mirror. Her face turned pale. She already had a headache, and hearing that left her even more surprised. Aurum and Paul seemed unaware that she was in the office, casually chatting away, oblivious to any consequences.Ivy remembered that Aurum had recommended her for the lea
Ivy was under Aurum's protection; he was the only one who could touch her, and only if Aurum allowed it. If Aurum did not say anything, Paul would not dare to touch Ivy.Ivy was completely stunned.Paul held a high position in the entertainment industry; he was a young director with guaranteed box office success. He was polite and carried himself with an air of sophistication, discussing art knowledgeably and confidently.Who would have thought that, in private, Paul would reveal such a disgusting character? From their conversation, it seemed that Paul and Aurum knew about the incident. How did Aurum know? Was not he unconscious? They were discussing her so casually as if she were some exquisite object to be enjoyed. What did they take her for? A plaything?!Ivy clenched the lipstick in her hand, her long nails digging into the flesh of her palm, leaving deep marks!She had her suspicions about the events at the motel.She held her breath, afraid to make the slightest sound, fe
"How could a married woman with two children be any fun? Your tastes are truly unique!" Paul remarked.Suddenly, Paul felt a sense of danger. He could not afford to offend Aurum, but even more so, he could not afford to offend the Wood family! They were a wealthy and influential family; a single word from them could ruin him or even make him disappear from the entertainment industry.Paul realized he might have made a mistake."Scared?" Aurum observed his expression. "What's there to fear? You haven't offended the Wood family. It's just Ivy. What can she do to you?""I..." Paul stuttered.Though he had not touched Gale and dared not to entertain the thought, he had helped Aurum plan it out, so he was an accomplice.Paul hesitated before asking, "Aurum… did you achieve your goal that night?"If Aurum had indeed had an affair with Gale, things would have escalated. Then again, this was also a leverage Paul could hold. If one day Aurum stopped protecting him and even tried to make
Suddenly, they heard a clang from the restroom. Aurum's expression instantly changed. Who was in his office?Paul also looked bewildered. "Where did that sound come from?"Aurum got up immediately. He was about to go toward the source of the sound when his secretary knocked on the door. "Mr. Lefting.""Come in!"The secretary entered with some snacks, looking puzzled as she glanced at the couch. "Mr. Lefting, where's Ivy? Why isn't she here? Did she leave early?""What did you say?" Aurum gritted his teeth. "Ivy is in my office?""Yes, Mr. Lefting. Ivy arrived when you were out, so I brought her to your office and asked her to wait for you. Then I went to prepare the refreshments."So, the person in the restroom was Ivy. She had been here all along. Then, Ivy must have heard the entire conversation.Paul's face turned pale. "Aurum..."What to do?If Ivy found out the truth and reported it to Mr. Wood, everyone would be doomed. Offending the great, vengeful Mr. Wood meant a li
Ivy smiled, removing her headphones and placing them casually aside. Aurum gazed at her, saying nothing."Your secretary asked me to wait for you in the office. I sat for a while and then came to the restroom, thinking of touching up my makeup. I was listening to music, and I couldn't hear someone coming in, so I didn't know you had returned," Ivy explained, setting down her lipstick.Ivy maintained a casual expression. Aurum's gaze shifted from her face to the countertop, where scattered cosmetics, headphones, a handbag, and a phone with a screen displaying a famous European rock song."Sorry, Aurum, give me five more minutes. I'll be done quickly," Ivy said.They locked eyes. Ivy gave him a cool and alluring smile. After all, a female star was a female star and irresistibly beautiful. He would have long been enchanted if it were an ordinary man, forgetting why he was there. However, Ivy was facing Aurum, and he was no ordinary man.Aurum stared at Ivy for several seconds. The se
That night's truth seemed to be on the verge of being exposed.Ivy decided she had to go and tell Shawn about this. Only he could think of how to resolve this. "Ivy, acting is your profession. Now, it's time for you to act, to truly display your acting skills. Stay calm, stay composed. You are a queen of the screen! From now on, you are someone who knows nothing, a naive and innocent character who has been kept in the dark!" she said to herself, looking at herself in the mirror.Anyone would have panicked when Aurum had opened the door. Even if they tried to hide or disguise it, they would inevitably show traces of their emotions on their faces, making it easy to see through them.However, Ivy was an actress. Her greatest skill was acting. She would portray herself as someone who knew nothing and would continue to act that way seamlessly so as not to arouse any suspicion from Aurum.Ivy picked up her eyebrow pencil again, wiping away the messy lines and carefully redrawing them.
"They'll be here soon. Have a seat," Aurum said."Okay."Ivy sat down and casually ran her fingers through her hair. Aurum's gaze remained on her, always with a scrutinizing air. She noticed it but pretended not to. Ivy remained perfectly composed, showing no hint of anything amiss.The two began to tango."Have you rested well these days? Feels like you haven't fully recovered," Aurum asked.Ivy replied softly, "Even when wounds heal, it leaves scars. I've been through some pretty traumatic things… Even if it heals, the scar remains.""Sorry, it's my...""Don't blame yourself. Let's not talk about that anymore and focus on the movie," Ivy interrupted.Aurum nodded, then glanced at her clothes. "You didn't come directly from home, did you?""No, I went to Wood Group."Aurum, already tense, became even more nervous at the mention of that."I'm Lovito's spokesperson. I went there today for a photoshoot. If everything goes smoothly, the adverts will be out next week, and you'll
She did not speak and looked despondent.Suddenly, Aurum stood up and walked over to her, gently patting her shoulder. Eventually, his hand settled on her shoulder, giving it a firm yet gentle squeeze. The warmth of his hand through her clothes touched her skin, and it tingled.Ivy remained motionless. In her mind, she recalled the first time she met Aurum. He had intervened and saved her from the skateboarders.Back then, Aurum was like a knight on a white horse, an image that Ivy remembered for a long time and was the beginning of her infatuation.But now, Ivy felt a chill run down her spine. Perhaps that encounter was also orchestrated by Aurum."Ivy, we are friends. If you ever need anything from me in the future, just ask. Of course, with your support from the Wood family, Mr. Wood has the power and influence to help you with anything. My assistance may not be necessary," Aurum said."How could it be unnecessary? I'm already touched by your kindness," Ivy replied.She gla