Clara was a rising star, handpicked by the Harris Group for their latest commercial shoot. Today was supposed to be her big moment in front of the cameras.
But in a stroke of terrible luck, Ivy had accidentally bumped into Clara right outside the Harris Groupâs headquarters, leaving a noticeable mark on her face. The mishap threatened to derail the entire commercial, and Ivy couldnât shake the fear that the companyâs executives might be on the warpath to settle scores.
With her head lowered, Ivy hesitated, unsure of what to do next. Escape seemed impossible; theyâd even followed her onto the bus. Trapped in her seat, Ivy let out a resigned sigh and said, âAlright, Iâll go back with you to see the CEO. I owe him an explanation for todayâs disaster. But first, may I call my family?â
The woman smiled politely and nodded, âOf course.â
Ivy slid a bit further into her seat, pulled out her phone, and texted Balfour.
[Mr. Howard, Iâm sorry, I think Iâve caused you trouble again.]
She hated to bother Balfour, especially now, but if the Harris Group was going to demand compensation for Claraâs accident, which was very likely, she didnât have the money to cover it. Jobless and strapped for cash, Balfour was the only person she could think of with the means and possibly the willingness to help her, given their history.
Hoping heâd take pity on her, considering how diligently sheâd played the role of his wife, she asked if he might lend her some money once more.
After sending the message, Ivy turned to the woman from the Harris Group with a forced smile and said, âOkay, letâs go.â
She followed the employee off the bus and back to the scene of the earlier chaos, the Harris Groupâs imposing office building. Returning to the place where the fiasco unfolded, Ivy felt a knot of embarrassment and anxiety tighten in her stomach.
She just hoped that the CEO of the Harris Group wouldnât be too harsh, and that the demanded compensation would be minimal.
The employee led her to the CEOâs office, stopping at the door with a grin, âIvy, Mr. Harris is waiting for you inside. You can go in by yourself.â
âUm⦠By myself?â Ivy stuttered nervously, taking a deep breath, âOkay then⦠Iâm going in.â
Mustering up her courage, Ivy pushed open the door to the office and entered with her gaze lowered, âHello, Mr. Harris, I heard you wanted to see me.â
The man behind the desk found Ivyâs nervous demeanor rather endearing. âIvy, why so tense? Donât you want to look up and see me?â
Hearing the familiar male voice, Ivy froze. A familiar face from the past suddenly flashed in her mind.
That voiceâ¦
She furrowed her brow and tentatively lifted her gaze, finally seeing the man sitting in the executive chair behind the desk.
Relief washed over her as she recognized him, âNolan, is it really you?â