And just like that, Ivy became the talk of the town before her movie even hit the screens!
Her rise to stardom was both unexpected and totally predictable.
To this, Colton wasnât surprised at all. From the moment he first saw Ivyâs screen test, he knew she was a star in the making.
It was only a matter of time.
Well, this worked out in their favor. With all the buzz around Ivy, they could save the budget on marketing the movie.
However, while some rejoiced, some stewed in anger.
Giselle could never have imagined that sheâd unwittingly help propel Ivy to the heights of fame.
âCrash!â Giselle sat in front of the mirror, expressionless, as she swept everything from her dressing table onto the floor.
Her assistant stood by with his head bowed, not daring to make a sound.
âWhatâs the buzz ranking now?â Giselleâs voice was barely controlled fury.
âItâs, itâs still at the top.â the assistant replied in a low voice, couldnât fathom why Giselle was so intent on making her own life difficult. All she managed to do was take her frustration out on them.
âArgh! Why does Ivy get all the buzz? Sheâs hardly sprouted feathers and sheâs already playing the phoenix. Letâs see if sheâs really cut out for it!â
Her temper wasnât satisfied with just a litter of broken pieces. Suddenly she stood up, throwing her chair against the wall, which left a deep scratch instantly.
âGiselle, calm down, will you? The crewâs waiting for you to shoot the next scene. Making this much noise, if someone posts it online, it wonât look good.â
The assistant didnât want to step into the line of fire. But as Giselleâs aide, if any bad news leaked, the agent might not dare to confront Giselle, but would surely hold him accountable.
Ah, itâs always the plight of the working stiff!
âWhatâs there to be afraid of? Who dares spread my news? Who in this crew has the guts to cross me?
Are they bored with a smooth sailing career?â
Giselle glared, turning her head back, âOr do you think someone else can topple me now? This is also on you â your incompetence. Youâre all unworthy of my status! Watching that wretchâs popularity soar while you do nothing. What am I hiring you for!â
She was ranting at the assistant when the agent walked in unnoticed.
âEnough, Giselle! Everyone outside is waiting to catch your next slip-up. Do you no longer care about your acting career? Iâve told you before, stop wasting your time on Ivy. Better to focus on improving your own craft.â
Agent Lynn was frustrated. She had mentored Giselle since her early days, and now she was her biggest star. But ever since Ivy came on the scene, Giselle had been obsessed with tripping Ivy up, neglecting her own projects to focus on Coltonâs set.
âPeople are already gossiping about you, Giselle. Donât you know an actress should prioritize protecting her own reputation?â The agent was clearly dissatisfied, âAnd whatâs with your recent performances? Your lines are all over the place!â
âWhat do you care? Maybe you see Ivy as the new darling and donât want to work with me anymore?
When I become Mrs. Howard, youâll all be fawning over me!â Giselle was beyond listening, seeing everyone as an adversary.
âSheâs lost it.â The agent realized there was no reasoning with her. If Giselle was set on ruining her own career, so be it.
After all, who could stop someone hellbent on becoming Mrs. Howard?
Ivy, meanwhile, was still trying to get used to the flood of praise in her social media comments.
Were people really falling for her just from a behind-the-scenes clip?
Could so many strangers genuinely like her?
Among the comments admiring her looks, many praised her acting competence.