Clara had never spoken to her with such humility, even lowering the neck she had always held so high, her voice barely above a whisper:
âLook, sis, I messed up this time, okay? Canât you just let it slide, just this once?
You must realize these job opportunities mean the world to me. Weâre not the same; youâve got some sugar daddy backing you up while Iâm out here on my own, trying to make a name for myself in this cutthroat industry! Do you really want to see me drown in the spit and scorn of the crowd?â
Ivy couldnât help but find Claraâs words ridiculously amusing. âSince when did I have someone backing me up? Who filled your head with that nonsense?â
Clara rolled her eyes in frustration. âThatâs beside the point, isnât it? Everyone in the biz knows youâve got some rich guy pulling strings for you. How else could you have set up your own studio so fast?
Given your current rep, itâs a wonder any agency would touch you with a ten-foot pole.â
Though her words were harsh, there was an uncomfortable truth to them.
Ivy was a newbie in the scene, and it was highly unlikely for someone like her to have her own personal studio.
Especially since her controversies were a dime a dozen. Despite having solid evidence to slap back at the trolls, most companies wouldnât dare sign an actress who could stir up a media storm at the drop of a hat.
âWell, youâre not entirely wrong. But what does that have to do with me forgiving you?â
Ivy flashed a big, beaming smile while Clara seemed not to grasp her meaning.
âWhat are you trying to say?â
Ivy feigned surprise. âOh! You didnât catch my drift? All that stuff you just said has nothing to do with me. Whether or not you land these gigs or keep your sponsors, whatâs it got to do with me? After all, Iâve cut ties with the Dunhill family for good. Iâm not your sister. You better watch your own back, Clara.â
Ivyâs smile was triumphant; it had been a long time coming, but she had finally stood up for her past self.
Even though it was just a moment of verbal victory, seeing Claraâs crestfallen, almost ready to lunge forward in fury, was immensely satisfying.
âYou spiteful witch, what did you just say? I apologize to you, and you pretend not to hear, now trying to brush me off! Donât think you can leave; weâre not done here until things are clear; nobodyâs going anywhere!â
Claraâs face flushed with rage, blood rushing to her cheeks. She reached out trying to grab Ivyâs arm, but Ivy was ready and swiftly pulled back, leaving Clara clutching at air Clara stumbled, her humiliation magnifying her anger, unwilling to let hy off the hook âI warn you, keep your hands to yourself. All these crew members are watching, and if you donât want to trend for the wrong reasons, youâd better keep it togetherâ
Ivyâs smile vanished. She had never had any fondness for this family Having achieved what she came for, she was not keen to linger. She could be using this time to review her lines or watch Margot and the others act Watching Ivyâs haughtiness, all because of her sugar daddy, Clara seethed with envy If only she hadnât been outplayed at that audition, sheâd be the star now not vy âI despise you, Ivy! You took everything from me, and here you are, prancing around lik you own the place. Youâre so smug now, but just wait, what goes around comes around!â