Chapter 18
Chapter 18: Confrontation
After the meeting concluded, Troy leaned back in his chair, massaging his temples to ease the
tension.
Just then, his phone chimed.
Troy picked it up and glanced at the caller ID before answering, “Hello.”
“Mr. Marshall, are you at the office? I need to speak with you.”
Troy glanced at his calendar, his eyebrows furrowing. “Did you finish filming that quickly today?”
Sarah hesitated on the other end, her voice tinged with an unusual edge, “Well, about that... there. was actually no filming
today.”
“No filming? Why?” Troinquired.
During a brief restroom break earlier, he had noticed that Imogen’s office was locked up–indicative of her absence from work.
Considering her dedication to on–site supervision during shoots, it was unusual for her to cancel a filming day.
“When we arrived at the studio, Ms. Forbes abruptly informed us that the shoot, was postponed due to an urgent matter. She left
without further explanation, catching us off guard.”
“There must have been a compelling reason for her to halt the shoot. Since there was no filming, why don’t you come to the
office?”
Over the past three years, Troy had grown accustomed to Imogen’s meticulous work ethic. It seemed improbable that she would
cancel a shoot without a valid reason.
Despite her words, Sarah’s tone hinted at a veiled smirk, “Well, something important must have come up. By the way, Mr.
Marshall, I have a request.”
“What’s that?”
“I’d like my makeup artist to accompany me for the shoot. Since returning from abroad, my skin has been acting up. I’m
concerned that the makeup artist from New York might not be familiar with my skin conditions, resulting in subpar makeup and
photography. My personal makeup artist is well–versed in my skin’s needs and can ensure the best outcome.”
Troy considered it a minor request, “You don’t need to run such matters by me.”
Sarah responded, “It may seem trivial, but proper communication is key in work, regardless of the scale. During collaborations,
mutual respect, and sincerity are vital. I’m quite invested in this endorsement, and it’s only fitting that I treat everything with
utmost seriousness. Failing to inform you could easily be misconstrued.”
“Your point is valid.”
Sarah had needed to explain this miner detail to Troy, yet Imogen hadn’t informed him about canceling the shoot. The
implications were apparent, but Troy implicitly trusted Imogen’s judgment and work ethic forged over years of partnership.
Hanging up the call, he resumed his work.
The following day, Sarah and her team arrived promptly on set, and the arrangements from the previous day remained intact.
With her makeup impeccable and wardrobe on point, Sarah began shooting.
However, a new predicament unfolded–a clash erupted between the makeup artist and Sarah’s
Chapter 18. Confrontation
personal makeup artist.
“Director Forbes, please come to the makeup room.” An assistant rushed to inform Imogen. Concerned, Imogen set aside her
magazine and headed toward the dressing room.
Charlie, the makeup artist, emerged with a frazzled expression, her voice laden with worry, “Ms. Forbes, you’re just in time. Ms.
Page has brought her own makeup artist, and they’re having a heated disagreement over the makeup and styling.”
Imogen entered the room, and Ylah gestured toward the woman beside her, “Director Forbes, allow me to introduce you to Ms.
Marian–Sarah’s personal makeup artist. You may have heard of her; she’s the official makeup artist for the Miss World
Competition.”
Charlie rolled her eyes discreetly.
“Hello,” Mira greeted Ingen.
“Nice to meet you, Ms. Marian.” Imogen nodded, then turned to Ylah, her tone diplomatic, “Director Willy, I understand that Ms.
Page is accustomed to working with her preferred makeup artist. However, why was the agreed–upon styling and makeup not
adhered to?”
“Director Forbes, before you get upset, let me explain. Ms. Marian believes that the provided styling and makeup need to
complement Sarah better. She feels that the look you designed doesn’t align with her appearance.”
Charlie couldn’t restrain her irritation, interjecting, “Ylah, it’s not about matching or not matching. Frankly, Ms. Marian’s approach
deviates entirely from the intended theme. This makeup and styling are entirely unsuitable for the advertisement’s concept.”
Ylah chuckled, her tone condescending, “Ms. Charlie’s words are quaint. Nowadays, the success of an endorsement hinges on a
star’s fan base, doesn’t it? Sarah’s appeal lies in her popularity. As long as she looks good, her fans will support her–styling isn’t
all that relevant.”
Charlie was about to retort, but Imogen silenced her, addressing Ylah, “Director Willy, I hope you understand that our
cooperation is crucial and governed by a contract. Ms. Page is obliged to follow our styling and makeup guidelines for the shoot.
Changing these elements without proper. authorization constitutes a breach of the agreement and should have been discussed
with us.”
At that moment, Sarah abruptly stood, her tone apologetic, “Ms. Forbes, I must apologize. I neglected to inform you, but I did
discuss this matter with Mr. Marshall yesterday, and he approved the change.”
Imogen stood there, speechless.
Her mouth opened and closed, words failing her.
In an instant, she felt like a clown, unwittingly dancing on a stage of shadows.
To hear that Troy had been informed about this alteration but not her was a blow to her professional integrity.
It was a revelation that left her speechless and wounded.
Chapter 19: Troy Doesn’t Believe Her At All