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?”
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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
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmand 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