Chapter 19: Troy Doesn’t Believe Her At All
Troy had indeed given his consent initially.
But as Imogen stood there, everything suddenly seemed absurd and surreal. All of this was happening because of Sarah. Troy’s interventions had disrupted McKesson’s plans, forcing Imogen to clean up the mess each time. The meticulously crafted mai
g strategy had turned to dust due to the change in spokesperson. He remained obvious to her effort to maintain the current stability.
Troy’s devotion to appeasing Sarah had shaken Imogen’s confidence. She felt her credibility waver, questioning whether her dedication and sacrifices were in vain.
In the midst of this turmoil, Charlie’s words struck her like a bolt of lightning, igniting her frustration. “Mr. Marshall agreed? How could Mr. Marshall care about such a minor detail?”
Sarah grinned, her words dripping with a calculated sweetness, “Charlie, everyone understands the ‘minor‘ detail you’re referring to here is minuscule compared to Mr. Marshall’s responsibilities. But every aspect of a shoot, including makeup and styling, holds its significance. I’m curious why Mr. Marshall would concern himself with such minutiae.
Ylah added, “Are you implying that Sarah is lying, Director Forbes? If you doubt us, you’re free to confirm with Mr. Marshall. He’s empowered us with this decision, and we stand by it unwaveringly. You can tend to the other details. Feel free to terminate the contract if it becomes too much to handle. This endorsement isn’t essential for Sarah.”
Sarah stood in silence, allowing her agent to speak for her.
Charlie fumed, her frustration palpable, but she had no recourse against Ylah’s stubborn stance.
Leaving the dressing room, she clenched her fist in a silent expression of exasperation. “In all my years in this industry, I’ve never encountered such audacity–cooperating with countless stars and witnessing all sorts of behavior. She’s beyond shameless, snatching endorsements from others like Xena and pretending to be a saint.”
Charlie’s reputation in the industry was well–established. Her makeup artistry had transformed mediocre appearances into stunning transformations. Her guidance had propelled a previously overlooked female lead to fame simply through the magic of makeup.
Alex, who had witnessed the exchange, consoled Charlie, “Calm down. Let’s figure out how to handle this situation next. If Sarah refuses to alter her makeup, we might need to adapt the filming plan.”
Charlie looked at Imogen, seeking direction. “Ms. Forbes, what’s our plan?”
“Head to the lounge and wait for a bit. I’ll make a call and join you shortly.”
“Understood, we’ll be waiting.”
Imogen walked to a quieter spot within the studio, retrieved her phone, and dialed Troy’s number.
The phone was picked up after a few rings.
A compose
“It’s me, Imogen.”
é greeted her, “Hello.”
“Is something the matter?”
“President Marshall, did you grant Ms. Page permission to bring her own makeup artist and makeup designer?”
Troy’s response came after a moment’s pause, “Yes, what about it?”
“Today’s shoot had been meticulously arranged, with makeup artists, photographers, and props all aligned with the planned styling. Unfortunately, Ms. Page’s makeup contradicts the theme, and staunchly refuses to adjust it. She’s even threatened to terminate the collaboration. Her current makeup and styling could significantly compromise the advertisement’s final outcome.”
A pause ensued as Imogen waited for Troy’s reply.
“You must be misunderstanding something,” Troy finally responded.
Imogen felt her heart sink at his words, realization dawning that Troy didn’t believe her.
She tried to explain, “President Marshall, this is not a misunderstanding. I spoke with them, and they were adamant about keeping the makeup as is.”
Yet Troy’s voice remained unwavering, void of trust. “Sarah wouldn’t behave this way. What motive would she have for jeopardizing our collaboration?”
Imogen’s hope for Troy to retract Sarah’s decision waned.
Her breath caught in her throat as she grappled with Troy’s lack of faith.
“Haven’t
you forgotten something?” Troy continued. “Why did you change the filming schedule yesterday? Why wasn’t Sarah informed?”
Imogen felt a weight descend upon her, realizing that Troy doubted her entirely. Before Sarah’s return, Troy had entrusted her with significant autonomy, trusting her competence and judgment. Yet, since Sarah’s comeback, his priorities had shifted, favoring her instead.
His words echoed in Imogen’s mind, “Sarah spoke highly of you, defended you. Can you say the same?”
Imogen’s lips trembled, her voice shaky, unable to respond.
Troy’s skepticism had silenced her, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable.
2/3
Unable to bear it any longer, Imogen pressed the “hang up” button in a flurry.
A soft thud resonated as her phone slipped from her trembling hand and collided with the floor.