Shooting session

Alex Maxwell and Lily Lambert return to the private room to join with Eliana Carter. On their way back, Lily Lambert has calmed down from her previous tussle.

The moment Lily enters the room, Eliana approaches her and holds her's hands. "Lily, everything is ok?" Eliana worries, checking everywhere to make sure her friend is alright.

Alex enters just after Lily, smiling, watching the two beauties' wholesome interaction. Even if Carter is oblivious to the earlier incident, she is still concerned about Lambert.

"I am fine, Eliana," The blue-eyed beauty smiles tenderly at the golden blonde girl, reassuring the latter from her troubled look.

"You two get along perfectly," Alex remarks to the two, smirking mischievously. "Beauty attracts beauty, I guess," Alex shamelessly says to the perplexed young ladies.

A silence follows but quickly ends with Lily Lambert's cute chuckle.

Laughter soon resonates in the room as the group gets amused by the mundane statement of Maxwell. The group laughed because they were relieved everything turned out well.

While the mood lightens, Lily decides to share her story with Eliana Carter, explaining the previous occurrence.

Lily Lambert and Eliana Carter had known each other since their first year of high school.

At that time, both thought they were recluses misunderstanding the other students' awe. The two bonded from their similar aloneness, making it more difficult for the average students to reach them.

Over the years, they become good friends, genuinely caring for each other. Lily felt it was okay to confide herself with Carter.

Eliana is surprised at the blue-eyed girl's story. "Honestly, they were suspicious," She remarks, getting angry for her friend's sake. "I'm glad everything went well at the end," She adds.

"Thank you, Eliana," Lily beams to the blonde, who responds with a lovely smile of her own.

"But you never told me you practice martial arts," The blonde teases the young lady, impressed by the information.

"Yes, I started in middle school," She agrees, shyly smiling.

The group continues their conversation, partaking of the delices in front, as noon arrives upon them. During their lunch, Eliana Carter didn't leave Lily Lambert's side, chatting and chuckling together.

Alex watches the two young ladies close to each other. He sits comfortably on the soft armchair, facing the two flowers, sharing dishes on the long sofa.

After they finish their meal, the club's employees come into the room to clean up and swiftly leave the three in private.

"Let's go back to work now," Eliana suggests to the group, and everyone prepares themself to concentrate.

The three youth resumes working on their science project, debating, and exchanging ideas throughout the afternoon until early evening.

____

The three young people took a lot of time to brainstorm on their school assignments. As the sun is about to set, the group decides to conclude their meeting, making enough progress for the day.

Alex, Lily, and Eliana pack their belongings and head toward the private club's exit.

"Excuse me for a moment, girls," Before going outside, Alex receives a call and excuses himself, pointing at his ringing phone.

"Mhm! We will wait for you outside," The two young ladies agree and continue toward the outside.

Maxwell picks up the phone and moves to a discreet corner. "Yes, I am listening," Alex answers, holding his smartphone against his ear.

"This is Kayla. Young master?" A woman's beautiful voice responds.

"Oh, Kayla! Yes, what is it?" Alex Maxwell confirms his identity.

"It is about the company. Do you have some time to spare?" Kayla Mathias inquires.

"Yes, you can go ahead," He agrees, anticipating news about his enterprise.

"We can proceed with the short film," Kayla says. "Today, we narrowed a list of writers and directors willing to work on the project. We just need confirmation on your part for the green light," She explains the situation.

Alex's face appears satisfied at the news. It was one of the first steps on his grand plan, and everything was moving smoothly.

"The company will commission an external filming crew. And as you suggested, the actors will be from our talent management division." Kayla continues. "Monday, we will discuss with the school about the filming location."

Alex's company plans to create its first short film to advertise its business. It would allow Alex entertainment to obtain notoriety in the field and promote their artists.

Maxwell also intends to take the opportunity and set the film stage within West Castle. The film would allow him to create many opportunities for his underlying scheme.

"You are really competent," Alex praises Mathias on the phone. "I made the right choice putting you in charge."

"Thank you, young Master. But I'm just doing my job," She humbly answers.

"Good job, Kayla. How about a diner together tonight," Alex suggests, flirting with the lady on the phone.

Kayla pauses for a few seconds before answering. "In that case. On behalf of the team, thank you very much," She responds cordially.

"Hahaha, of course, leave it to me," Alex laughs at his failure. His intention to have a private moment becomes a team-building meet-up. "In that case, just make a reservation for everyone and send me the location later."

"Understood, see you later, young Master," Kayla stays formal.

"Everyone can go there first. I will join you after I finish my business." Alex says to conclude their discussion and ends the call.

____

The two young beauties are waiting for Maxwell outside the building, pleasantly discussing.

Suddenly, Eliana becomes serious. "But for real, I was worried about you," She says, puzzling Lily Lambert.

"You know, yesterday, someone broke into my condo. So I did not want you to be in a similar situation," Eliana confesses, shocking the blue-eyed girl.

Eliana wanted to share what happened with Lily Lambert trusting her friend's amity. Lambert panics and inspects the blonde's well-being, after hearing what happened.

Carter dearly smiles at her friend's panicking. "Don't worry, that night Maxwell saved me," She reassures the young lady.

"Alex?" Lily becomes astonished.

"I'm sorry I borrowed your boyfriend," Eliana teases the young maiden, making the long jet-black-haired beauty bushes.

"He is not my boyfriend yet," She says with a cold expression and red cheeks, averting her embarrassed eyes. Her slip of tongue did not escape the golden-skinned belle, happily smirking at her friend's innocent reaction.

Carter continues to summarise the accident, omitting her escapade with Maxwell.

"Eliana, how about staying over tonight," Lily suggests to the blonde beauty. "I bet you hate staying at your apartment alone again. And it would reassure me. Plus, it's been a long time since you stayed over."

"Sure!" Eliana responds eagerly.

At the same time, Alex Maxwell comes back merrily, happy from his company's good news. He approaches the two beauties from behind and casually leans on their shoulders, making the young ladies jolt.

"Sorry girls, we can go now," Alex says.

The valet hands the keys to Maxwell, who tips him generously. And the group climbs in the large four by four, leaving the establishment premise.

The two young women are still inseparable, sitting next to each other in the passenger seats, leaving Alex Maxwell alone in the front.

"Where are we going, miladies?" Alex jokes at the two, mimicking old-fashioned speech, making the ladies laugh.

"Alex, could I ask you to make a small detour?" Lily requested, approaching in between the two front seats to address Maxwell.

"Of course! Where do you want to go?" He accepts the young lady's request, turning himself to look at her.

"Could we pass by the city center to pick Ivy up?" Lily asks. "She knows that I went out today, so she refuses to go with our driver, insisting that I pick her up," Lily explains her little sister's whimsical personality.

"Okay, we can do that," Alex casually responds.

"I'm sorry, Alex," Lily apologizes on behalf of her sister.

"Don't worry. It will be a quick ride." He did not mind and smiled.

____

The three soon arrive at their destination, the place where the Lambert sister agreed to meet.

The location was a popular large plaza at the heart of the city. People were scattered all around, a mix of tourist sightseeing, friends meeting up, and office workers commuting home from the evening.

Alex parks the car nearby and follows Lily and Eliana outside. At the center of the square, the three encounter a group of professional photographers and models. Among them, the three notice Ivy Lambert sitting on a foldable chair.

Other girls were also modeling at the location. And Ivy was getting ready for her turn, surrounded by makeup staff and assistants preparing for their last session.

Ivy wears a pink bomber jacket with a white pleated skirt, long kneesocks, and colorful sneakers. She exudes a youthful aura around her, befitting her energetic personality.

The young girl's turn arrives, and she moves in front of the lenses.

However, the director interrupted the session, depriving the girl of her chance. Her manager, a serious bespectacled woman, rushes to obtain clarification. Ivy Lambert is confused and freezes.

Ivy Lambert wanted to be an actress. Today's shots were supposed to be an opportunity to promote herself. Sadly, things turned differently.

Commotion rises amid the staff, hesitantly packing everything, complying with the director's instructions.

Some of the staff feel pity for the unfortunate girl, silently criticizing the director's decision.

The group of three witnessed Ivy Lambert flabbergasted by the middle-aged man's unfair treatment.

Lily approaches her little sister, noticing her pitiful state, and hugs the saddened young girl, sobbing quietly in her big sister's arms. Seeing her sister cry made Lily'usual composure terrifying.

Alex Maxwell and Eliana Carter either couldn't bear the strange circumstance. They approach Ivy's manager, still negotiating with the director, hellbent on ending the session.

"Isn't this unfair for the young girl, director?" Alex interjects in the discussion, smiling widely. Maxwell is infuriated but remains collected. Eliana Carter, on his side, didn't hide her irritation.

"Who the hell are you?" The man says, irked by the young couple's condescending manners.

"It's okay now, miss," Alex ignores the man and addresses Ivy's manager."I'm Ivy's friend, and I'm here to help," He reassures the bespectacled woman, presenting a business card.

The woman was baffled, reading Maxwell's title and recognizing the world-class uprising model accompanying him.

"I am Alex Maxwell, Alex Entertainment's chairman, and CEO," Alex introduces himself.

"Maxwell, oh… Yes-yes nice to meet you, young Master Maxwell," The woman stutters, realizing his identity.

The man also hears, gets surprised at the revelation, and straightens himself immediately.

___ End of Chapter 13 ____