Royal and pleb

Ivy Lambert always wished to become an actress. She likes acting. She enjoys interpreting different characters, having the joy to imagine their felling and though.

Ivy has talent in it.

However, her parents are hesitant to allow her in the show business. They fear the infamous rumor behind the field and wish to protect their lovely daughter from it.

With Lily Lambert, her big sister's help, she convinced their parent to allow her to try. Ivy didn't join any agency but works as a freelance with a manager assigned by their parents.

Her career is still at its dawn. She appeared in some small commercial, still making a name for herself.

"Who is she?" A man in his late forty asks the photographer, looking at Ivy through his light shade glasses.

"Oh, she is a newbie. I worked with her before." The man responds, checking on his camera. "She wished to make it big. She had potential, so I invited her." He smiles, acknowledging the girl.

"Hm!" The old man grunts, staying indifferent to the young lady.

Today Ivy and her manager have an opportunity to impress and make an impact. The gig was a simple photoshoot, but the stakes were immense to leap her fame forward.

The photographer amicably approaches Ivy with a smile.

"Hi there, how have you been." He casually says with a decontracted tone.

"Thank you very much for giving us the opportunity," Ivy energetically responds, showing her endless enthusiasm.

"Hahaha, that's the spirit!" He laughs and loudly exclaims. "You will do great,"

"Alright, let me reexplain the gig once more. We are doing shots for TRENDY. There are rumors, they contracted a new advertisement company and will start a new commercial campaign. After today the new contractor will take over the campaign, and If things go well, there will be filming for a series of commercials with some of today's models. So, do your best, okay?" The man explains the program and gives a thumbs up.

Ivy responds with a big smile. "Of course," And answers with her own thumbs up.

The man smiles but then comes close to the girl, trying to be discreet.

"You see the man with the pinkish glasses," He points and waits for the two women to notice. "He will be directing the shots today. He is a bit grumpy, but do not let that discourage you,"

"Alright, I will go now. I will be behind the camera, so good luck. Just enjoy it, okay?" He adds and leaves.

The site was in public. Passers-by and spectators often stopped to watch the beautiful young women pose in front of a camera. Tape barriers were enclosing the area, and several tents were standing up for the personnel and storage. Lily and her manager enter one of them to get changed and be ready for the session.

____

Ivy Lambert changes into her designed outfit, prepared for her in today's shots. TRENDY brands specialize in youth fashion, offering vivid and vibrant styles. And her attire depicted the actual image of the clothing brands, with her pink bomber jacket with the brand's logo on the back, white pleated skirt, and colorful sneakers with kneesocks.

"Miss, be prepared. It's going to be your turn," A member of the staff notifies Ivy Lambert, patiently sitting on a foldable chair.

Ivy freshens up and stretches her legs. But as Ivy gets ready, the other girls' gazes scrutinize her, peering at her with contempt.

"Who's that?" One of the models asks the staff nearby. The brunette girl stands among a group of girls, watching Ivy with judging eyes.

"Oh! She is a newcomer," The staff responds, without stopping his task.

Most of the models present were seasoned veterans with solid pedigrees. But Ivy was a greenhorn and still shared the same opportunity as them.

"Why is she here?" "Who gives her the right?" "Who does she think she is?" Questions raise among the group of girls, criticizing Ivy with disdain.

Ivy hears the remarks but ignores the petty badmouthing. She is, after all, a new face in the industry. Ivy did not expect anyone to be friendly with her. She was there for work and to do her best.

"Okay, miss. Please come forward," A member of the staff instructs Ivy, and she moves in front of the camera.

The sympathetic photographer makes a friendly sign to decontract the stiff young lady while waiting for the director's signal, discussing with the brunette.

The man was engrossed in his conversation and left everyone idle for a few minutes. After some while, he stands from his foldable chair and yells to command the crew.

"It's a wrap for today. The sun is setting," He yells, ignoring Ivy Lambert in front of the lenses.

"Director, there is still the little miss," The photographer reminds the old man, already leaving to his tent.

"It's already too dark. We don't have time." He insists, making himself busy ordering everyone around to pack up.

The man stayed stubborn, refusing to hear neither the photographer nor Ivy's manager's plea.

Ivy didn't understand what was going on, and she didn't know what to do, so she just stands still, frozen in place and helpless.

Now the mockeries become louder in her head, preventing her from moving, like inside a bottomless sandpit, engulfing her spirit. A familiar feeling she has already felt.

The usually lively girl is now in dismal and wants to crawl on herself and cry. Ivy Lambert was in a hopeless state.

Suddenly, delicate arms embrace her, warming her heart in an instant. Her older sister Lily calmed her down and brought her to a discreet location, far from the malicious mockeries of others.

After noticing no souls around, Ivy begins to sob quietly in her sister's arm. "Lily, I... They…" She stutters softly, doing her best to restrain her tears as morbid thoughts invade her mind.

"It's okay, Vy, don't think about it anymore," Lily reassures her sister. Lily continues to south her little sister in her arm, who slumbers slowly.

____

In the middle of the set, five people have a standstill, facing and probing each other. They are surrounded by the busy crews, steadily dismantling the materials, preparing to vacate the location.

On one side, a bulky man with pinkish glasses and a cigarette in his mouth, puffing a long gray smoke. Two others, a man and a bespectacled woman, are in front of him, trying to obtain his attention.

On the other side, a young gentleman in his teens, black hair and brown eyes. Not handsome but charming. On his side, a transcending blonde beauty is standing gorgeously, dimming any of the present girls.

The couple casually approaches as some of the staff recognize their identities.

"Isn't this unfair for the young lady, director," The young gentleman says in a clear voice, loud enough to draw attention.

"Who the hell are you?" The old man grunts. "Didn't you see the tapes? The public should not trespass." He continues with frowned brown.

Alex ignores the man's remark and approaches the bespectacled woman. "I'm Ivy's friend. You can leave the rest to me." He introduces himself, handing a business card.

After reading, the woman's eyes get wide. "Ma… Maxwell? Young master Maxwell" She stutters, bewildered.

"My friend should be performing today. Unfortunately, some unpleasant buzzkill ended the session without me seeing my friend shine." Alex casually says, advancing to face the director.

Understanding the situation will be taken care of, the photographer and the manager politely nodded and excused themselves.

"Didn't you know, young master Maxwell, we are catering to an important client, so it's difficult to allow a novice to participate." The man responds, trying to justify himself.

"Is that so? So that is the reason Mr director ignored my friend without giving her a chance," Maxwell remarks in a sarcastic tone.

"Isn't Mr director a bit biased?" Alex asks rhetorically.

"Didn't you know, young master Maxwell, I have been a director for twenty years. And I know how to discern talent." The man smirks discreetly. "I cannot risk the photoshoot to test a newbie. Plus, the sun is setting. And it is difficult to capture photos without natural light."

"I see! You can't do anything about it?" Alex asks regretfully.

"Didn't you know, young master, this photoshoot is requested by an important client. We must present quality pictures. Now, it is already too dark, so we can't continue for today." The man adds triumphantly.

"That is unfortunate then," Alex agrees. Eliana Carter, besides him, witnesses everything. She is about to blow off, hearing Maxwell's response.

"I thought a twenty years old veteran would find a way." Alex shook his head. "I guess we must find another director."

"Right," The man casually agrees before noticing Maxwell's strange remark. "What? Change the director? What do you mean?" The man squints in suspicion.

"Oh, didn't you know, Mr director," Alex playfully borrows the man's words. "Just recently, my company has taken over TRENDY's advertisement project." Alex smiles widely.

"In other words, every upcoming commercial campaign for the brand will be under our management," Alex explains. "Both of us know how important the client is. I cannot risk the future to test a director." Alex borrows another quote from the man and smiles playfully.

The man was shaken and couldn't place a vowel.

"It's unfortunate we cannot work together. Have a nice evening, Mr director," Alex says and leaves with the blonde beauty in his arm.

Leaving the man in a sorrowful state.

____

Alex and Eliana head back to where the Lambert sisters were.

"You cast a wide net," Eliana remarks on their way back, impressed by Maxwell.

"Did you fall for me?" Alex teased.

"Who knows?" She answers casually.

The two arrive at the tent, where they see Ivy clinging to Lily Lambert. Not far, they also notice the manager, patiently sitting.

Alex starts to explain everything, starting from his new company to the current development.

"So that's how it is," Lily says in wonder. Her little sister is amazed as she is.

"I would also add that we would welcome you, Ivy. Should you consider signing with a company." Maxwell concludes with a courteous smile.

"I really appreciate it. But I must discuss with our parents first." Ivy answers regretfully.

"No worries, by the way, Eliana right here has signed with us," Alex admits, knowing it will be exposed eventually. Eliana shares a smile with the sisters and chatters for a moment.

After a while, everything calms down, and the group decides to head home. Just as they exit the tent, a beautiful brunette approaches Alex and attempts to latch onto his arm after faking a fall.

Alex dodges skillfully, letting the young woman tumble on the ground.

Alex recognizes the young woman, the same one badmouthing Ivy.

"Young master Maxwell," The brunette speaks softly, trying to make herself pitiful.

Eliana and Lily were particularly irked by the young woman's behavior and instinctively moved closer to Alex. They are fully aware of her intention, a pathetic attempt to flirt with Alex Maxwell.

"Do I know you?" Alex asks with an overwhelming cold tone. The three beauties surrounding the young man shine a majestic aura, casting shade on the brunette appearance.

____ End of Chapter 14 ____