Chapter 738

“Of course,” Noreen agreed instantly. After all, Claire’s well-being was her top priority. The two of them flew to Northcrest the next day. The job Claire had mentioned was an endorsement photoshoot booked almost six months ago. “Listen, this brand was my very first endorsement in my acting career,” Claire explained. “That’s why this collaboration is so important to me. I’ve turned down everything else, but I couldn’t cancel this one.” “Is there a script?” Noreen, acting as Claire’s temporary manager, wanted to check if there were any risks involved in the shoot. Claire’s agent sent the script to Noreen. She quickly scanned through it. When she saw a scene that needed to be filmed in a swimming pool, her brow furrowed. “No, this has to be changed.” The weather in Northcrest was much colder than in Rivercrest City; even in the fall, it was already getting chilly. Besides, Claire was pregnant. It was clearly unsuitable. Sandra looked troubled. “But this script was locked in a long time ago, and the set is already prepared. It might not be a good idea to back out now.” Noreen was about to say more, but Claire grabbed her hand. “It’s okay. I’ll try to get it done in one or two takes. It won’t be a big deal.” She knew Noreen was just worried about her. Still, Noreen wasn’t convinced. She instructed Sandra to talk to the brand representative in advance and insist that the pool be filled with warm water. She would cover the extra cost herself; the brand wouldn’t have to pay for it. With an offer like that, the brand naturally had no objections. When they arrived at the studio, the crew was already heating the pool. The makeup artist was waiting, so Claire went to get her makeup done as soon as she arrived. Whether it was the scent of the cosmetics or something else, Claire suddenly felt a wave of morning sickness. In less than half an hour, she had to run to the restroom three times. Seeing how pale she was after getting sick, Noreen rubbed her back and said, “Maybe we should just postpone this job.” “No, the owner is a really good person. She helped me out back then. You know I’m all about loyalty.” Claire was almost weak from vomiting, but she was still talking about principles. Noreen sighed, unable to argue with her. “Honey, could you go to the west gate and get me a lemonade? I’m craving one from The Chandler House.” That’s how it is with pregnancy—strange cravings pop up out of nowhere, wanting one thing one minute and something else the next. Noreen, of course, didn’t refuse. “Alright, I’ll go get it. Sandra will stay here with you.” “Okay.” The west gate was quite a distance from the studio, and the round trip took Noreen over an hour. By the time she got back, Claire was already in the pool. “Cut! Madeline, the angle on that last take was off. Let’s do one more,” the director said politely to Madeline, who was standing on the pool deck. Madeline, looking as sweet and innocent as ever, replied, “I’m so sorry, Director. I hope I’m not causing too much trouble.” “Not at all, not at all.” After he spoke, the director had the crew reset the scene. During all this, Claire was left soaking in the water. No one told her to get out and wait. Sandra brought a towel to the edge of the pool. “Claire, come on out for a bit. It’s cold in there.” Claire, who was already shivering, started to make her way to the side. But the director called out, “Claire, we’ll be ready in just a moment. Why don’t you wait in the water? It’ll be better for continuity.” “…Alright.” Claire retreated to her spot. Madeline leisurely touched up her makeup, completely ignoring Claire, who was still waiting in the pool. Noreen’s heart sank. She walked over to the edge of the pool and dipped her hand in to test the water’s temperature. It was freezing cold. As if on cue, Madeline decided she wasn’t satisfied with her makeup touch-up and asked the artist to do it all over again. She was obviously stalling. A cold glint appeared in Noreen’s eyes. She walked around the pool and headed straight for Madeline.