Chapter 48: Attending the Show

Chapter 48: Chapter 48: Attending the Show

The next day, Irene sat in first class on a flight to New York, reading the latest fashion magazine.

Just before the doors closed, a familiar figure appeared by her seat. It was Robert Smith, former marketing director at MGM, who had pushed for Legally Blonde’s successful release.

They couldn’t continue working together due to MGM senior management’s strategy shift, but she knew it wasn’t Robert’s fault. His market insight and execution had impressed her.

Robert saw her, surprise in his eyes.

"Director Irene? What a coincidence."

"Mr. Smith," Irene nodded, smiling.

"Long time. This is a surprise."

Once the plane leveled off, Irene closed her magazine and started the conversation.

"Heading to New York for work, Mr. Smith?" Irene asked, tone casual.

Robert paused while taking something from his bag, then gave a wry smile.

"My job’s quiet now, so I’m visiting my daughter studying in New York."

Being moved from marketing director to home entertainment director was like going from California to Mississippi.

He was far from core projects, handling minor tasks. It had dulled his drive to improve the company.

And the source of his trouble was the young woman in front of him.

Irene didn’t respond, just nodded. Shelly had told her about his situation. Being sidelined was hard.

She chose her words carefully, not wanting to add to his frustration.

"Speaking of which, I haven’t properly thanked you. For Legally Blonde, your effort and judgment were key to its success. I believe the company will see your work."

"You’re too kind, Director Irene," Robert’s smile became more genuine.

"The results came because Legally Blonde was a good film. Though I won’t work on your new film, I’ll still watch it."

"Thank you for your support, Mr. Smith. If you’re unhappy at MGM, taking a break might help. Opportunities could come later." Irene smiled slightly. The thought of recruiting him had appeared the moment she saw him.

He’d worked years in MGM marketing and knew film promotion well. She couldn’t only invest in her own films; that limited returns.

She needed someone to identify promising films, or even help acquire a distributor later.

Robert was smart. He caught the subtext but didn’t commit. She was young, and whether her success was skill or luck remained to be seen.

"That’s a good suggestion." His answer was noncommittal, showing he’d received the message.

"I can’t offer much else, but I have ways to make things easier. If you need me, Mr. Smith, contact me anytime." Irene took a card from her bag and handed it to Robert.

Robert took it, glanced, and stored it properly.

"Director Irene is modest. I hope we work together."

The conversation ended there. They’d only exchanged pleasantries, but a possibility for collaboration had formed.

Irene looked back at the clouds. Her team might gain another piece. After this action film, it would be time to expand.

Once off the plane, Irene got a call from Britney.

"Irene, use the VIP exit, take Exit 2, to C-zone parking. My car’s there. Black Mercedes van." Britney sounded excited.

"Okay, on my way."

The VIP area was quiet, and Irene had no luggage, so she reached the lot quickly.

It was noon, and the lot was full. Black Mercedes vans were common, and Irene wasn’t sure which was Britney’s.

Then she saw a black van in the driveway. Tinted windows hid the interior.

She started toward it when the window rolled down, showing a familiar face.

She walked faster. The door opened as she arrived. She got in without hesitation, and the door shut smoothly.

Before Irene could sit and catch her breath, Britney laid out the plan.

"First LV for clothes, then Van Cleef & Arpels for jewelry, then..."

"Wait, wait," Irene stopped her.

"I haven’t had lunch. Besides, we’re watching a show, not walking in one. Do we need new clothes?"

"Tonight’s show isn’t ordinary. It’s the first Victoria’s Secret taped broadcast, so media will be there. And even watching is promotion.

I had them put you front row. Cameras will pan over you, so you need to dress up." Shelly’s voice came from the passenger seat.

"Exactly. It’s a major show, we need to look good. I’ll have my assistant get lunch; we’ll eat at LV. Edward’s covering today’s outfits!"

Irene silently praised Edward. Tickets, clothes, jewelry—where else would you find a boyfriend like that?

Originally, Edward saw Britney was busy and invited Irene to Victoria’s Secret night. But Irene felt awkward going to a lingerie show with her best friend’s boyfriend, so she refused and told Britney.

She didn’t know how Britney got Jive to approve, but it became the two of them attending, and Edward, who provided tickets, was left out.

Fortunately, he was easygoing and used to Britney preferring her best friend, so he gave the tickets and sponsored their outfits.

After hearing, Shelly contacted media to promote Britney and boost exposure.

She was the first young singer to attend Victoria’s Secret night in person, good promotion for both sides.