The CEO Gets What He Wants

The indoor shooting sets in Trident Group's advertising department were realistic and beautifully decorated. All the employees were busy when Avery arrived.

That day, they were shooting an advertisement for a line of high-end newly developed perfume by Trident Group called Queen Collection. The new perfumes were rich, long-lasting, and pleasant. The collection showcased the beauty and elegance of a woman, and Trident Group was going to introduce it to the market after the New Year.

The theme of the advertisement for the perfumes was called “Allure.”

Although everyone was busy when Avery entered the shooting site, they were doing their jobs in an orderly manner.

Right then, she saw Nicole in a layer of thick makeup and a see-through, sequin outfit. The latter was in the middle of the shoot for the advertisement.

Unlike her usual innocent charm, Nicole was dressed seductively that day.

Avery also saw staff circling Nicole busily.

During a short break, the makeup artist provided Nicole with some touch-ups, and Nicole then returned to the shooting scene, looking beautiful again.

The director, Joseph Skinner, was sitting in front of a high-end camera when he held up a walkie-talkie and told the lighting engineers to brighten the lights slightly.

Once that was done, he told the other two cameramen to switch positions. After that, he said loudly into his walkie-talkie, “Please work together, everyone! We must do the shooting properly!”

Joseph was an internationally acclaimed director. He directed countless films and accumulated a lot of awards. Besides, he had even directed perfume advertisements for famous designer brands.

“Okay!” the staff answered in unison.

“Action!” Joseph yelled. As soon as he said that, the lighting engineers, cameramen, and lighting staff waited with bated breath.

In order to get better angles, all three cameras were facing Nicole at the same time. The cameramen then quickly started recording.

Soon, Nicole was seen holding a bottle of perfume when she entered the scene. She then tried a few poses, such as lying flat on the floor, facing the camera with her back, and covering half of her face with her arm. Throughout those poses, she was making all kinds of seductive and enchanting expressions toward the cameras. Despite her effort, all her poses ended up looking awkward.

Avery couldn't help but shake her head when she saw that. Nicole had always been pulling off an innocent appearance. She can't possibly change her style all of a sudden and do what Bonnie does. Since she can't express herself freely, her supposedly seductive actions will look unnatural.

“Cut!” Joseph kept pausing the shoot, even though they had only started a few minutes prior.

While looking at Nicole with disappointment in his eyes, Joseph said coldly, “Something's off, Ms. Lambert. Take a break, and we'll start shooting again in ten minutes. The perfume has an alluring style to it, and it's supposed to symbolize a domineering woman. Your eyes are inexpressive. Instead of acting innocent, I need you to be more seductive and alluring. Please get yourself prepared, Ms. Lambert. You should know what to do.”

Nicole was feeling defeated. In fact, she was getting sick of the shoot after noticing the disappointment in Joseph's eyes. I was already trying my best to act seductive and alluring! For the sake of this advertisement, I've even lost my appetite. We've been doing this for almost a whole day, no? Why are we not done yet? Before this, my shoots for advertisements had been smooth sailing. I've been nothing but focused and hardworking throughout the day so that I could perform. What exactly does this hot-tempered director want?

Despite her hateful thoughts, Nicole replied to Joseph politely, “Thank you, Mr. Joseph. I'll pay more attention to my expressions later.”

After Nicole left, Joseph sat in front of the camera and turned to look at his assistant helplessly. “This actress is pretty, but she's dull. Her poses were all so unnatural. Besides, her style doesn't even suit the perfume! Mr. Moore has always been a smart man, and he has high expectations. How did he end up picking a woman like her to shoot for an advertisement?”

Meanwhile, everyone at the shooting site was gathering around Nicole and giving her all the attention in the world.

As Nicole was smiling and drinking a bottle of water given by a staff nearby, deep down, she was unhappy with Joseph.

Almost everyone she knew would always please her because of her status. No one had ever dared to criticize her in person. Although some of them knew how bad her performance could be, none of them dared to voice their opinions.

Joseph, on the other hand, humiliated Nicole when he trashed her in person. Hence, she was feeling aggrieved since she was used to receiving praise and compliments. Still, she had to swallow her anger because she couldn't vent her frustration publicly.

“Ms. Lambert.” Avery showed up before Nicole calmly and said, “When I was working, Ms. Yantz told me the advertising department is short-staffed. She also told me you've specifically asked for me. But it seems like you already have all the help you need.”

Avery's tone was as calm as ever.