1992 (#12) - Drucilla's photo shoot and the red light film scandal

The relationship between Drucilla and Neil, between ups and downs, seems to grow stronger and stronger. Drucilla, in this period, continues to follow the course of dance and ballet, but is increasingly attracted by the prospects of working in show business, dreaming of becoming an actress or, thanks to Neil's work at Abbott, a model. Drucilla's true chance at fame and fortune comes when a director named Vinny Russo notices her and writes her for a film promising her a great career. Unfortunately, Drucilla realizes too late that what Vinny has planned for her is an X-rated film and it is only the intervention of the usual Nathan that stops Drucilla in time. Concerned about the fact that she has already shot a short sequence of the film, the woman is however calmed down by Vinny, who promises to destroy the video. Despite this bad adventure, Drucilla does not give up on achieving her goals, despite Neil's futile attempts to convince her to concentrate on ballet, where she could have a leading role in the show Giselle. In the end it is Blade Bladeson, Neil's colleague at Abbott and a professional photographer, who realizes how suitable Drucilla might be as the new testimonial for Jabot's advertising campaign. Jill is against giving the role to Drucilla, and from the very first meeting with the girl, she doesn't hide the fact that she doesn't trust her, considering her to be a good-for-nothing who can only bring trouble. Neil himself is perplexed by the decision, especially regarding the fact of proposing a black face as testimonial. Neil's position causes a lot of tension in his relationship with Drucilla, who accuses the boy of not wanting her to have a career at Jabot. Just when Blade manages to convince Jill, with great difficulty, to give the role to Drucilla, and Neil seems intent on making it up to her with a special appointment in which to give her an engagement ring, the cold shower arrives like a lightning bolt for Drucilla, who sees her pictures of the red-light audition and then of the preview of Vinny Russo's film "Sensuality" on the front page of every tabloid magazine. Drucilla is furious with the man for having used, or rather exploited, her image for the promotion of her latest film, while in turn Jill bitterly regrets having agreed to the decision to hire Drucilla, who soon finds herself in the middle of a scandalous storm. The girl, completely shocked by the incident, is also called upon to settle things with Neil, who is certainly not pleased that Drucilla has kept the matter from him. Devastated by what has happened, Drucilla returns Neil's ring and, in refusing a job offer at Jabot, announces to everyone that she intends to leave town.