Chapter 863 Is That What You Want?
Audrey’s insolent words ticked everyone off in the meeting room.
The secretary quickly snapped at Audrey, glaring at her without a hint of courtesy. “What the hell you got attitude about? We’re calling the shots here, and you’re supposed to provide the service. With this kind of arrogance, how do you expect to survive in the entertainment industry?”
The secretary had seen haughty celebrities, but none as blatantly dismissive as Audrey. ‘Just one word from our head honcho, the little celeb like you will be riding the pine permanently,’ he thought bitterly.
Audrey only had eyes for Brian, showing disregard for anyone else. Although the secretary was quite stern, Audrey bore no ill will. After all, there was a reason for his behavior.
Kim, sensing the threat of a ban, quickly stepped in to defuse the situation. “Excuse me, everyone. This is all just one big misunderstanding!”
While Kim was busy apologizing, the relentless secretary wasn’t letting it go. Brian, also involved, simply stood by with a detached air.
Brian’s dismissive stance was the last straw for Audrey, her temper flaring uncontrollably as she blasted Brian, “Is that what you want? Satisfied now?”
The secretary was dumbfounded. He couldn’t believe that one would act like a diva to this kind of level. But then he thought, ‘Audrey seems to have a thing with Mr. White. They are more like young lovers.’
Audrey’s fierce outburst redirected everyone’s attention to Brian.
Brian rose slowly, approached Audrey, and leaned on the table before her, fixing her with an intense stare. “Don’t be mad. I am forced to play this card to see you. But believe me, when I say I want you for the endorsement, I mean it. You’re the only one who can embody our company’s muse.”
“You’re sick!” Audrey shot back.
Brian looked at her tenderly. “Yes, I am. Lovesick, that is.”
Realizing the conversation was going nowhere, Audrey got up to leave and informed Kim, “Forget the ad, find someone else.”
Watching Audrey exit with grace, Kim gave the secretary an embarrassed smile. “My apologies, this is beyond my pay grade. I’ll sort it out and touch base later.”
The secretary had pegged Audrey as a prima donna, but now it looked more like a love tangle with Brian. He didn’t press further, instead bidding Kim a friendly farewell.
Left alone in the meeting room, Brian smiled as he looked at Audrey’s promo on the table.
Brian’s phone rang, disrupting his thoughts. He scowled at the screen displaying an unknown number. Though it lacked any identification, he knew exactly who was calling. The persistent ringing suggested the caller wouldn’t relent until being answered. With a stone-cold look, Brian picked up the call.
“Look who finally decided to pick up the phone.” Came a man’s deep voice.
“Just get to the point,” Brian replied, his voice laced with annoyance.
“That woman still giving you trouble? Come on, Brian. You’re slipping,” the caller taunted.
“It’s none of your business. If you called just to mock me, save it,” Brian retorted.
Whatever the caller said next, Brian didn’t let it linger, hanging up the phone before hurling it to the ground. A dark, menacing aura now overshadowed his face.
Kim finally caught up with Audrey, panting. “Audrey, wait! I’m almost out of breath.”
Audrey, still fuming, questioned him snappily. “What are you doing here?”
“You took off out of nowhere. Of course, I’d follow. Am I wrong to be concerned about my talent? You’re so ungrateful!” Kim complained, catching his breath. “Come on, spill the beans. What went down back there?”
“Let’s talk in the car,” Audrey suggested, motioning for Kim to bring the vehicle around.
Once they were both in the car, away from prying eyes, Audrey relayed the entire story of her unexpected meeting with Brian overseas.
Listening to the tale, Kim couldn’t help but chuckle. “Look at you, Audrey. Your love life is in full bloom, huh? Brian seems nice-great family, good looks, and he’s determined. Why not give it a shot? You should keep your options open, right?”
To which Audrey rolled her eyes. ” Thanks for the advice. If you like him so much, go for it.”
Kim winked at her. “You got me. Brian is my type, but my partner wouldn’t be too pleased. It’s a no-go for me.”
After the teasing, Audrey grew serious. “Kim, I can’t do this job. Please, just drop it.”
Kim exhaled heavily. “You drive a hard bargain, Audrey. It’s tough to pass up a deal this good. But what choice do I have with a star like you calling the shots?”
Kim could be a chatterbox, but his care for Audrey was genuine.
Knowing she was costing Kim a big deal, Audrey tried to smooth things over. “Look, for the next six months, I’ll work my tail off to make up for what we lost, okay?”
Kim looked at her with a feigned scowl. “Fine, I’ll take you back.”
“No, actually, take me to Styre University. I’m going to see Catherine,” said Audrey.
Catherine was in the lab when Audrey’s call came in. Worried that Audrey’s high profile could cause a stir, she asked for leave and headed to the university’s entrance.
Audrey, despite being well-disguised, was drawing a lot of stares at the university gate. When Catherine retrieved the car, she drove straight up to Audrey.
“Get in!” Catherine beckoned.
Feeling a bit awkward amidst the attention, Audrey was relieved to see Catherine and quickly hopped into the car. “Kathy, you’re always right on time. I owe you big time.”
Amused by Audrey’s predicament, Catherine asked, “Back to your place?”
Audrey was primarily there to see Catherine and was up for whatever she had planned. “Sounds good. I’m all ears.”
With Audrey agreeable, Catherine started the engine and drove towards the apartment.
