Chapter 863 Is That What You Want?
Audreyâs insolent words ticked everyone off in the meeting room.
The secretary quickly snapped at Audrey, glaring at her without a hint of courtesy. âWhat the hell you got attitude about? Weâre calling the shots here, and youâre supposed to provide the service. With this kind of arrogance, how do you expect to survive in the entertainment industry?â
The secretary had seen haughty celebrities, but none as blatantly dismissive as Audrey. âJust one word from our head honcho, the little celeb like you will be riding the pine permanently,â 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. âExcuse me, everyone. This is all just one big misunderstanding!â
While Kim was busy apologizing, the relentless secretary wasnât letting it go. Brian, also involved, simply stood by with a detached air.
Brianâs dismissive stance was the last straw for Audrey, her temper flaring uncontrollably as she blasted Brian, âIs that what you want? Satisfied now?â
The secretary was dumbfounded. He couldnât believe that one would act like a diva to this kind of level. But then he thought, âAudrey seems to have a thing with Mr. White. They are more like young lovers.â
Audreyâs fierce outburst redirected everyoneâs attention to Brian.
Brian rose slowly, approached Audrey, and leaned on the table before her, fixing her with an intense stare. âDonât 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. Youâre the only one who can embody our companyâs muse.â
âYouâre sick!â Audrey shot back.
Brian looked at her tenderly. âYes, I am. Lovesick, that is.â
Realizing the conversation was going nowhere, Audrey got up to leave and informed Kim, âForget the ad, find someone else.â
Watching Audrey exit with grace, Kim gave the secretary an embarrassed smile. âMy apologies, this is beyond my pay grade. Iâll sort it out and touch base later.â
The secretary had pegged Audrey as a prima donna, but now it looked more like a love tangle with Brian. He didnât press further, instead bidding Kim a friendly farewell.
Left alone in the meeting room, Brian smiled as he looked at Audreyâs promo on the table.
Brianâs 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 wouldnât relent until being answered. With a stone-cold look, Brian picked up the call.
âLook who finally decided to pick up the phone.â Came a manâs deep voice.
âJust get to the point,â Brian replied, his voice laced with annoyance.
âThat woman still giving you trouble? Come on, Brian. Youâre slipping,â the caller taunted.
âItâs none of your business. If you called just to mock me, save it,â Brian retorted.
Whatever the caller said next, Brian didnât 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. âAudrey, wait! Iâm almost out of breath.â
Audrey, still fuming, questioned him snappily. âWhat are you doing here?â
âYou took off out of nowhere. Of course, Iâd follow. Am I wrong to be concerned about my talent? Youâre so ungrateful!â Kim complained, catching his breath. âCome on, spill the beans. What went down back there?â
âLetâs talk in the car,â 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 couldnât help but chuckle. âLook at you, Audrey. Your love life is in full bloom, huh? Brian seems nice-great family, good looks, and heâs determined. Why not give it a shot? You should keep your options open, right?â
To which Audrey rolled her eyes. â Thanks for the advice. If you like him so much, go for it.â
Kim winked at her. âYou got me. Brian is my type, but my partner wouldnât be too pleased. Itâs a no-go for me.â
After the teasing, Audrey grew serious. âKim, I canât do this job. Please, just drop it.â
Kim exhaled heavily. âYou drive a hard bargain, Audrey. Itâs tough to pass up a deal this good. But what choice do I have with a star like you calling the shots?â
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. âLook, for the next six months, Iâll work my tail off to make up for what we lost, okay?â
Kim looked at her with a feigned scowl. âFine, Iâll take you back.â
âNo, actually, take me to Styre University. Iâm going to see Catherine,â said Audrey.
Catherine was in the lab when Audreyâs call came in. Worried that Audreyâs high profile could cause a stir, she asked for leave and headed to the universityâs 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.
âGet in!â Catherine beckoned.
Feeling a bit awkward amidst the attention, Audrey was relieved to see Catherine and quickly hopped into the car. âKathy, youâre always right on time. I owe you big time.â
Amused by Audreyâs predicament, Catherine asked, âBack to your place?â
Audrey was primarily there to see Catherine and was up for whatever she had planned. âSounds good. Iâm all ears.â
With Audrey agreeable, Catherine started the engine and drove towards the apartment.