CHAPTER 271
William had come to see her early in the morning, clearly avoiding a conversation in the villa because of Grandma King's presence. From that alone, Arianna already suspected what this discussion would be about, but hearing it directly still left her speechless and furious.
Her anger bubbled up until she let out a bitter laugh.
“So, what you’re telling me is, I’m supposed to stay quiet, accept this loss, hand over my credit to Harmony, and let her claim a victory that rightfully belongs to me? All because I’m Mrs. King? Because, in the public’s eyes, I’m rich and powerful, while Harmony is seen as the helpless underdog? So, she gets to keep what’s mine, even though she stole it? And if I try to stand up for myself, I’m the one being labelled as using my influence to bully her?”
“Whoa, whoa, calm down,” William said quickly, trying to diffuse her frustration.
“Arianna, this has been taken very seriously by the higher-ups. After the competition ended yesterday, we immediately had a meeting and kept discussing it until four in the morning to find a solution.”
Arianna narrowed her eyes but stayed silent as he continued.
“I understand how you feel,” he added,
“and I didn’t come here to keep you in the dark. The management worked out a compromise that we think will resolve everything and give us the best outcome.”
Arianna raised an eyebrow. “Go on, I’m listening.”
William, clearly anxious, took a large gulp of tea before exhaling deeply. Speaking in a low voice, he explained,
“Arianna, we know you participated in this competition to join Starlight TV as an anchor. The executives have recognized your talent, and they agree you’re more than qualified. So... if you agree to stay quiet and not pursue this further, we’ll bring you on as an anchor for the network.”
Arianna laughed the moment he finished.
If she stayed silent and let it go, Harmony would continue to bask in the victory and enjoy the career boost, all based on taking credit for Arianna’s achievements. Harmony would build her career by walking over to Arianna.
Arianna realized that she could be offered a chance to join Starlight TV even if she didn’t win the competition.
Was she supposed to feel grateful for that?
Her dream had always been to work at Starlight TV, but not like this.
Looking up, she fixed her gaze on William and said firmly, “I refuse!”
This treatment felt completely unfair and utterly humiliating.
William’s expression shifted as he tried to persuade her.
“You don’t need to answer so quickly, Arianna. Think it over; it’s beneficial for everyone.”
“Beneficial for everyone?” Arianna shot back, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
“This will only benefit you!”
William’s smile faded, replaced by a cold, hard expression. He straightened up, poured himself a cup of tea, and took a slow sip before continuing,
“If you’re not willing to accept our offer, then you can pursue your path and clarify the situation on your own.”
‘Clarify it on your own.’
Those words made Starlight TV’s position clear.
Essentially, if she rejected their proposal, they wouldn’t support her in making any clarifications, leaving her to fend for herself.
It seemed William was finally resorting to intimidation after failing to reach a compromise.
Arianna’s expression remained neutral, her voice steady. “You’re suggesting I clarify things myself, but who will believe me?”
William fell silent, but his expression spoke volumes.
Arianna pressed on, “Everything happened inside a closed studio that day. The video equipment was switched off at the request of the attacker. The footage circulating now was taken from outside the window, which is why it looks so blurry.”
“The only people in the studio at that time were me, the attacker, and the child. The attacker was killed on the spot, and I’ve heard the child is still in such a state of shock that he hasn’t been able to speak. Neither of them can testify for me.
“As for those who saw me enter, there were TV station staff and police officers. The station employees had been instructed to stay silent, and the officers on duty were dealing with a chaotic scene, so they didn’t get a clear look at Harmony. They wouldn’t be credible witnesses for me either.
Oh, and the child’s parents—when they arrived, their focus was entirely on their kid. They didn’t even see me. Isn’t that right?”
William nodded in appreciation at Arianna's analysis.
“I’ve said it before, Arianna. You’re incredibly sharp. I’ve always thought highly of you, and so do the higher-ups at the station. We can’t afford to let someone as talented as you go unnoticed.”
He took another sip of tea before continuing,
“Of course, as Mrs King, you could easily persuade your husband to intervene on your behalf. I imagine even our general manager wouldn’t want to cross him. In that case, the general manager would come forward to set things right and restore your rightful place at the top.
“But… we would have to be honest with the public, saying we had no choice. That way, public opinion would turn against the King Group and your husband.”
Arianna could only scoff.
Starlight TV was bold enough to send William to her because they had already calculated all the risks.
William softened his tone again, pulling out two contracts from his briefcase and placing them in front of Arianna.
“Arianna, we’re being sincere here. I even brought the employment contract.”
He gestured to the documents. “Here are two contracts: one is a non-disclosure agreement, and the other is for employment. If you sign both of these, you can complete the entry procedures tomorrow and officially join us!”
Arianna glanced down at the contracts, wanting to respond, but ultimately a faint, inscrutable smile curled at her lips.
Seeing her expression, William sensed there was still hope. He pressed on,
"What if I said that I know you’ve always admired Elizabeth Goldman? If you agree to sign these contracts, I can reach out to the station and set it up for Ms. Goldman to mentor you directly. She doesn’t just take anyone under her wing."
The thought of becoming Elizabeth’s apprentice was undeniably tempting.
Arianna’s eyebrows arched slightly in interest.
