CHAPTER 300
Arianna deliberately emphasized her last words: “I love you.”
Harmony’s gaze instinctively flicked to the insulated lunch box Arianna now held. Could Xander—a man she’d never imagined in a kitchen—have prepared breakfast just for her?
The idea seemed almost absurd to Harmony, who felt Arianna’s words were intentionally meant to rattle her.
It had to be an act, she thought bitterly. Maybe Arianna even had another number she used to send herself those affectionate messages, all to keep up appearances.
Harmony’s lips twisted into a smug smile, thinking she had figured it out.
Just then, Arianna’s phone pinged with a new message. She tapped it open, and Xander’s smooth, warm voice came through.
“I love you too, my gorgeous wife. And don’t forget to finish all of it—you’ll need the energy after last night.”
His deep, soothing tone seemed to linger, with a warmth that could make anyone blush.
Harmony’s mocking smile froze instantly, her face darkening in frustration.
Arianna raised an eyebrow, smirking as she caught Harmony’s reaction out of the corner of her eye. *Looks like someone isn’t as pleased now, huh?* She thought, amused.
The elevator chimed as it reached the third floor.
Arianna tucked her phone away, holding her breakfast tightly, and walked out without even a glance in Harmony’s direction.
Harmony froze, biting her lip until it nearly lost colour from the pressure. Trying to push down the surge of jealousy and frustration, she took a steadying breath, composing herself before stepping out.
As she entered the office lobby, she was surprised to see Elizabeth heading toward them.
Elizabeth, being one of the network’s top anchors, rarely appeared on this floor, as she had her own office space elsewhere. Seeing her here was unexpected.
Arianna felt a surge of excitement at seeing Elizabeth in person but kept her expression composed, offering a polite smile.
“Hello, Ms. Goldman ”
Elizabeth barely acknowledged her, giving only a slight nod before moving past.
Harmony noticed the exchange, smirking as she remembered that Elizabeth had once considered mentoring her. Harmony relished the idea of being the network’s next rising star, wanting Arianna to see that she, not Arianna, had caught Elizabeth’s attention.
Harmony lifted a hand, smoothing back her hair as she approached, a radiant smile gracing her face. She stepped forward and greeted Elizabeth with a voice as warm as honey.
“Good morning, Ms. Goldman.”
Harmony anticipated that Elizabeth might return her greeting, offering a chance for a short, meaningful exchange to set herself apart.
But instead, Elizabeth walked straight past her, eyes focused ahead, treating Harmony’s presence as though it didn’t even register.
Harmony’s eyes widened, shock rippling across her face.
Had Elizabeth simply not heard her?
Or was she so engrossed in her work that she hadn’t noticed?
A sense of unease pricked at her as she became aware of her colleagues subtly watching the exchange.
Elizabeth had, after all, given Arianna a brief nod. To be ignored completely while others noticed would only add to her embarrassment. Swallowing her frustration, Harmony maintained her polished smile, positioning herself more directly in Elizabeth’s path.
With a slight incline of her head, she tried again.
“Ms. Goldman, it’s me, Harmony Jackson,” she said, her tone laced with polite insistence.
“We met a while ago. Have you mentioned wanting to invite me for tea? Perhaps you remember?”
Harmony held her breath, her expression hopeful, yet Elizabeth’s gaze remained distant, barely registering her as she continued on her way.
Elizabeth exchanged a few words with some of the staff members before she finally lifted her gaze and looked directly at Harmony as if only just now recalling who she was.
With a calm, almost reportorial tone, she said,
“Ah, Harmony…the one who won the competition but was later disqualified for gaining an unfair advantage by taking credit for someone else’s work. Now I remember.”
The statement was so matter-of-fact and articulate that it felt like Elizabeth was announcing it to an audience.
A hush fell over the room, quickly broken by stifled laughter as people exchanged amused glances.
Elizabeth’s sharp memory and bluntness were well-known, and everyone had just seen a prime example of it.
Harmony’s attempt at impressing Elizabeth had completely backfired, leaving her thoroughly embarrassed. She had practically invited the harsh reminder, only to find herself on the receiving end of public humiliation.
As the laughter simmered in the background, a flurry of expressions crossed Harmony’s face, her emotions on full display. Her cheeks flushed, and her eyes began to water as she stammered,
“Ms.Goldman, there’s been a misunderstanding—”
Elizabeth’s gaze sharpened, cutting right through Harmony's attempt to explain. She remarked icily, “Since you’re here at Starlight TV, I suggest focusing on your work and dropping any distracting ambitions.”
With that curt reprimand, Elizabeth turned away without sparing Harmony another look, leaving her frozen in place.
Harmony’s fists clenched as she felt the weight of her coworkers’ glances, mixed with poorly hidden smiles of amusement.
From the corner of her eye, Harmony noticed Arianna standing calmly nearby, a small smile gracing her lips.
The sight made Harmony’s anger flare. She vowed to herself that one day, she would have her revenge on everyone who looked down on her.
Just then, a firm voice echoed through the room, dispersing the gathered staff’s attention.
“What are you all doing standing around? Get back to work.”
Everyone turned to see the head of the anchor department approaching, causing them to quickly disperse to their desks.
The department head looked at Arianna and Harmony, giving each a quick once-over.
“Are you the new anchors?”
Recognizing her supervisor, Arianna stepped forward confidently and introduced herself.
“Hello, Mr. Lewin. I’m Arianna, the new hire.”
Harmony quickly composed herself and gave a polite smile.
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Lewin. I’m Harmony, also new.”
Clark Lewin, the department head, nodded approvingly.
“Good. Place your things down and join us for a meeting.” He then turned to address two other anchors sitting nearby, saying,
“You two, come along as well.”
Both responded promptly,
“Right away, Mr. Lewin.”
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