CHAPTER 309
After the meeting, Clark and Arianna walked back to the anchor department.
Clark’s face was dark with irritation, and tension hung around him like a storm cloud. As soon as they reached the office, he called out sharply,
“All anchors, please gather for a meeting immediately!”
He turned pointedly to Arianna, his voice cold and dismissive.
“This meeting will determine who will be assigned to conduct the exclusive interview with Professor Cornwell. Arianna, you’re not required to attend.”
It was clear—Clark had just removed her from the assignment.
Though he couldn’t do anything to Arianna in front of the higher-ups, back in the anchor department, he had all the control.
Escaping the self-review was one thing, but Clark was determined to make her life difficult from here on out.
Without another word, he spun on his heel and strode into his office, slamming the door behind him.
The other two anchors exchanged smug glances, clearly pleased with the new turn of events.
With Arianna no longer in the running, their chances had just increased, and her absence meant one less talented rival in their way. Smiling to themselves, they rose from their seats and made their way toward the meeting room.
Harmony also got up, but instead of joining the others right away, she approached Arianna with a sly, triumphant smile.
Leaning in close, she whispered, “Arianna, even if the general manager saved you from that self-review, it doesn’t change a thing. You’ve already lost your shot at the assignment, and your chances of becoming Ms. Goldman’s apprentice are practically nonexistent.”
Arianna simply smiled back, completely unfazed.
“Then give it your all, Harmony. If you do land the interview, I’ll even buy you a bouquet to celebrate.”
Harmony’s smirk faltered as Arianna’s confidence seemed unbreakable.
Harmony could hear the mockery in Arianna’s voice, but instead of feeling irritated, she was confident in her impending success.
“I’ll let you in on a little secret. The reason you dodged that public self-review wasn’t your own doing—it was all thanks to me. So you can start preparing your flower basket now, and I’ll be happy to accept it when the time comes.”
Arianna just smiled. “We’ll see about that.”
Harmony saw the smile as a sign of desperation, a weak effort to hide her disappointment. She tossed her hair back dramatically before heading to the conference room, her heels making a sharp clicking sound on the floor.
Arianna returned to her desk, trying to put the conversation out of her mind.
Just as she sat down, a cup of steaming coffee was placed gently on her desk.
She looked up to see Annabelle, the young secretary, smiling warmly at her.
“I made this for you, Mrs. King. Sugar-free with extra milk, just how you like it.”
It was a small, comforting gesture, but one that meant a lot to Arianna at that moment. In a place where everyone else seemed too afraid to take a stand, it was surprising to see Annabelle offering kindness so openly.
She knew that Clark, as head of the anchor department, had the power to alienate her, and most people were likely too intimidated to show any support, but Annabelle wasn’t like the others.
Arianna smiled back, genuinely touched.
“Thank you. I’ll take my time to enjoy it.”
Annabelle gave a little fist pump as if cheering her on before turning to leave.
As Annabelle walked away, Arianna watched her for a moment before lifting the cup. She blew gently on the surface to cool it down and took a careful sip.
It was perfect—just the right balance of flavours, exactly how she liked it. For a moment, she allowed herself to relax, savouring the simple pleasure before the storm ahead.
...........
Clark surveyed the three anchors seated before him in the conference room. Two of them had been with him for a while—loyal and obedient, but their work lacked any real distinction. Their performances had been unremarkable, and Clark found himself unable to consider either of them for the interview.
Arianna, the news anchor, was proving to be a constant thorn in his side. Harmony, on the other hand, was still somewhat of a mystery. Clark wasn’t sure if she was someone worth recommending, so he decided to watch and wait before making a decision.
After a moment of contemplation, Clark spoke up.
“The decision is in your hands. Whichever one of you three earns the opportunity to interview Professor Cornwell will not only conduct the interview but also handle the coverage. This is a rare chance, and I’m sure you all understand how valuable it is.”
Clark leaned back in his chair, surveying the three anchors with a sense of superiority.
“You each have one minute to make your case. Why should you be chosen for this assignment?”
He gestured to the group. “Who wants to go first?”
The other two anchors eagerly raised their hands, but Harmony remained calm and seated, showing no sign of urgency. Her composed demeanour piqued Clark’s interest.
He raised an eyebrow, curiosity creeping into his voice. “What’s the matter, Harmony? Don’t you want this opportunity?”
With a confident smile, Harmony met his gaze.
“It’s not that I’m not interested, Mr. Lewin. It’s just that this opportunity is already mine.”
Clark’s intrigue deepened.
“You’re that sure of yourself?” he asked, a smirk tugging at his lips. “You think I’ll pick you?”
Harmony looked at him unwaveringly, her confidence radiating.
“This isn’t about whether you choose me, Mr. Lewin. Professor Cornell has already made his decision. He’s picked me.”
Clark paused for a moment, taken aback. Harmony continued, casually adding,
“The reason Professor Cornell announced on GossipNet that he would only accept an interview with Starlight TV is because I spoke with him over the weekend. He was convinced by my sincerity.”
Clark had been puzzled when he first saw the announcement on GossipNet. He had been trying to piece it together ever since, but he had no idea it was Harmony who had secured the interview.
“You were the one who convinced him?” he asked, surprise evident in his voice.
Harmony nodded with a steady, confident smile.
“Yes. I planned to tell you earlier, but you went straight to the meeting this morning before I had the chance.”
Clark let out a small chuckle. “Well, that works out perfectly.” He stood up and walked over to Harmony, giving her a congratulatory pat on the shoulder.
“I’ll leave the interview to you. Well done, Harmony. I’m looking forward to seeing your report.”
Once the interview was complete and the report impressed the higher-ups, Clark could then focus on guiding Harmony’s further success.
Harmony smiled with confidence. “Don’t worry, Mr. Lewin. I’ll make sure it’s a success.”
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