Chapter 226 Agreeing to Her Demand
Chloe gave Pearl a once-over and then burst out laughing. "You are Oscar's wife? Come on, Pearl, you can't be serious. You really think I'd fall for that?"
Chloe's eyes were full of disdain. "If you were his wife, you'd have fixed the orphanage issue by now. You came to me because you had no other options. Don't feed me that nonsense. I'm not a fool!"
Pearl knew she was technically still married to Oscar since they hadn't officially divorced. Telling Chloe didn't matter. It was the simplest solution Pearl could think of, but Chloe wasn't buying it.
"If I help you, will you back off from the orphanage issue?" Pearl asked.
Pearl thought it over. The best outcome with the least hassle was to help Chloe once. Whether they could negotiate afterward depended on Chloe.
Chloe sneered. "Dropping the act now, huh?"
Setting up a meeting with Oscar was easy for Pearl. One shouldn't care too much about personal relationship in business. If they could strike a deal, it would be mutually beneficial, and the orphanage issue would be easier to handle. If not, it wasn't her problem.
Pearl figured this was the best way. "I can set up the meeting."
Chloe said, "You've been around Oscar long enough. You should be able to find a way to get him out. This is on you. If you can't even do that, forget about staying at the TV station; you'll be stuck typing forever."
Chloe's words dripped with sarcasm, her attitude smug. She stepped closer to Pearl, her eyes full of contempt. "I'm just being honest. It may sound harsh, but it's the truth."
Pearl didn't take Chloe's words to heart and replied calmly, "You don't need to tell me that."
Chloe laughed triumphantly. "I'll be waiting for your good news."
With that, Chloe left. She knew Pearl would comply. Once she completed this task, the chief editor position would be hers. All her years of climbing the ladder would finally pay off.
After Chloe left, Pearl stayed put, sipping her coffee and scrolling through her phone. Her screen stopped at a message from Oscar. Pearl hadn't replied yet; she was still figuring out her next move.
Emma had been fuming at Chloe's arrogance. She couldn't say anything while Chloe was there, but once she left, Emma let loose. "I told you she's awful, willing to do anything to get what she wants! Pearl, did you really agree to help her? It's fine if you can set up a meeting with Oscar, but why should we put up with this?"
Pearl said, "She won't get the chance."
Emma looked at Pearl, puzzled. "What do you mean? Can't you set up the meeting, or will Oscar refuse? If you can't set it up, won't that backfire on you?"
"I can set it up, but Oscar won't agree," Pearl said calmly. "I'll do what I can, and she shouldn't make things difficult for me."
Chloe had met Oscar once, and he didn't agree.
Setting up a meeting wouldn't make Oscar agree unless he was in a desperate situation. Plus, Oscar hated being threatened, but Chloe was way too confident.
"But you still have to put up with this crap," Emma grumbled. "Why doesn't she just find someone else to connect with Oscar and leave you alone?"
Pearl replied, "She just wants to intimidate me, to show that no one in this department can defy her."
Emma asked curiously, "Pearl, you said you're Oscar's wife. Is that true?"
Emma was starting to believe Pearl.
Pearl paused, turned off her phone, and said, "Yes, but not for much longer."
"Let's go. We need to get back."
Emma was stunned as Pearl grabbed her bag and stood up. Pearl needed to come up with a solution that worked for both sides. Emma still didn't fully understand but didn't press further.
They returned to the office. Chloe, Piper, and Hazel were already celebrating.
"Chloe, did you really set up a meeting with Oscar?" Piper asked. "I knew you could do it!"
"When are we going? What should I prepare? I've never met someone so important. Chloe, can I stand next to you?" Hazel asked eagerly.
Chloe smirked. "It'll be in the next couple of days. I'll take both of you. Watch and learn!"
"Got it. We'll definitely learn from you, Chloe!"
Chloe boasted, "Oscar is different. His influence in Willow Creek is huge. Getting an exclusive interview with him is rare. Any connection with him can make your life much better."
"Chloe, you're amazing!"
Colleagues who heard about Chloe's supposed meeting with Oscar joined in. "Chloe, you're incredible. Anything you touch turns to gold. If you secure this, you owe us a meal."
"Sure, no problem. I remember those who are good to me," Chloe said, hinting that everyone should stay on her good side.
"We're looking forward to your good news. We'll be counting on you to lead us!"
Everyone took the chance to praise her. If Chloe became the editor-in-chief, they needed to be on good terms with her.
Hearing this as they returned, Emma felt like she'd been slapped in the face. Her expression was about to change.
Pearl, however, acted like nothing happened. As she passed by, she overheard Chloe's digs. "Of course, as long as some people don't talk nonsense and lack ability, making everyone embarrassed and achieving nothing, while causing trouble for me."
"Sure. But who made things difficult for you?" a colleague asked.
Chloe glanced at Pearl and sneered. "Nothing worth mentioning. I'm magnanimous and don't hold grudges."
As Chloe passed by Pearl, she whispered, "Don't forget to arrange the meeting within the next two days."
Then Chloe returned to her workstation. Pearl was on her phone. She opened the message from Oscar.
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