Chapter 12
“Regardless of the situation, the damage has been done, and Heavens Arts has sued us for breach of contract. And thanks to your agent, public criticism of Heavens Arts is Intensifying. You’ll have to hear the consequences for this,” Percival said, looking down at Eleanor with an expression reminiscent of divine authority.
“You’re about to become my wife, and 1 don’t want my wife to harm my career. Therefore, Eleanor, to preserve Heavens Arts‘ reputation, you have a duty to clarify that this was merely your agent trying to create hype, and it has nothing to do with Heavens Arts…”
“What’s the difference between accusing Seraphina of exploiting the situation and admitting that I’m doing the same? It was you who called me each time, insisting I take the runway for Celeste at the last minute,” Eleanor’s voice quivered as tears welled in her eyes. “Does this mean I have to be sacrificed just because I’m about to marry you?” “I don’t care; being recognized means you’re responsible,” Percival replied flatly. However, sensing his tone was too sharp, he softened his voice, reaching out to hold Eleanor, but she pushed him away forcefully. “Eleanor, I’m anxious too! And… there will only be this one chance. Once we are married, I will treat you even better…” Gradually, Eleanor stopped crying and gave a slight nod. “My agreement does not equal an admission of guilt regarding any publicity stunt. I want to support your career, but there won’t be a next time.”
“Fine… I understand. There won’t be another chance,” he conceded, but his underlying implication was clear, knowing Eleanor’s nature, she would undoubtedly fall for his manipulations again, especially after they wed.
“The press conference is at three–thirty this afternoon. In a bit, we’ll hold a meeting to fine–tune the statement you need to make.”
“Okay.”
Eleanor wiped away her tears and attempted to regain her composure as she left Percival’s office. Yet, a glimmer of indifference flickered in her eyes.
She couldn’t instantly forget this scoundrel, but she would remain true to her choices.
From now on,
she wouldn’t take the blame for Percival’s mistakes.
With that thought in mind, she returned to her dressing room and called her agent. “Seraphina, Percival wants me to be the scapegoat.”
“Haha, Eleanor, just tell me what I need to do,” her agent replied, brimming with enthusiasm..
This afternoon at three, I will publicly apologize and admit to the media that it was a publicity stunt. Afterward… you can anonymously release the intimate photos of Percival and Celeste from the hospital…”
“Haba, that sounds great! I’ve even thought of a perfect headline: ‘Explosive! Heavens Arts CEO Plays Both Sides; Scoundrel Index Rating Revealed.”
Eleanor couldn’t help but hugh at her agent’s antics, but she quickly added. “I’m sorry, Seraphina, for dragging you into this.”
“Eleanor, as long as you decide to make a fresh start, I’ll help you reclaim your title as the top model, and even become an international supermodel.”
