Chapter 34
Celeste beamed with confidence, a smile breaking across her face. The feeling was buoyed by the presence of Percival, who appeared at the door of the lounge holding a contract. “Come on, my Annual Top Ten! A big campaign is here. We’ve got a meeting to attend,” he called out.
Nodding enthusiastically, Celeste felt elated as they led their team into the conference room to discuss the upcoming endorsement event.
“Even though Celeste lost the HF contract, she’s snagged an international beauty brand. She is the gem of Heavens Arts,” Percival praised, a tone of affectionate pride in his voice. “As for Eleanor, anyone who inquires about her will be turned down. No more discussions about endorsements.”
At his words, Celeste’s smile widened even more. Just then, as they exchanged glances filled with unspoken sentiments, Percival’s phone rang. Initially grinning, his expression darkened as he answered, “Mr. Blair, you can’t just terminate the contract like that.”
“Your and Celeste’s inappropriate video has gone viral. I’m ashamed for you both,” the voice on the other end snapped before hanging up.
“What happened?” Celeste asked, concern flooding her voice.
“The advertisers want this resolved.” Percival pulled out his phone and saw the trending topic–his and Celeste’s intimate hospital video. It was video footage, not just images. It was indisputable. Celeste leaned in, snatching the phone from his hands. After watching the video, she gasped, dropping the phone in shock. “How could this happen? How…?”
The others in the conference room quickly took out their phones to search, but Celeste, feeling like a cat caught with its paw in the cookie jar, shouted, “Don’t look! Don’t
search!”
“It’s over… Everything is over…” Percival groaned, collapsing into his chair, simmers of anger in his voice. “Who is trying to undermine me?”
It wasn’t just within Heavens Arts; Celeste’s official fan group exploded with gossip. Earlier that day, they had confidently defended her character and even targeted Eleanor, only to be smacked down hard with this revelation.
Meanwhile, Seraphina and Eleanor had just landed and joined the fan group chat. Seraphina, watching the flood of negativity against Celeste, typed sarcastically, “I can’t believe Celeste is such a scumbag. We were infatuated with her. Clearly, I need to clean my glasses; I’m going full–on anti–Celeste from now on.”
“Same here…”
“Me too…”
“Let’s take the initiative to admit our mistake and clear Eleanor’s name. We accused her at the airport, and she must have internally known but didn’t lash back. I overheard her telling the police not to hurt us… and I didn’t share this with you before.” A fan shared, guilt lacing her words.
“Also, Eleanor’s schedule was given to us by Celeste’s assistant. We should post that, too.”
Hearing this, a smug smile spread across Seraphina’s face… This felt good.
“The scumbag and the schemer must be panicking right now.”
“Eleanor, how are you so clever? I just adore you!” Seraphina leaned over and planted a kiss on Eleanor’s cheek. “Uh, I don’t love you back…” Eleanor shrugged, slightly grossed out.
“Then who do you love, Lucius?”
Eleanor felt a flash of longing for Victor, especially his kisses… Habit truly is a dangerous thing, especially toxic ones.
