Chapter 101: Supportive Girlfriend?

> Ambryan Hathaway, CEO of Eros Productions, Announces Collaboration with Novel Fans!

> 'Define Love' Scandal: the Good, the Bad and Everything in Between

> Asking Fans for Help? Is Eros Making the Right Decision?

> Why this Collaboration from Eros is Important 

> Eros Seeks Aid from Novel Fans! Are They Admitting to their Incompetence?

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The above headlines would appear in tonight's and tomorrow's news. Ambryan proved himself to be a trailblazer with the announcement. The press conference continued for another hour. Raised questions were answered as best as they could. 

Eve's phone vibrated in her pocket. She took it out and unlocked the device. The new message contained a picture of a TV. The screen showed the current stream from the video camera—Ambryan talking over his mic while the others looked straight ahead.

``Your boyfriend sure is something…`` Andie wrote after she sent the photo.

Chuckling, Eve typed a reply. ``Oh, my boss is definitely something.``

``Sure, sure. Be that way.``

She pressed her lips together and looked back at the conference. Out of all the decisions Ambryan made, this one made a deep impression on her. She was sure the fans also felt the same. She hadn't heard of something like this in the past.

That was when an idea popped in her head. 

Before she could think twice, she opened Evangeline's social media account and added a new 'story' that would disappear after 24 hours. 

Using the photo Andie sent, she added a caption over it, ``As an avid reader myself, this took me by surprise. Hope future adaptations would take something from this initiative from Eros. It's not a lot. It's not perfect. But it is a step in the right direction.`` 

Eve watched as the story uploaded. 

She had gained a few followers but had never used the account before. It would probably be overlooked but, at least, she did something now that she had a bigger voice. 

"Thank you, everyone, for joining us here today," Madison said as the others stood up. "We will make formal statements once this new development is cleared on its details. Please look forward to it."

Ambryan followed behind him. The directors decided to use the other side, exiting behind the curtain. Security guards stood by to make sure unauthorized personnel wouldn't cross over. Anyone who had thought of it became discouraged.

It seemed that this really was the end of the conference.

"One last question, Mr. Hathaway!" A male reporter shouted. His booming voice caught everyone's attention. Their eyes snapped towards the CEO, waiting for his response.

Ambryan halted in his steps. He tucked his hands inside his pant pockets. "Alright. What is it?" 

The reporter grinned. Relief and triumph erupted in his chest. He spoke quickly, afraid to suddenly lose this chance, "Ms. Evangeline Reed just posted about her positive support on this decision. Can we know what is your relationship with her and if she's involved in this matter?"

Eve choked on her own spit. 

She coughed it out, pressing her hand against the wall. Her upper body bent over from the sensation. It hadn't been five minutes and someone found her story? Just how fast were these people?

Madison turned his head and coughed into his fist. On the inside, he anticipated Ambryan's answer as much as the next person. He may have looked away but his ears were on alert.

"Thank you for bringing this to my attention but no," Ambryan responded in one breath, "My girlfriend is not involved in decisions I make for the company. Have a good day."

He headed for the curtain and did not look back.

Another uproar rose from the audience. A new round of questions pierced through the air. With Ambryan dropping another bomb, no one knew what to focus on anymore. The CEO was known for his string of flings and this was the only time he called any woman as his girlfriend.

This conference was a land mine! And they were more than happy to have been invited!

Among them, one person felt her ears grow hot. The heat travelled down to her neck and up to her forehead. It wasn't the first time Eve heard Ambryan say those two words. So, why was she affected more than usual?

Was it because he said them to thousands of people?

Her phone vibrated again. She received another message from her best friend. 

.

Andie S: ``How oddly specific of him… Are you sure he doesn't know it's you?``

Everlee H: ``Shut up.``

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Taking a deep breath, Eve straightened her back. Her throat had gone dry from the intense coughing. She grabbed some water from the food table and quenched her thirst. 

"Ms. Hart," a security said behind her, "Sir Hathaway and Sir Madison are looking for you."

"I'll be right there."

Eve slapped her cheeks. She told herself to get it together. Her position was a secretary and not a girlfriend. She shouldn't be the one flushed from the brief display of affection. 

Her legs hurriedly made their way towards the private area. 

Members of the PR Team lingered, conversing with the panel. They raised a few points and gave a few reminders. 

Madison spotted the secretary first.

He spread his arms wide and walked up to her. "Eve! What happened to you? I thought you'd be here before us."

Eve bowed her head. "Apologies, President. I was watching the conference from the back. Congratulations on its success."

"Were you shocked? I know I was!" Madison laughed. He had been holding it back all this time. His hands clasped her shoulders. "You didn't think your boss could be a romantic, did you? I'm sure this is far different from any relationship he had you break—"

"King, don't be too loud. You never know who is listening," Ambryan scolded after the President. Eve broke free and stood behind the former. Although it was their standard position, she couldn't look at his face.

His statement still echoed in her head like a broken record.

"Excuse me but… I would like to th-thank you both again, S-Sir Hathaway and Sir Madison," Sam stammered. "It's our studio that caused this trouble but you two handled the matter on our behalf. We greatly appreciate the help."

"Aw, Sam old boy." Madison moved and wrapped his arm around the pudgy man's shoulders. "You heard what Mr. Hotshot said. We're all on the same side. Count on us whenever there is a problem."

"Then, is it possible to expand the search for the cast?" Rowen opened up, her arms crossed over her chest. "We still cannot decide on the two main leads. We have doubts on the current auditions and it has been a month."

"Send me a proposal about it," Ambryan replied curtly. He fixed his cufflinks. They had come undone during the conference.

"Why don't we all eat out? Dinner is on me." The President grinned. 

"We ate before the conference, remember?" Ambryan countered with a scowl.

"But that was an afternoon snack. This is for dinner and for celebrating."

"Unfortunately, I still have work to do. I can't join you," he pointed out. They had spent the afternoon preparing for the conference. Overtime already waited for him once office hours were done.

"Come on! It's Friday! Have some fun." Madison gripped Sam closer. He didn't want to let anyone go. A mountain of paperwork was on his desk. He'd rather not see them until the next week.

"Mother wants to spend time over the weekend. I want to finish as much work as I can."

At the mention of Avery, the President surrendered. He tilted his head to the side and glanced behind Ambryan. "And you're going to drag poor Eve along with you."

The secretary smiled in return. "Actually, I'm allowed to leave when my shift ends."

Madison's face lit up. "So you'll come with us?"

"Sorry, President. I already have plans later."

Tomorrow would be Evangeline's second modelling shoot. Not only would she head for the complex but also she would be meeting her bodyguard today. The latter would be staying with her in the condominium. 

Since this would be their first meeting, she didn't want to be late. 

"Hmm…" Madison narrowed his green eyes. His gaze darted between the two, decoding a secret message. A mischievous grin stretched his lips. "I see. That's okay then. Just promise me that we'd eat out another day."

"Then, we'll be leaving first." Ambryan nodded. Then, he spun on his heels and headed for the exit. Eve mimicked his example and followed behind him, staying in his shadow. 

The President heaved a sigh. "I guess it will just be three of us."

Sam gulped. Sweat coated the back of his neck. He couldn't think of a better way to say the following, "Um, sorry, Sir Madison. We'll also be going. The studio needs our attention."

Madison no longer protested. His spirit had already disappeared. He pulled his arm back and released the director. "Take care on your way."

"Thank you."

Another sigh escaped his lips. 

He felt his phone vibrate in his pocket and answered the call without looking at the screen.

"Hello?"

"Sir Madison!" Riffle exclaimed from the other line. "It's time to go back to work."

Chills shivered down the President's spine. Why, oh why, did he pick up? Panicking, he said the first thing that came to his mind, "I can't! We're going out to eat!"

"But your companions already left."

"How did you—" Madison began to ask.

But, his secretary cut him off. "Office. Now. No excuses."