It was clear that this live stream was timed to capitalize on the trending topic.
Zoey's brow furrowed as she clicked onto the live broadcast of the up-and-coming starlet, a fresh face that Arthur's former company had been pushing lately.
She had played a supporting role in Arthur's last TV series, and the company had been deliberately stirring up dating rumors between the two.
Now, the starlet was crying on camera while her fans typed frantic messages below.
[Is this about trouble with Arthur?]
[That jerk must've hooked up with someone from Star Movie Group. I recognize the woman in the photo with him; it's Zoey from Star Movie Group.]
[Gross, those two should go to hell.]
[Yeah, that's definitely Zoey. Saw her in some other actress's photos before. She's calling the shots at Star Movie Group now, right?]
As the starlet continued to sob without offering any explanation, her fans only grew more sympathetic. Before long, the sympathy for her shot to the second spot on the trending topics.
The first was the gossip about Zoey and Arthur.
Zoey watched the video, her face darkened as she finally realized why John had asked her to knock on that door earlier.
Security at the hotel was always tight; there had never been issues with paparazzi before. This photo had to have been orchestrated by John himself, an underhanded move that was hard to predict.
Elvis instructed his team to monitor the online chatter closely, and then turned to Zoey.
"What's the plan?"
Right now, even if Zoey came out to clarify, nobody would believe her because the photo was authentic.
If she told the truth, that she was just waking Arthur up, the fans would only be more convinced that there was an affair.
Moreover, since Arthur had recently jumped ship to Star Movie Group, they had planned to announce his transfer on Twitter immediately. Now, that news had to be put on hold, lest it throw Zoey and Arthur further into the storm.
Unable to explain and unable to announce Arthur's new association with Star Movie Group. A chill passed through her gaze. Corporate backstabbing of this nature was frowned upon in the industry.
She looked up, massaging the bridge of her nose, "Let's hold off on announcing Arthur's signing for now. I need to think of another way to handle this."
Not explaining would affect Arthur's reputation too, casting him as the bad guy. She turned to Arthur, "You need to go on Twitter and clarify your relationship with her. Your fans already know your old company was bleeding you dry. You can be a bit more emphatic this time."
"Alright."
The others exchanged puzzled looks, wondering what had gotten into him. This was the first time he'd been so obviously distracted during a meeting.
After it ended, Fitch returned to his office and couldn't resist checking the trending topics again. The comments vilifying Zoey had surpassed a hundred thousand, all suggesting she was throwing herself at Arthur, who had not reciprocated.
Arthur's reputation had always been stellar, with many female stars noting his gentlemanly behavior in interviews.
Now that Arthur had cleared the air about that starlet but had left out Zoey, she was left in an unfavorable position.
Most comments were lambasting Zoey, with a few criticizing the starlet for streaming at such a crucial time, obviously aiming to ride the wave of attention.
"Both women are shameless; Arthur's the real victim here."
"Bled dry by his studio, forced to boost Yvonne's profile, and now some random woman's making moves on him. And since she's high up, he can't afford to offend her."
"Could Zoey be trying to pull some casting couch nonsense? Let's be honest, Arthur's got the kind of face that's popular in the cougar circles."
Fitch sat back, succumbing to curiosity and googled Arthur's photos. After a close examination, he came to a conclusion.
Nothing special.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Dear Ex-wife Marry Me novel (Maja)
Author, would you story about Ryan settling down and another story on Eric regaining his body and memories back from Patrick, and Eric also settling down as I find it so disheartening for him to have gone through what he went through at the research institute, and I'll like for him to get his "golden boy" life back though, not at the detriment of Ian....
When will the author update to finish Beck's story? What about Dylan and Tyler's love lives? Also, I'll like the author to write on Wilma and Elvis ending up together as she was quite persistent in pursuing him. And Shawn's story, Cornelia Sullivan and Omar Casson. Also, a little write-up on Jeff (Ian's assistant) love life, too. Thanks, author for updating....
When will get update?...
What is wrong that the author has not updated this novel in over a month or is there somewhere else that I can continue reading the novel from chapter 1951 upwards? Do tell, please. Thanks....
Is everything alright with writer?...
Author, why are there no updates after almost 2 weeks? What's going on with the updates,Author? Do update soon....
Will any update make for us?...
Is author ok...
Playing too much with my emotions. It’s been 9 days and no updates. What is going on with Fitch and Zoey?...
Is author playing with our emotions?...