"What's with the attitude?" As soon as I opened the door, she started yelling. I dropped the smile and put on a poker face. "…Liar!"
Jennifer was taken aback by my sudden change in demeanor. "You... you did this on purpose to embarrass me!"
"Last night's live stream was an accident. I'm really sorry," I admitted. I knew Jennifer had been thoroughly roasted after the stream ended.
"Do you even realize Bruce is someone I had my eye on? What makes you think you're good enough for him? Just you? You'll never be the lead!" Jennifer, seeing me back down, took the opportunity to lounge on my couch, crossing her legs. I gritted my teeth. She was pushing it too far.
"Jennifer, I have a bit of a quirk. I've got a camera in my room. Maybe I should just release this recording for you?"
I pointed to the TV, where a small black box was aimed directly at us. "Go ahead, keep going. Say what you need to about Bruce being yours—I'm all ears." Leaning against the wall with my arms crossed and a half-smile on my face, I watched her.
"Are you threatening me?" Jennifer, ever the drama queen, only had a flicker of panic in her eyes before she settled into a sneer. "Do you have any idea what happens to people who cross me?"
"I'm all ears," I said, playing along.
"Right now, I call shots at the company, and you're about to be sidelined!"
I pointed to the camera. "Everything's already recorded."
Jennifer, fuming and tottering on her high heels, stormed out with her bag swinging.
After that, Emily asked, "You really do have a camera in here?"
"Not really. Just bluffing her."
"And how are things with Bruce?"
"Not great."
Since Bruce made his feelings known, I'd been avoiding him to dodge any further complications. With Jennifer's exaggerations and the company's growing issues, I was feeling pretty cornered.
"Cecilia, the company's lined up a variety show for you. It'll be a good way to lay low for a while."
"What variety show, Emily?"
"You'll find out when you get there."
