The executive chairman ran the meeting, and we all paid close attention, no one slacking off like usual.
Except for Emily, who sat next to me, head down, avoiding Robert's eyes.
Even when Robert announced the list of new employees staying in the PR department, Emily clutched my pants leg, her hands shaking.
She seemed to think Robert would target her because of their past, making her fail the probation period.
When Robert mentioned his name, Emily started trembling all over.
But in the end, all three of us newbies were kept on.
Emily let out a big sigh of relief, but you could tell she was still a bit bitter.
I leaned in to comfort her. "It's okay. Whether you stay or go is based on the team leader's ratings. Besides, it's been a while since you and Mr. Williams ended things, and he hasn't bothered you since."
"Maybe he's over it, and now that you have a boyfriend, if Mr. or Mrs. Williams come around, just make it clear you don't have feelings for him anymore. Mr. Williams is a big shot; he won't keep bugging a small employee like you," I added.
Even if Robert did bother Emily, it didn't matter. Sophia would definitely back me up, and if things got bad, I could always tell her about it later.
I'd see if Robert's feelings for Emily were stronger or if Sophia's determination to protect her family won out.
"I'm fine, don't worry," Emily whispered to me.
As the meeting wrapped up, the executive chairman emphasized a few more things.
"Tomorrow, shareholders are coming to inspect the work. Be at the company ten minutes early to welcome them. And take your attire seriously. Guys, shave and wear a tie if needed. Ladies, wear makeup if needed and dress appropriately. As company employees, it's important to maintain a professional image."
"Got it," our PR department responded together.
It was then I remembered Sophia's distant relative was coming tonight, so I'd need an excuse to leave the company later and find Sophia.
After the meeting, while I was still thinking of an excuse, Robert stopped me before I could leave the room.
"David, come with me," he said.
"What? Me?" I turned back, pointing at myself, surprised.
Why didn't he talk to me privately instead of in front of the whole PR department?
Wouldn't this make everyone think I got in through connections?
How was I supposed to stay in the company like this?
I was speechless. Did Robert see Emily and me interacting and think we were close?
"Yes, you. Stay here, we have something to discuss," he confirmed.
Under everyone's gaze, I walked to the conference table and took a seat.
Robert and a few directors sat across from me, and the executive chairman kicked things off, "You're Ryan's brother, right?"
"Yeah," I nodded.
"You two are really impressive young men," he said.
"Thanks for the compliment. So, why'd you call me here?" I asked straight up.
"Tomorrow, some shareholders are coming to check out the work here. You know about that, right?" Robert said.
"Yeah, it was mentioned in the meeting," I nodded.
But from Robert's tone, it seemed like he thought I was in the loop, like I had inside info from Sophia, and he was fishing for details about my relationship with her.
I didn't bite. I steered the conversation back to the meeting, so he couldn't suspect anything about me and Sophia.
"Right, but those shareholders have another agenda. They want a pair of celebrities from the entertainment industry to endorse our company, but they haven't found the right male celebrity," Robert said.
"When I saw you in the PR department today, I thought you might fit the bill. Interested?" he added.
A spokesperson for the company? I didn't think I had it in me.
I hesitated, but to Robert and the others, it probably looked like I was weighing the perks.
The executive chairman waved his hand and made a generous offer. "Don't worry about the fee. There will be four shoots in total, and based on the market rate, you'll get two million per shoot, paid directly to your account."
That was a pretty sweet deal.
Even if I wanted to say no, I couldn't find a reason. Plus, the current popular female celebrities were all stunning. I'd look good just standing next to any of them.
"I don't have a problem with it, but can you tell me who the female celebrity is? I'd like to do some research to avoid any awkwardness when we meet," I said calmly.
"Alice Baker. She's the hottest female celebrity right now. Check her out on your phone, and then come with us to meet her and finalize two photos," Robert said.
"Don't worry, she was picked by the guys in our company. She's top-notch in looks and figure. You two should hit it off. If you can make her fall for you, maybe we can even save on the endorsement fee," the executive chairman said with a sly smile, giving off a creepy vibe.
I got his drift right away and played along, "You're joking. You should take the opportunity yourself."
"No. This woman is very proud and comes from a wealthy family. She's not someone we can just win over easily." He waved his hand, looking a bit down.