18 The Bitter Truth
Daniel, Eddie & Jake, who were watching the telecast, were equally shocked. They knew it would happen but never did they thought that Rose would expose herself, & that even on her birthday. Daniel saw her standing in a daze where people were consoling her. He tightly clenched his fists. She doesn't need your sympathy! Jake noticed his tensed face & patted him while Eddie suggested, "Bro...Let's go fetch her!"
"Hmm", Daniel replied & stood up. The other two followed behind. Soon, they boarded a less flashy car. Eddie was first to break the silence.
"How did things turn that way?"
"Who knows?", Jake narrowed his eyes.
But Daniel kept his silence all the way to Brigand Mansion.
---
Brigand Mansion
They got down from the car after putting on their disguise. They stirred through the gossiping crowd & found Alice quickly. She was still in a daze & frozen where she stood. Seeing, Daniel felt his heart stabbed a million times. When he pulled her into his embrace, then did she snapped out of her daze. She blinked a few times before leaning into his embrace. Eddie gestured that they'd leave, in case, if they caught attention. Alice looked to the direction where Rose left, before silently leaving the place. Even the return was quiet. Nobody spoke a word.
---
Pink Villa
Eddie & Jake bade farewell after they dropped Alice & Daniel. She sat down quietly on the sofa while Daniel brought her a glass of warm water.
"Here", Daniel passed the glass to her.
"Thanks."
"How are you?", his voice carried a hint of worry.
"Fine."
"Do you want to eat something?"
"No...I just want to sleep."
"Okay."
He accompanied her to her bedroom & coaxed her until she fell asleep.
Then, he made his way to the balcony & dialed a number.
---
The next day
Starlet Super Media
The whole agency was in chaos. Especially, Jenny was going berserk to see the other two girls peacefully surfing the web.
"How are you two so nonchalant?", the worrywart yelled impatiently.
"Because, we're anticipating something like that would happen sooner or later", Sofia shrugged nonchalantly.
"You...", Jenny was furious beyond words.
"It's the truth. The bitter truth", Peach said bitterly.
Someone barged in the door & yelled, "Miss Rose had arrived."
Jenny rushed outside, clutched her shoulders & shook her violently, "How dare of you to expose yourself like that? Why did you put us in the stake?" Peach & Sofia followed behind.
Rose closed her eyes & said calmly, "Jenny...", she turned her head, "There's no point in yelling like that." Nobody noticed the dark briefcase in her hand until she dropped it on the floor heavily.
"What's this?", Jenny eyed it suspiciously.
"Hydrogen bomb."
"What?!?"
"My compensation for breaching the contract."
Rose turned away without waiting for their reply. Everyone looked at her with their mouths hanging open. Peach & Sofia followed suit.
---
Alice woke up after yawning heavily. She saw Daniel looking at her in an amused away. She furrowed her brows, "What?"
"You look beautiful", he added in an amused manner. She eyed him suspiciously. Noticing her cautious gaze, he added, "I want to tell you something."
"What?"
"I want to publicly announce that you'd signed with Amnesty Entertainment. Are you ready for that?"
"I guess it's best to announce now because of the hype created by Rose's confession. So, I'm ready", she smiled.
"Then, get ready. I'm calling for the press conference to be arranged."
,,,,
Very soon, the media outlets were informed that the CEO of Amnesty Entertainment had called a press conference. Everyone, in the agency, was indeed curious about the sudden press conference. Because, except Lin, no one knew that she had already signed in the contract.
---
Hotel River Flint, Conference Hall
The hall was bustling with reporters. One by one the stars of the agency made their way to the front row of seats. The cameras were snapped furiously. Gossip, gossip everywhere. Till now, the biggest headlines were Rose's confession on her birthday. Who knew the biggest headlines of the month or perhaps the year would be released today?
Very soon, Riley Miller, the head of the PR department made his way to the podium. "Hello everyone", His voice echoed through the hall & at once the reporters were silent. Because he was a figure known to give you the hardest face slaps. This was the reason why people never dared to mess with the insiders & artists. Who knew who would end up with the harshest face slap?
"My dear friends of Media, this morning has a special significance", he didn't go about in circles & jumped straight to the point, "because our agency welcomes another member today."
The artists sitting below glanced at each other & began whispering. Even the reporters couldn't refrain themselves from whispering. Cameras were snapped furiously. In case, if they missed the new artist! Such a huge loss.
Seeing their reactions, a smile spread across Riley's face, "Before she arrives, we welcome our CEO on the stage to take his seat. Later, he'll address the media."
Everyone saw Daniel Adley walking to the stage. He was wearing a light blue tuxedo which complimented his chiseled body. He gracefully took his seat.
Very soon, "Morning Star" began playing. The song was a memorable hit by Jones Buds. Everyone squealed in delight.
Riley continued, "Please welcome on stage our new artist Miss Alice Buds with a round of applause."
Everyone turned their attention to the door as rhythmic applause sounded through the hall. Very soon, a girl in her early twenties, wearing an exclusive dress from Elixir Fashion. It was embroidered with flowers flowing from the neck to the feet. Everyone recognized the exclusive dress that won the recent fashion week. The girl swiftly moved while everyone gawked at her breathtaking beauty.
