Chapter 45
Connor woke up in the middle of the night, instinctively reaching out to pull Chloe close, only to find the bed next to him empty. Sitting up, he heard the faint sound of an engine starting outside.
He walked over to the balcony and saw Chloe driving away from Greenpeace Estate. A flicker of irritation crossed his face. It was always the same with her: she’d use him and then leave, never considering his feelings.
Yet, thinking back to her fierce demeanor earlier that evening, he felt like she was venting some deep-seated frustration. He knew something must have been bothering her—something more than just an interview. Could it be because of him? Connor's expression darkened at the thought.
The next morning, when Chloe arrived at the TV station, the place was buzzing. Everyone was gathered around Linda, who was set to interview the "King of Eldridge." Word of her extravagant dinner, costing nearly a fortune, had spread like wildfire, even attracting curiosity from other departments. Linda had gone all out for this interview, assembling a team far larger than the usual reporter and cameraman. She even had two assistants by her side.
Given that this was a live interview, the station provided a dedicated crew and launched a new segment called "The Elite," with Connor as its inaugural guest, underscoring the station’s high expectations.
Though the interview was scheduled for nine, Linda and her team set off at eight.
Just as they were about to leave, the station director arrived, causing a stir throughout the room. Renowned for his busy schedule, the director seldom visited to the actual station. It was evident that he too was here for Linda's sake. He presented a few words of encouragement. Linda humbly assured, "I promise to successfully carry out the interview."
The director, a figure of authoritative demeanor nearly past sixty, nodded in approval and gave Tony a firm pat on the shoulder. “You've indeed found a treasure for our station. Eldridge TV got in touch yesterday,” he said, “I must say, it felt good to finally have something to brag about."
Promptly at eight, Linda and her team began their journey. Chloe remained at her desk, engrossed in the script she had been given. Vivian couldn’t help but to gossip about the recent events with her colleagues close to Chloe’s desk.
“Look at Linda, managing to secure an interview with the King of Eldridge after just two days. Someone's about to be dethroned from their 'Interviewing Warrior' title," she giggled.
"When even the station director comes in person, Linda's position as the prime-time female host seems indisputable." Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.
"Next month's Golden Microphone Host Competition offers only one participation spot from our station. I bet it’s reserved for Linda."
Chloe merely responded to the whispers with silence.
Eight-twenty on the dot, Linda and her team arrived at the CNR Tower. They stepped off the coach, and were greeted by a man who introduced himself as Teddy, the CEO's secretary. Teddy personally led them into the CNR Tower.
Linda's young assistants gushed over the grand welcome saying, "The CEO's secretary himself came to receive us. Linda really does have influence."
"I wonder if Linda and Mr.Connor are friends. Only high-profile interviews receive such a lavish reception."
Linda overheard their whispers, maintaining her demeanor that was always humble and gentle, but the smile on her lips deepened ever so slightly.
In truth, even Linda was uncertain. Both she and Chloe had been unable to convince Connor for an interview the previous day. Then why did he have a change of heart and even go out of his way to call the station?