12 A hectic day updated (1/2)

- Next day, Thesus company headquarters -

”What do you mean numerous scandals were released!?” shouted the man angrily.

”Sir, I have no idea how those people got their hands on this information. It was secured by us and no one but a few trusted top managers of the company and the involved stars knew about those. Our teams are currently trying to find the source of the leak,” answered the assistant nervously.

Her boss was usually so easy-going, but here he was without any ounce of that carefree attitude. Instead stood a man with a darkened expression and a bursting anger that looked like a ticking bomb that was going to destroy everyone around him at any moment. She couldn't remember ever seeing him so enraged.

The man took a deep breath while his assistant stood there afraid to even take a breath. Understanding that losing his temper was not the best choice now Ren said with a calm, but assertive tone,

”The source is not what's important now. Call for an emergency meeting in 10minutes. I want everyone from the top management to be present. Make sure the artists involved in the scandals are also there together with their managers. Now, go.”

Ren collapsed in his seat and after taking few minutes to compose himself, stood up and headed towards the conference room.

- At the same time, Harding corps headquarters -

In the silent office, Will was working on his laptop, when suddenly the silence was broken by the sound of the door opening. He furrowed his brows, but the next moment, upon seeing the old man at the door, he quickly stood up and walked to his grandfather.

William Harding Sr. man was in his 70s but filled with vigour nevertheless. His head of white was held in a proud and authoritative manner. His expression though was a bit out of usual: his face, that told a story of countless experiences, now held a happy smile on it. His eyes, that were hardened by years of battles and struggles, were now shining like the stars in the sky.

'Seems like I am in deep trouble,' Will thought to himself as he gave a handshake to the old man and helped him settle down.

”Boy, I have such good news for you that I could not help but come here personally,” the old man chided like a child.

”Hmm?” Will just raised his brows waiting for him to start. Somehow he didn't have a good premonition, but he still waited for his grandfather to talk.

The next moment the old man started with his eyes turned into crescents and a beaming smile plastered on his face,

”William Harding Jr.! She has actually chosen you!”

Will couldn't believe what he just heard. No, correctly speaking, he didn't want to believe it.

Of course he knew about this weird tradition of Silverine, but he also knew that the men who accompanied the princess were seen as her marriage prospects.

Humans were imaginative creatures: him going there would surely spread a word about his nonexistent feelings towards the princess. That was the last thing he wanted.

What if Sia also misunderstood? The thought gave him shudders.

”What if I refuse?

”You cannot! Your refusal could potentially worsen the relationship between our countries and you would be branded a traitor to your nation! Moreover, instead of idling around here you should quickly get ready as your plane is taking off in 2 hours.”

Will fell into a stupor. What the heck was going on? Did he really not have a choice?

”Gramps, I don' want to ...” he tried to explain but was immediately interrupted by his grandfather.

”No young man. It's not about what you want. It's a duty you must fulfil. You have to go!” the old man said strictly.

As if to add salt to his wounds, the old Harding continued, ”Moreover, she is one of the most beautiful women in the world. The two of you might...”

”Stop! I understand, I will go. But there is no way in hell there will be anything between us.”

The old man remained silent and then left the room with an all-knowing smile.

'The matters of the heart cannot be reasoned: if you feel then you feel,' he thought.

After being left alone Will robotically turned and started walking towards his desk-chair. However, the next moment he made a sharp turn and punched the wall on his side with all his might. He continued punching it despite his bleeding knuckles.

Whatever, he didn't care.

”F*ck!” he punched for the last time and slowly slid onto the floor with his back on the wall.

--

- Avalta company headquarters -