The employees lowered their phones and glared at Otto. Otto's face registered pure confusion; his eyes seemed to ask, "What are you guys looking at me for?"
"Mr. Roux, something's up! You know something, don't you? Tell us the truth!"
Otto sent two sets of ellipses in the chat.
"Come on! If you don't tell us, we'll corner you after the meeting!"
"Yeah, tell us! If you don't tell us today, you can forget about leaving the meeting room."
Otto stared at the sudden explosion of messages. Then, his eyes flashed with an idea. He typed, "Boss has put down his phone."
Sure enough, the chat fell silent. When he looked up, the employees appeared to be working diligently. Otto smiled with satisfaction.
Meanwhile, Gwenda had driven out to pick up Cecilia for a photo shoot at an advertising company. About ten minutes later, she met Cecilia and they rushed to the company. Mr. Talley, the advertising manager, greeted them and took them to the dressing room.
Cecilia had just sat down to begin her makeup when they heard a woman's shrill voice from the next room: "How is Cecilia Kelly able to use the private dressing room while I'm forced to use the public one? Call the person in charge! I want to know what makes Kelly better than me!" Everyone heard the outburst.
Mr. Talley looked embarrassed. He smiled at Cecilia and Gwenda and said softly, "Please wait a moment. I'll see what's going on."
"Sure," Gwenda nodded, unconcerned. Such things were common in the entertainment industry; there were always a few attention-seeking troublemakers.
Soon, the woman's shrill voice sounded again. "I don't care! I won't continue the shoot unless I have the private dressing room!"
Mr. Talley tried to soothe her. "Just this once. It won't happen again"
"Next time? There is a next time? You're quite capable, I see!" The woman snorted. "I've said my piece. Solve it, or don't waste my time!"
She stood up to leave. Mr. Talley hurried after her. "Miss Finch, you can't just leave. Today's shoot was meticulously planned."
"My time is invaluable. Get out of my way." She pushed him away.
"Miss Finch" Mr. Talley continued to pursue her.
Gwenda and Cecilia, hearing the commotion, exchanged glances. Cecilia asked, "Why don't we let her have the room?"
Gwenda raised an eyebrow. "She's so arrogant, but you don't mind?"
Cecilia chuckled. "No need to fuss over this." She shrugged it off.
Gwenda nodded. "Since you don't mind, neither do I."
Just then, Mr. Talley entered. "Uh, Miss Kelly, Miss Hana Finch wants"
"It's alright. I'll go next door. She can have this room." Cecilia stood up calmly.
Mr. Talley was surprised. "Thank you, Miss Kelly. You've done me a huge favor."
"No problem," Cecilia smiled and left the room.
Hana Finch, upon learning Cecilia would switch rooms, returned, still arrogant. Passing Cecilia, she snorted disdainfully. Cecilia ignored her and entered the next dressing room.
Hana glanced at her contemptuously. "Oh, stop acting so high and mighty." She then haughtily entered the private dressing room.
Gwenda watched Hana's expressions. Contempt narrowed her eyes, a cold smile briefly playing on her lips. This person is as conceited as ever! she thought, remembering Hana's past publicity scandals. It was truly disgusting. Scoffing, Gwenda looked away.
An hour later, Cecilia finished her makeup, and Gwenda accompanied her to the set. Hana arrived, immediately making various demands before the shoot began.