On the spotlight

Chapter 11- What do you want?

“That was a lot of drama she pulled there,” Rachel said, pushing the office door open with her shoulder, a stack of papers balanced in her hands. Her tone was light, but the exasperation in her voice was unmistakable.

“I know, right? I just wonder how she was hired here in the first place,” Emily replied, not looking up from her laptop, her fingers flying across the keyboard.

Rachel let out a short laugh and dropped the files on the desk with a soft thud. “Here’s the script for the audition.”

Emily glanced at the stack briefly before resuming her work. “Thanks. You know, I’ve always wondered why she left Red Carpet Productions. It seemed like such a cushy gig.”

Rachel raised an eyebrow, leaning against the desk. “You think she left? The way she acts, I wouldn’t be surprised if she was pushed out. People like her don’t just walk away from opportunities like that.”

Emily frowned, her gaze momentarily shifting from the screen. “I try to ignore her bad attitude, I really do, but lately, it’s getting on my nerves.”

Rachel nodded knowingly, her expression turning thoughtful. “She has this... presence. Like she thrives on stirring the pot. It’s almost like she’s testing how far she can push people.”

Emily let out a frustrated sigh, closing her laptop with a snap. “I just don’t get what her endgame is. Is it attention? Control? Or does she just enjoy watching everyone else scramble?”

Rachel shrugged but didn’t answer. The room fell silent for a moment, the tension palpable as both women seemed lost in their own thoughts.

Their conversation was abruptly cut short by a soft knock on the door.

“Come in,” Emily called out distractedly, her gaze returning to her laptop as she opened it again.

The door creaked open, and Emily spoke again, her tone sharp. “Mika, what do you want this time?”

“I just came to check on you and Mika,” a familiar male voice replied smoothly.

Emily’s head snapped up in surprise, and she instantly paled. “My apologies, sir,” she said quickly, her voice suddenly formal as she realized it was Noah standing in the doorway.

Rachel straightened up, a polite smile on her face, but the unease between the three of them was tangible.

Noah stepped inside, his sharp gaze flicking between them. “Am I interrupting something?”

“No, of course not,” Rachel said, quickly clearing the files from the desk as if trying to appear busy.

Emily shook her head, struggling to mask her earlier annoyance. “Just finalizing some details for the audition.”

Noah’s lips quirked into a half-smile, though his eyes betrayed nothing. “Good. Let’s make sure everything runs smoothly. “Mika will go to the audition with you”

Rachel and Emily exchanged a quick glance, unsure whether his comment was meant as a warning or a mere observation.

Before either of them could respond, Noah added, “I trust there won’t be any unnecessary drama during the auditions.” His tone was calm, but the weight of his words hung in the air like a storm cloud.

“Of course not,” Emily replied quickly, her tone too eager to sound convincing.

“Sir, is everything okay?” Emily asked, her voice tinged with concern. She was surprised to see Noah seated so casually, yet there was a hint of something unreadable in his expression.

“Yes,” Noah replied, his tone deliberate. “I was just thinking… I haven’t properly congratulated you on your award. Bringing such honor to this company means a lot to me.”

Emily blinked, caught off guard by his words. “Oh… thank you, sir. It’s my pleasure to contribute.”

A small smile tugged at the corner of Noah’s lips. “Pleasure? That’s modest of you. It’s a significant achievement, Emily. Truly.”

She shifted slightly in her stance, unsure of how to respond. “You’re very kind, sir.”

Noah leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “Kindness has nothing to do with it. I’d like to show my appreciation. Demand anything you’d like.”

“Thank you, sir,” Emily replied quickly, shaking her head, “but I don’t need anything.”

His brow lifted, as though her response both amused and puzzled him. “Anything, Emily. Think about it.”

“I’m okay, sir,” she said firmly, her tone polite but unwavering.

Noah was taken aback when Emily declined his offer, a reaction he hadn’t anticipated. He had grown accustomed to people readily accepting whatever he proposed, given his reputation for being persuasive and offering opportunities that were hard to resist. For someone like him, whose offers were rarely, if ever, turned down, Emily’s refusal felt almost surreal. It wasn’t just surprising—it was a blow to his confidence, leaving him puzzled and intrigued. Why would she reject something everyone else seemed to covet? It was a question that lingered in his mind, sparking a curiosity he couldn’t ignore.

Noah studied her for a moment, his gaze steady. Then, with a faint smirk, he said, “Alright. Dinner, then.”

Emily froze. “Sir… I—”

“No buts,” Noah interrupted, his voice calm but carrying a quiet authority that made her falter. “I insist.”

Her hesitation lingered, her mind racing as she searched for the right words. “If… if you insist, sir,” she finally said, her voice soft but tinged with uncertainty.

“Good,” he said, his tone lightening as though he had just secured a victory. “The weekend after your audition.”

“The weekend?” she repeated, her brows furrowing slightly.

“Yes,” Noah replied, a certain finality in his voice. “That should give you enough time.”

Emily nodded slowly. “No problem, sir.”

Noah’s expression softened further, and a small, satisfied smile spread across his face. He stood, smoothing his jacket as he prepared to leave.

Emily stood there, still processing the unexpected turn of the conversation. Across the room, Rachel glanced up from her work, her expression carefully neutral, though her sharp eyes betrayed her curiosity.

Neither woman said a word until Noah left the room, his footsteps echoing faintly in the hallway.

Once the silence settled, Rachel looked at Emily, raising a single eyebrow. “Dinner, huh?”

Emily sighed, rubbing her temple. “Don’t even start.”