Episode Nine – The Truth Spills Out
511 Words
The conference room buzzed with low chatter, the clink of coffee cups, and the rustle of papers. Morning meetings at Étoile Modélés were usually routine — but Eliana could feel the tension simmering today.
She was seated across from Bryan at the long mahogany table, flipping through the latest campaign briefs. His eyes kept finding hers, brief glances that lasted a fraction too long. She pretended not to notice, focusing on the pages in front of her.
Kim walked in late, heels clicking like warning shots. She slid into a seat at the far end, her lipstick a sharp crimson s***h. The room quieted as Bryan began outlining the agenda.
“We’ll be finalizing the casting for next month’s luxury line campaign,” he said, his voice steady. “Eliana’s designs will be featured alongside our new talent lineup. I want full cooperation from every department.”
Kim’s laugh was soft but laced with venom. “Full cooperation?” she echoed, leaning back in her chair. “Or is it just that some people here are already… favored?”
A murmur rippled through the room. Eliana’s pen froze mid-note.
Bryan’s gaze snapped to Kim. “If you have something to say, say it plainly.”
“Oh, I think everyone here knows,” Kim replied, her tone sweet but her eyes cold. “A newcomer walks in, barely a month on the job, and suddenly she’s front and center on our biggest campaign. Must be quite the… impressive résumé.”
Eliana’s heart thudded in her chest. She opened her mouth, but Bryan beat her to it.
“Eliana was hired because of her talent,” he said firmly. “Her work speaks for itself.”
Kim tilted her head. “Of course. I’m sure talent was the only deciding factor.”
The room was thick with unspoken questions. Eliana forced herself to look composed, but her palms were damp under the table.
When the meeting ended, people filtered out quickly, pretending not to notice the sparks still crackling between Kim and Eliana.
Bryan closed the door as the last person left. “You can’t let her get to you,” he said, voice low.
“She’s not just getting to me,” Eliana replied, finally meeting his gaze. “She’s planting seeds in everyone’s mind. And if she keeps this up, she’ll ruin my reputation here before I’ve even had a chance.”
Bryan’s jaw tightened. “I’ll handle Kim.”
Eliana crossed her arms. “And how exactly will you do that? She’s your girlfriend.”
The silence that followed was heavier than any argument. Bryan’s expression shifted — guilt flickering just for a second before he masked it.
“She’s not the woman I thought she was,” he said finally. “And you… you’re not just another employee to me.”
The air between them thickened with unsaid truths. Eliana didn’t know whether to step back or lean in.
All she knew was that the battlefield had been drawn — and from now on, every move would count.
- Writer
