Nathan offered Nichole and Miley to discuss in his office since all the legal staff were no longer at the company. Besides it being past working hours, there was no important matter being taken care of so they had to work overtime. As a result, Nichole could only sigh and refrain from swearing in front of Nathan.
This room Nichole had never been to before. The room of the CEO of GStar, a company that was currently in the public eye because of the great works of their actresses and actors. The most luxurious and comfortable place Nichole had ever been to.
The interior of this room is all black. There were shades of white but only a few. Many trophies were lined up there. Not trophies belonging to actresses or actors, but trophies earned by Nathan himself.
The tea was very different. It was fragrant but not so sweet. There was a slightly sour taste but it was still pleasant to drink. It reminded Nichole of her vacation in Bali.
"This tea can relax the mind. I bought it from Bali a few months ago," said Nathan.
Nichole's guess was right on target. She had tasted one of the teas in Bali that tasted similar to this tea. But Nichole forgot the name of the shop and the tea.
"Thank you for the banquet." Nichole finished the tea in her glass. "What about the next step? Can't we take care of this rumor right now?"
Nathan pulled out the chair in front of Nichole, sat down and crossed his legs. He had a very strong aura, he was charismatic. "How many topics came up?"
"Sorry sir, there were 3 major topics. The first, is you and Nichole dating. The second is about the nepotism that exists in this company. And the third is that you gave Nichole special treatment so that she won an award," Miley explained.
"All three of those really bothered me. And maybe the second one really bothers you." Nichole closed her teacup. "If this isn't confirmed soon, there will probably be hundreds of news releases. I think you're familiar with this, Sir, because this kind of rumor has happened before to other actors and actresses."
Nathan read some of the news that Miley pointed out. Indeed, the headlines alone were very supportive of hating Nichole and GStar. But, Nathan had other thoughts. "Let it go. This news will fade away in a few days."
"You mean you confirm all those rumors?" asked Nichole incredulously.
"No, Nichole. It's just that, news like that shouldn't concern us. There are more important things to deal with," said Nathan.
"Maybe in some cases that kind of news isn't important. But in my case, it is." Nichole took out the trophy she had gotten from Miley's bag. "If people don't know the truth, then they'll forever think that the accomplishments I've gotten are the result of your interference."
"I don't care if they think we're dating, but not with my hard work being misinterpreted," Nichole said with emphasis.
Nathan stood up and went to his desk. He picked up some old magazines that he still had, and placed them on the table next to Nichole's award trophies. "There's a lot of news like that about other actresses and actors."
Nichole opened the magazines one by one. What Nathan said was true, there were similar stories.
"This is what I'm afraid of. They keep making news on the same topic because you never clarify," Nichole defended.
"That's not the point," Nathan said. "This story went away on its own because we didn't make any statements. Do you see my point?"
"That's why you have a bad reputation," Nichole said irritably. Miley pulled Nichole's dress to remind her actress to stay within her boundaries. But Nichole is still the stubborn Nichole when anyone wants to shake her principles.
Unexpectedly, Nathan took Nichole's statement casually. He sat back down and collected the magazines Nichole had spread out on the table.
For Nathan, working in the entertainment industry like film does have the risk of being rumored like this. But as long as the rumors did not affect the company's shares, then Nathan would consider it a passing wind.
"I'm sorry Sir if I'm being presumptuous, but as Nichole's manager, I understand very well if the news will grow and affect Nichole's career. This may seem trivial to you, Sir, but it's not to the actress," Miley told Nathan.
But Nathan's stance was basically very strong, so he shook his head in response. "As of now, there are no negative effects from these news. If the news is really detrimental to the company, then we will confirm together."
Nichole stood up because she was so annoyed with her boss. "You mean I have to wait until the company's shares go down before you handle this case? Where is your responsibility as CEO!"
"Could you be more polite to your boss?" asked Nathan in a slightly louder voice than before.
The atmosphere in the room was heating up. Even though the air conditioner was set to the coldest, it still made Miley sweat on her temples. Facing the actress and her boss was something Miley had never imagined before. Miley imagined Nichole's career would go smoothly. Even if she was rumored to be dating, it was with an actor, not her own boss. But now things were very messy after the news broke.
"I hold the highest decision in this company. I've also seen many cases like this. So I know better when to take action," Nathan said.
"Ah, so you think I'm inexperienced? Well, please wait for this news to become big. And don't blame me if I sue you later." Nichole picked up her bag and walked out of the room.
Meanwhile, Miley was left alone in the room with Nathan. As a manager, of course her actress was more important. But Miley also couldn't deny that she was working here on Nathan's payroll.
"I'm sorry Sir for Nichole's attitude which may have been rude. I will try to speak with Nichole and perhaps you can also consider our concerns. Good night and have a good rest, Sir," Miley said before heading out to catch up with Nichole.
Nichole literally disappeared as fast as the wind. Miley had to search for Nichole in the security room because Nichole was not in the car and her phone could not be reached.
CCTV shows that Nichole took a taxi. As Miley suspected, but still if she hadn't proven herself, Miley was still worried. She was afraid that Nichole would be kidnapped as a result of the untrue news spread on the internet.
Miley's phone rang, a call from Nichole. "Hello Nichole, you should let me know if you're taking a taxi. What if you're missing?"
[Sorry, I forgot to tell you. I'm almost at my house. You just go straight home, don't follow me here. I need some time alone].