Charlotte rushes out of the cab the second it pulls up at the Vale Hotel lobby. She very nearly trips, but she manages to regain her footing just in time to avoid planting her face into the concrete sidewalk.
She usually takes public transport, but this is a special occasion that warrants the splurge. Besides, she can probably claim the money back from the company later.
Hopefully. She has actually never tried that at work.
Obviously, neither she nor Marianne can afford a car. Her surname may be noble, but nobility and wealth are two very, very different things in this day and age. Marianne may be incredibly skilled to the layperson, but she is also just starting out.
"Vina!" Charlotte exclaims when she sees her supervisor wrapped in one of her countless cardigans. "Vina! I'm here."
She meets eyes with Vina and manages to detect some relief. "You're the first to arrive. I called some of your peers but most seemed to have set their phones to silent mode outside of working hours. Bethany said she would be coming, though."
"Ah, I see." Charlotte doesn't know what else to say. Thankfully, she doesn't have to say much because Vina hands her a cup of warm coffee. The coffee is only warm, but Charlotte sips it slowly to avoid making conversation.
With her coppery hair and amber eyes, Bethany Song is the beauty of their department. Perhaps even the beauty of their company. Much as Charlotte tries to deny it to herself, she is envious of Bethany.
She was once tempted by the idea of asking Marianne to give her Bethany's features before deciding against it because she remembered how busy her friend already was.
"Let's wait a little for her," Vina suggests. It is obvious that Bethany's charm works on women as well as it works on men.
"By the way, Vina, I don't think I've had a proper chance to thank you. So thank you for helping me the other time when Raylen Vale grabbed me."
"Ah, but you did thank me! You were just too shocked by the situation to remember." After a pause, Vina asks, "Are you sure you're up for this assignment? Bethany and the film crew should be fine."
"I'm fine too! Don't worry. You can count on me. Besides," she says darkly, "it's not like I'm still in grabbing range."
"Tsk. You younglings don't know how to fear danger," says Vina, half in approval, half in criticism. "Go, if you believe in yourself. But remember there's no shame in retreating either. We have your back."
When Bethany finally shows up, she is in a shimmery dress that is as red as it is tight. Charlotte widens her eyes so much that, in hindsight, she is surprised that her contact lenses manage to stay in place.
Bethany has a fantastic figure. Charlotte has always known that. But she doesn't know Bethany's figure is that fantastic. Until today, that is.
Her makeup is heavier than usual, but not by much. It is just the right amount to maximally highlight her natural beauty.
Charlotte does not know if it is her jealousy whispering into her ear like a demon on her shoulder, but she immediately suspects Bethany of intending to seduce the soon-to-be-available Raylen Vale.
'You have no proof,' Charlotte chastises herself when Bethany smiles warmly at her. 'Besides, the Vale Hotel is a swanky place. Maybe I am the one who is underdressed. There is nothing wrong with Bethany flaunting what the universe has given her.'
Charlotte smiles back. Weakly.
"Now that we are all here, let's head to the conference room. It is your time to leave the nest and spread your wings," says Vina. "I'll be taking a backseat during this operation."
With a bit of squeezing, Charlotte and Bethany manage to get near the front. There is still a messy row or two of reporter's before them, but this is the best they can do.
Everyone is a mix of sleepy and curious.
Raylen and his team are obviously not there yet. Apparently the conference was only announced at four forty-five in the morning. It's five thirty now.
'Now, we wait,' thinks Charlotte.
The wait is uneventful and boring. More and more reporters stream in. Not a single one of them look refreshed. Worse, there is only coffee available. The hotel—or the Vales—are too stingy to provide snacks.
Despite the influx of reporters, Charlotte and Bethany are, obviously, not going to give up their precious spots.
Bethany touches up her makeup once or twice. As more reporters and crew members enter, it also becomes increasingly obvious that she is overdressed. However, Charlotte resolves not to think too much of it.
When Raylen Vale finally arrives with his entourage, Charlotte notices how severe his expression is.
As for how many fucks she gives about his mood? It is a number so low it can make her bank balance look like it has the responsible amount of money a woman her age should have.
In other words, she gives no fucks.
"I, Raylen Vale, will be separating from my wife of four years, Livia Astor."
Bethany has secured a more advantageous spot. She asks the first question. "Mr Vale, how do you intend to protect your children from the effects of a divorce?"
Charlotte hisses in frustration. That sort of question can redeem all but the worst and stupidest of people.
She zones out as Raylen Vale briefly explains the custody arrangements before declining any other questions to protect his children's privacy and safety. "Livia and I are committed to co-parenting. We will see each other often. Our children will see each other often. There is no question about that."
"Mr Vale, what do you have to say about the rumours claiming you're divorcing Ms Astor because you are in love with someone else?" Charlotte chimes in, refusing to even give him a chance to breathe. "Are you tearing your family up to appease some other woman?"