[Chapter 665: Exile]
Eric did not prohibit the Victoria's Secret Angels from engaging with the media for self-promotion. It was no surprise to see Heidi Klum's street-style photos splashed across magazine covers. However, when Emily flipped through the magazine and displayed an exclusive interview in front of him, Eric's eyebrows furrowed at the headline "Behind the Scenes of the Victoria's Secret Show."
Eric took a tissue from one of his staff members to wipe his greasy hands and took the copy of Fashion New York.
While he did not stop the Angels from confidentially contacting the media to promote themselves, he had repeatedly emphasized from the start that no details about the Victoria's Secret Show were to be leaked. Those terms were even included in their contracts. Strict confidentiality measures kept the media intensely focused on the show, achieving the best publicity results.
Yet, in this interview, Heidi Klum had subtly revealed some intricate details about the background music created by Eric himself and the unique wing designs of the Angels -- details never disclosed by the production team before. While some of her words seemed vague, anyone with a normal IQ could piece it together.
After reading the interview, Eric's frown deepened further as he shook his head and sighed, "These girls really make me worry."
The nearby Diane Kruger and other models, waiting to test the runway camera angles, couldn't help but roll their eyes at Eric's seemingly old-fashioned remark. After all, at least half of the forty supermodels were not much younger than Eric. Of course, the ladies did not discuss it in front of him; instead, they leaned in to peek at the magazine, curious to know what mess Heidi Klum had stirred up. Over the past few months, they had cornered Eric's temperament quite well. Although his tone didn't seem angry, they all understood he was definitely upset.
Emily chose to ignore Eric's comment and stated seriously, "The interview in Fashion New York has already been picked up by several media outlets. Many people are discussing the details disclosed in the article. While Heidi Klum didn't reveal too much, I think we should take this seriously. If we don't address it..." She glanced at the flamboyant ladies nearby and continued, "If we don't handle it, even more information will be leaked."
Eric, of course, realized the severity of the situation. If these troublesome supermodels weren't stopped, they would undoubtedly continue leaking more information to get attention. If that happened, by the time the Victoria's Secret Show aired, the media and the audience might have already lost interest due to all the exposed details.
"Have Heidi Klum come to see me. And," Eric recalled, saying, "Isn't Heidi currently under contract with Metropolitan Models? Call the agency's owner and inform them of the situation."
"Are you only having Heidi come over? I think you should talk to everyone," Emily responded. After thinking for a moment, she added, "Also, Heidi's actions have already violated the contract; she should face some consequences. Eric, you can't always pamper them."
"They're not my daughters; why should I pamper them?" Eric chuckled as he shook his head. "Everyone's busy. It's enough for her to come alone."
Emily appeared somewhat exasperated but walked away to make the call.
...
Eric shifted his focus back to the camera on the slide rail and discussed some adjustments with Nicole. He stood and addressed the Angels present, saying, "Alright, you beautiful troublemakers, hop on stage so we can test the effect."
When the girls heard Eric make that joke, they assumed his irritation had somewhat passed, and they chuckled as they made their way onto the wide runway.
...
Half an hour later, a black sedan pulled up outside the factory. Justin Pierce, a modeling agent, stepped out with Heidi Klum, once again instructing, "Heidi, remember, you have to insist this was just an accident. You were tricked by that reporter from Fashion New York, and you voluntarily admitted your mistake. Got it?"
Heidi Klum took a small mirror from her handbag to touch up her makeup, speaking somewhat impatiently, "Of course I know, Justin. You've said it a hundred times."
Justin Pierce wanted to say something more, but Heidi had already brushed him off and was striding toward the door.
Emily, standing off to the side watching Eric test the camera effects, was the first to notice the arrival of Heidi and Justin. She initially planned to scold for a few moments in a stern manner, but she saw Heidi Klum walking directly towards Eric.
As a faint scent of perfume wafted by, Eric glanced up from the camera monitor when Heidi approached him, giving a slight nod and signaling her to wait.
However, Heidi, eager to make amends, spontaneously asked while pointing at the models strutting on the runway, "Mr. Williams, do you need me to go up as well?"
Eric did not respond right away. Instead, he gestured for everyone to stop and told Nicole beside him, "The effect is looking good. Set up the backup slide rail according to today's parameters."
After instructing everyone to take a break, Eric led Heidi towards the lounge. Concerned, Emily followed closely, while the others, already aware of the situation, gathered elsewhere.
Seeing Eric pick up the Fashion New York magazine, Heidi immediately adopted a pitiful expression, saying, "Mr. Williams, I'm really sorry. This was an accident. I promise it won't happen again. The reporter who wrote the article is a friend of mine. We were just having dinner, and I casually mentioned some things about the Victoria's Secret Show. I didn't think she would publish them. I've already cut ties with her; Justin can vouch for it."
Justin Pierce quickly nodded in agreement.
At just 21 years old, still fresh-faced, Heidi Klum was already showing the excellent eloquence that would later help her on television. Her tone had a delightful neighborly charm.
Eric found it amusing to watch Heidi Klum's lips flutter with a hint of playfulness, and he simply put the magazine down.
Once she had finished speaking, Heidi noticed Eric's gaze on her lips, and she provocatively curved her smile, revealing an attractive arc.
Moments later, Eric casually remarked, "Actually, I was going to have Michel Levaton fire you, Heidi. The contract states it clearly, and I've reminded you all more than once not to disclose any details of the Victoria's Secret Show to the media, but you still crossed the line."
Michel Levaton was the founder of Metropolitan Models, and Eric's first words instantly caused tears to well up in the eyes of Heidi and Justin, while Emily displayed a look of shock. She had thought Eric would merely scold them, not act on something... wait, he mentioned "was going to," so what now?
As soon as Emily realized it, the initially shocked Heidi Klum comprehended Eric's implications as well, stammering, "So...so..."
Eric didn't keep her in suspense. "But you're a very promising model; it would be a waste to leave this industry, so I don't plan on doing that."
Heidi Klum relaxed, squeezing her Prada handbag tightly and gazing pleadingly at Eric. She understood that he hadn't finished speaking.
"However, you definitely aren't suitable to participate in this Victoria's Secret Show now. Some mistakes are forgivable, and you can learn from them. But there are other mistakes that carry consequences."
When Heidi heard Eric's words, she felt completely drained. She had just started her modeling career two years prior and was on a rapid rise. If she missed this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, she couldn't imagine where her career would head next. With those thoughts, her previously innocent facade evaporated, and she stepped closer, grabbing Eric's arm, pleading, "Mr. Williams, please give me another chance. I'm really, really sorry. I promise it won't happen again. I'll accept any punishment; just please don't make me leave this place, I'm begging you."
As she spoke, she brushed against Eric's arm with her body gently.
Standing beside them, Emily opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but ultimately held back.
As a fashion company owner, Emily had much interaction with the modeling world. She knew very well that not many of these beautiful girls were as innocent as they pretended to be. This approach was actually the best solution. With this lesson learned, she believed that the other Victoria's Secret Angels would surely steer clear of any transgressions. As for finding a replacement for Heidi Klum, the modeling industry was vast, and it wouldn't be hard to find one or two substitutes.
"Don't be like that, Heidi. I haven't finished speaking," Eric drew back his arm and gently pushed Heidi into a chair.
Thinking that Eric's attitude had softened, she complied, sitting down in the chair with her forlorn expression mixed with a touch of flirtatiousness, watching him with anticipation.
Eric picked up the magazine again and casually flipped through it. "You mentioned in the article that you hope to travel, right?"
Heidi nodded, unsure of where Eric was heading with this question.
"Well, then why don't you take a trip? It's autumn in the Northern Hemisphere; how about New Zealand? it's springtime down there," he added after some thought, "You can come back around Christmas."
Heidi's last bit of hope shattered at those words, and her mind raced with one thought: what kind of place is New Zealand?
After saying this, Eric glanced at Justin Pierce, standing beside Heidi Klum, and said, "You should go with her."
Disappointed to be leaving, Heidi Klum stood by the bustling Lexington Avenue, biting her thin lips angrily as she glared at a passerby looking her way. After what felt like an eternity, Justin Pierce finally wrapped up his call and walked over, his expression equally disheartened. "I've spoken with Mr. Zommer; he's booked a flight for tonight... to New Zealand."
In the original timeline, New Zealand only became a talk of the town as a Middle-Earth tourist destination after the release of The Lord of the Rings series. But at this moment, for most people, New Zealand was akin to a remote and poor place.
Heidi kicked a nearby light pole, lifting her chin defiantly as she said, "I'm not going to some godforsaken New Zealand. What is this, exile? Haha, Eric Williams thinks he is someone important, Frederick the Great? Since he's fired me, why should I listen to him? Justin, didn't Dior want me as the face of their fragrance last month? We should head to France right now."
Justin Pierce felt a sense of helplessness for this pampered girl who hadn't grasped the situation. "Heidi, Dior was interested while you still held the Victoria's Secret Angel contract. Now that you've been fired, that endorsement is off the table."
Heidi opened her mouth in shock, her tone filled with bitterness. "So what if it's gone? Do you think I can't find other work?"
Justin Pierce didn't directly respond. He shrugged his shoulders, "Before this interview, I warned you not to mention any inside details about the Victoria's Secret Show, but you didn't listen to me."
Heidi immediately protested, "Are you blaming me? But you went along with it too; don't think I didn't notice."
"Ultimately, the decision lies with you," Justin said, his patience wearing thin. "So, if you don't want to go to New Zealand, whatever, I'll head back to the apartment to pack my things."
Heidi's eyes widened. "What, you're going by yourself?"
"If I don't go, Mr. Zommer will fire me," Justin took a deep breath and looked at the blonde beauty he had helped to rise to this point, explaining patiently. "Eric Williams isn't Frederick the Great, but he controls the largest media group in North America, encompassing a third of the national television networks and countless media resources. Heidi, do you even realize the kind of influence that means? Even the president wouldn't lightly cross such a media mogul. Our modeling agency, which relies heavily on media resources, would steer clear of him. Yes, it really is exile. You should be thankful that Eric Williams is only punishing you and doesn't intend to expel you from the modeling industry. But if you refuse to go to New Zealand, Zommer will terminate your contract. Under Eric Williams' pressure, no other top modeling agencies will sign you again. Sure, you can sign with some lesser agencies or even go solo, but without the support of a top-tier modeling agency, you won't be able to secure endorsements from leading brands, not to mention another opportunity like the Victoria's Secret Show. In that situation, how far do you think you can go in this industry?"
Heidi's once defiant expression now fell flat.
"So, let's go to New Zealand together; it's only a couple of months after all," Justin said, his voice tinged with bitterness, looking at the model he had nurtured. "At least the scenery there is really beautiful."
*****
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