EDIT: Sorry guy I didn't have time this morning to look over the chapter before posting, I fixed a few things, added page breaks, etc. Enjoy!
Elsa groaned as she massaged her temples.
"How could you leave us in the dark?" Mr. Weselton cried out. "These are things we should be aware of!"
"Please, gentlemen, settle down," Elsa kept her voice even, to the best of her ability. "I will simply have legal send another-"
"That's what got us in trouble in the first place!" The man's face was starting to turn red. "This is exactly why-"
"Jeremy, sit down." The vice president glared at the angry board member until he sat down. "I would like to remind you all that she is the Chief Executive Officer, and you will treat her with respect as such." He turned to Elsa.
"Even as CEO, you should at least inform the board when things like this happen."
"Would anything have been different if I had consulted you? Would you have allowed that recording to stay online?"
"No, but-"
"So what would've been different?"
The VP sighed. "The difference would be that at least we would have been more... careful. The first article barely got any traffic. The audio was, admittedly potentially damaging. But that was all it was. If you would have consulted us, we would have waited a few days to see if it would pass."
He put his hand up when Elsa went to speak.
"Instead, you sent out a cease and desist to the idiot who posted an interview he did not have permission to record. Now there's a direct copy of the letter on his blog, and it's actually gaining some momentum. It's been picked up by TMZ, New York Times, it's everywhere."
"He has no right to put that interview online and we all know it. He has no justification for any of this."
"It doesn't matter, Miss Beck. He's got the media writing this as you, big corporate, trying to silence a small time journalist. Getting legal involved any further would be pouring gas on the raging fire."
"Well what can we do?"
"For now, I think it's best to lay low and figure out our options. We'll have PR draw up a couple different ways to improve your image. Until then, I would suggest being as incognito as possible. Does anyone object?"
Whatever. It's not like I go out much anyways.
"Then it's settled," Elsa stood up. "The meeting is adjourned."
She thought about her predicament as she stepped into the elevator. By the time she walked out the front door the blonde was shaking with anger.
"Is everything alright Miss Beck?"
"Yes Kai," Elsa snapped back.
What's wrong with you? Conceal it, don't feel it.
"Sorry Kai, the meeting was a bit overwhelming today."
"No need to apologize Miss, I understand."
"Kai, please stop at the coffee shop, and clear my schedule for the rest of the day."
"Yes Miss, we'll be there shortly."
Anna stopped outside of the cafe to catch her breath. When she looked at her watch, her eyes widened. This was the third time this month she'd overslept.
Well that's perfect. I hope he's in a good mood today.
"Anna?"
The redhead looked over her shoulder to see Elsa, staring down at her.
"Oh hey, how's it going!"
"Fine, thank you. May I ask why you're..."
Anna jumped upright and faced the blonde. "Oh! I was just catching my breath, because I ran here... heh," She tucked in the loose strands of her hair behind her ear. She reached for the door. "After you!"
As Anna walked in she crossed her fingers, hoping she could slip into the back unnoticed.
"Anna!" boomed the intimidating behemoth behind the counter. "The dishroom. Now!" Anna gave Elsa a small nod before rushing past the kitchen doors.
Elsa stared at the door for a moment, before looking up at the large man.
"Sorry you had to see that Miss Beck, that girl comes in late too often."
"She works here?"
"Of course, she's worked here for the past three years."
And I've never noticed...
"I see... Well I'll have the usual please."
Elsa took her drink and sat down in the corner, debating how to get out of the mess Hans had put her in.
This is a terrible plan. It won't work, there's too many variables.
It will work. She can be trusted.
How do you know that?
None of the pictures I left untouched surfaced anywhere. If she was trying to exploit my trust that was a perfect opportunity to make some easy money, which judging from her outburst I'm guessing she needs.
But still-
There's been no story about my little hospital trip either. She has kept her word so far, even though she had nothing to gain.
"Hey!"
The blonde almost jumped out of her seat. She looked up to find the redhead sitting across from her.
"Hi Anna, how are you?"
"Oh fine, cleaned up pretty quickly, it really wasn't too hard, now I'm on break and I saw you were still here so I thought I'd say hi!"
"I'm glad you're doing well. There's something I've been meaning to ask you."
The blonde hesitated for a moment.
"I need a photographer to do a photoshoot with me, and I was wondering if-"
"Yes! I-I mean, if you're asking for someone I know, I'm sure I can find someone. But if you were going to ask me, then I would totally do it... So..." The redhead put her hands in her lap and looked down at them for a moment. "Please continue."
"I was asking you, Anna. Since you seem so eager, I'll have Kai call you and set up the day."
"Cool! Well, I have to get back to work, but I'll see you later!" The redhead skipped off.
Is this fair? You're using her.
I'm giving her an opportunity that could set up a good base for her career.
You're still using her, it's not like you're doing this out of kindness.
Do we have any better ideas? Exactly.
Elsa pulled out her phone and dialed.
A/N: Things are finally gonna start happening again! Also, I've had some... unexpected events going on right now, and have been unable to write for the past week. I have a few more chapters in stock, but I don't want to leave this on an hiatus. So, the next chapter will be up on Tuesday, and for now I will be switching to a 2 chapters per week schedule, posting on Tuesday and Friday. Sorry guys!
Anyways, I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Criticisms and suggestions are welcome, thanks for reading!