novelxo Chapter 28
Chapter 28
Chloe wasn’t worried. Her mission was already accomplished.
The resort project had central government approval and had to be publicly tendered. No backroom deals were allowed.
Once Moncada International got its hands on the tender document, everything would go by the book. With government oversight, Sartori Corporation couldn't pull any sneaky moves to edge Moncada International out.
If Moncada International didn't win the bid, it was just fate, and it had nothing to do with her.
Chloe slept like a baby that night.
The next morning, she headed to the TV station bright and early.
Though she was the noon news anchor, the station integrated reporting and editing. Chloe wasn’t just an anchor. She was also a reporter. She often had to dig up stories herself.
Just as she walked into the office, she overheard her colleagues gossiping.
"Did you hear? The new hire graduated from Columbia’s School of Journalism and even interned at NBC. Quite the impressive resume."
"With credentials like that, they could've gone to Eldridge TV. Why come to little old Riverbrook TV Station?"
"Does this mean Chloe's coveted anchor spot is on the line?"
"If we're hiring someone this impressive right now, the director must have a plan."
"Honestly, it's about time. What's Chloe got besides a pretty face that pulls in advertisers? She's only been here a year. When it comes to skill, who here isn't better than her?"
Chloe strolled to her desk, listening in.
The gossiping women quickly noticed her. Their expressions changed instantly. "Chloe, when did you get here?"
Chloe smiled. "Right when you were complimenting my looks."
Chloe was naturally stunning, and her smile was so dazzling it could blind you. Yet, there wasn’t a trace of anger on her face. It was like she genuinely believed they were praising her.
The women forced awkward smiles but were fuming inside. She always played the magnanimous card, making everyone else look petty.
Vivian, the morning news anchor, stepped up. "Chloe, we were just joking around. Don’t take it to heart. We’re just worried about you losing your prime anchor spot."
"You might not know, but we have a new colleague today. She graduated from Columbia’s School of Journalism. The director seems to want her to take over Lynn’s position."
Another colleague, decked out in Chanel, chimed in, "The director should've given that spot to you, Chloe. After all, you’ve brought in so many sponsorships and made the station a ton of money."
Vivian’s smile was dripping with sarcasm. "But let’s be real, the prime news slot needs a professional anchor, not a sales champion. Chloe, it looks like you’re really in trouble this time."
Chloe knew they were mocking her.
But she didn't care. "Being a sales champion is better than being a leech. Besides, the director makes the decisions around here. I heard the morning news ad slots haven’t sold out this month, and he’s pretty unhappy. You might want to worry about yourself."
"Chloe, who are you calling a leech? And FYI, I anchor the 3 AM news. Of course, ad slots don’t sell out. If you think you’re so great, why don’t you fill all the ad slots for the early morning news? It’s easy to talk big."
"What’s all this racket so early in the morning?"
The director spoke with authority. His name was Tony, a man in his forties. "We have a new employee joining us today."
Tony smiled warmly at the woman beside him. "Linda, please introduce yourself."
"Hello, everyone. My name is Linda."