Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)

The station manager began with a sense of urgency in his voice, "Here's the thing, Agnes. I called you in today because we've got a bit of a situation on our hands. You're aware that our relationship with the Tim Group has been... let's say, strained, due to the whole Yolanda debacle. Of course, it was Yolanda who did you wrong, and I've reassigned her to another department. However, historically, the Tim Group has been our biggest advertiser, but today, it seems they're not too keen on throwing their ads our way."

Agnes frowned slightly.

So, this was the reason.

But this was an issue for the Advertising Department, not really something that concerned her role in the News Department.

She could read between the lines of what the station manager was implying.

Yet, her reason for working at the station was purely journalistic; she had no interest in entangling herself with the various vested interests at play.

Agnes replied frankly, "I'm afraid I won't be of much help with this."

Her response was blunt, without a hint of explanation.

Given her current position, there was little she could do.

If she were to bring this up with Jared, she might even make the situation worse.

The station manager hastily added, "Oh, Agnes, you must have misunderstood. Business is business and personal is personal. I would never put you in a difficult position. And really, ad deals are not something for Mr. Whitfield to worry about. But, tonight, I have a dinner planned with Mr. Peter from the Tim Group's marketing department. There'll be many other media folk there as well, and quite a few have heard about your recent heroics in Bronzetown Borough and are eager to meet you. So, all I'm asking is for you to accompany me to dinner."

Agnes wanted to say no.

But the station manager persisted, "Agnes, you once mentioned to me your idea of doing a follow-up feature on the orphaned kids in Bronzetown Borough. I think it's a brilliant idea. But as you know, it's a big project that requires a lot of resources from the station."

Agnes fell silent.

He continued, "I have no ulterior motives. I promise you, if you just sit with us at dinner tonight, I'll put you in charge of that project."

"Fine," Agnes conceded, "I'll go to the dinner, but you have to keep your word."

"Of course, I wouldn't dream of going back on it."

As Agnes left the office, a heavy sigh escaped her. The manager seemed to overestimate her influence.

He thought he could use her connection with Jared.

He even believed that Mr. Peter from the Tim Group's marketing department would consider their station for advertising out of regard for her.

But what the manager didn't realize was that her relationship with Jared wasn't common knowledge within the company.

She might have visited the Tim Group frequently, but only a handful of people, mainly the secretaries, would recognize her face.

The Tim Group was practically a commercial empire with countless people and departments.

How could they possibly know her?

Moreover, her relationship with Jared had never been public.

It was the case before, and it was even more so now.

However, for the chance to work on the project she was passionate about, Agnes felt that playing the part of a decorative guest for one evening wasn't too much to ask.

In the evening, as Agnes stepped out of the station, she saw the station manager's limo waiting outside.

The manager was seated in the back, window rolled down, waving her over, "Agnes, come. Ride with me to the dinner."

Without refusal, Agnes got into the car.

The station manager was all smiles, making small talk, and Agnes managed a tepid smile in return.