A Stolen Kiss From THE CEO!

91 The Interview It was just 11:45 AM when Chloe Robinson arrived at the Zeal international entertainment company.

Due to her earlier already speculated bragging, she attracted a lot of attention to herself, as she walked into the managing director’s office and requested to be granted an interview.

After several discussions, Chloe’s request was granted and the studio was set.

As expected, the program presenter was Ericka Dan. She was so thrilled to be given the honor to counter-interview the widely talked about, and highly controversial CEO of the F&K fashion home.

Before entering the studio, Ericka did elaborate research on Chloe. She compiled six questions she intended to ask Chloe. Three out of these six questions were designed to ignite the feud between the two current rival brands and keep the gossip going. Feeling satisfied with her collated questions, she happily sauntered into the studio and got ready for the interview.

Chloe was prepped shortly and within a few minutes, the interview process kicked off.

“It’s good to have you in our studio, Miss Chloe Robinson,” Ericka smiled bewitchingly.

“It’s good to be here!” Chloe replied curtly.

“First things first, congratulation on being the celebrated CEO of the reputable F&K fashion brand.”

.....

“Thank you!” Chloe smiled broadly.

“You have such a wealth of talent that is highly impressive. From my little research, I discovered that you are an international model, a choreographer, and an art director. Am I correct?” Ericka blew Chloe’s trumpet on purpose.

“Yes, you are!” Chloe smiled from cheek to cheek. “One can never get exhausted of creating value for themselves.”

“Wow! I wouldn’t have put it any other way. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?”

“Hmm...” Chloe chuckled. “If I start talking about myself today, we would probably not end this interview session. Nevertheless, I’ll just give you a little information about me.”

Chloe briefly talked about her life, her daily inspiring routines, her parents, and her travels around the world.

“How about your love life? There were rumors that you were once dating Mr. Leon Treshvire, who happens to be the husband of the CEO of APB brand.”

At this question, the smile disappeared from Chloe’s face like a chameleon changing its color to blend with a harsh environment. Her expression and speech were filled with hatred and bitterness. From the way she spoke, one could easily tell that she was still crazily in love with Leon and would happily take him back if he asked her out.

Chloe didn’t spare Ella while answering this second question. She turned Ella upside-down, shredding her from limb to limb. She spoke about a non-existent relationship between her and Leon before Ella came into the picture. She talked about how Leon’s family rejected Ella. She addressed Ella as an aggrieved ex-employee of the F&K fashion brand, who was capable of doing anything to gain fame. She ended up calling Ella every demeaning name she could think of.

“Hmm... from everything you’ve said, it is safe to conclude that Ella stole Leon from you. That must really be heartbreaking.” Ericka shook her head as she tried hard to suppress her amusement.

“She didn’t just steal, she...” Erica quickly interrupted Chloe with her third calming question. She could tell Chloe was enraged and ready to take up all the time, expressing her hatred for Ella.

What inspired you to become the CEO of one of the most reputable fashion companies in Amzone city?”

Chloe took a deep breath and a sip of water to calm her raging emotion before responding. She gave a five minutes speech on her love for clothes and how designs are created until Ericka interrupted her with another face-slapping question.

“There what’s a viral video a month back, of you making out in public and drug binging. Can you tell us what really happened to you back then? Also, how were you able to overcome all this to become the celebrated CEO today?”

“What the hell! Are you trying to be cute or stupid with that question?” Chloe’s eyes shot dagger at Ericka. “I’m here to address the issue concerning my stolen designs and not whatever information you dug out from the gutters,” She spoke sarcastically.

Ericka paused for a while to stifle a chuckle that almost escaped her lips. However, her hilariously beaming eyes betrayed her.

“Okay, let’s talk about the stolen designs.” Ericka took a sip of water and cleared her throat. “I believe you listened to one of your partner’s confessions alongside his mistress?”

“Yes, I did and I’m here to correct that statement,” Chloe spoke harshly.

“Which of the statements are you here to correct? Is it the part where Mr. Frost alleged that he stole the design from APB brand with the aid of his mistress or the part where he claims you knew the designs were stolen yet you produced them as your own?

“Both!” Chloe’s voice became aggressive. The only thing preventing Ericka from receiving a face-palming slap was the fact that they were on a live television show. Chloe kept tapping her feet on the floor to control her spiraling emotions.

“Frost is unfortunately a wimp who is currently been blackmailed to betray his company by the no-good backstabbing APB brand and its cohorts.”

“Who are the cohort, if I may ask?” Ericka said quizzically.

“Do not interrupt me again, lady, until I’m done talking!” Chloe pointed aggressively at Ericka.

“Miss Chloe, you have to calm down and express yourself properly.” Ericka returned the heat, not minding if she got punched by Chloe. “The public needs to know who and what you’re referring to. There are lots of evidence currently in our possession that points an accusing finger at your company. So...”

“Shut the f**k up!” Chloe suddenly lost her temper. All her repressed anger suddenly resurfaced as she stood up and moved menacingly toward Ericka.

The cameraman continued maliciously casting the show while members of the production crew quickly pulled Chloe from clawing Ericka.

————

Albert Robinson paced up and down his study room after watching his daughter’s disdainful behavior on live television. His rigid face was red and it was as though his ears were puffing out steam like a choo-choo train engine. He clenched and clenched his fist while staring into Oblivion. He gritted his teeth as he thought of ways to grant Frost a slow and painful death, for luring Chloe to her impending doom.

From Chloe’s catastrophic interview, which Albert had earlier warned her against, even a deaf man could see guilt written all over her. She had just worsened the whole issue by allowing herself to be lured into the hunter’s net.

After watching Frost and Jane’s public confession, Albert instantly knew that they were telling the truth. He also knew his daughter too well and what she was capable of.

When he foresaw the coming disaster, he quickly called Chloe to return home. He planned to quietly negotiate a peace settlement with Leon and his wife.

However, one costly mistake Albert made was not considering Chloe’s foolishness and tantrums. He was totally speechless, when he saw his stubborn daughter on-air, granting a live interview, even after his warning.

Albert swiftly placed a call to his chief security personnel and instructed him and two of his best men to go over to Zeal entertainment company. He told them to bundle Chloe out of the premises and bring her down to the mansion before she makes a caricature of herself any further.

Afterward, Albert dialed Leon’s number. He had expected Leon not the take his call due to the bad blood between them. Surprisingly, Leon received the call on the second ring.

“Hello Leon, thanks for taking my call.” Albert was forced to swallow his pride as he spoke to Leon in a friendly manner. His face was void of expression and his thoughts were consumed with hatred for the Treshvire family. However, his senseless daughter has pushed him into talking with an enemy, whom he has promised retribution.

“How may I help you?” Leon didn’t extend the same courtesy as his voice was deep, chilly and hoarse.

“I’ll go straight to the point,” Albert massaged his furrowed forehead in ire. “My daughter Chloe, has been deceived into producing your wife’s design. She had no idea that they were stolen. Hence, I’m calling for a truce so that we can settle this matter quietly out of court. I am prepared to pay any sum of money your wife, would want as compensation for the damage to her brand reputation. What do you say?”

“Hmm... What a convenient offer!” Leon chuckled bitterly. “You are a businessman and I believe you know the implication of what your daughter did. Hence, a quiet settlement would be meaningless, since the damage is huge.”

“Nevertheless, I’m willing to negotiate a better deal. A nationwide aired apology from Chloe and her partners, during the court opening processes, tomorrow. Also, a damage compensation fee of five hundred million dollars, which is a chicken change when compared to the crime.” Leon paused momentarily for his first statement to sink in. “This first suggestion or a nasty lawsuit battle with a compensation fee of five billion dollars. Think wisely before you make your choice because the evidence we have against your daughter will cripple ten years of your hard-earned income.”

Albert heard Leon’s bitter chuckle before the line went dead. He struck his table so hard that it almost crushed his knuckles.

“Frost, you’re a dead man!” Albert’s eyes darkened with a sinister glint.

———

Back at Leon’s villa; Ella, Leon, Denise, and the Treshvire family team of lawyers were all seated in his home office. They were discussing, deliberating, and strategizing on their first court appearance; which had been fixed for the next day.

Denise had earlier informed Ella of the court notice sent to the APB company, which Ella instructed her to bring home. The notice was reviewed, a decision was arrived at and the meeting was concluded.

Thanks to Leon’s tremendous efforts, sufficient evidence had been gathered, that would not only nail but destroy Chloe Robinson and the F&K fashion home. He also confided in Ella about his discussion with Albert, which she happily agreed to.

After a very busy and tedious day of work, Ella and Leon were both having dinner, when Leon got a call from Sky.

“Boss, guess who just decided to pay Frost a visit?”