Heartstrings on Fire

Chapter 814
Agnes sat there, her gaze fixed on the photograph clipped to the file. Her mind seemed to wander far from the conference room
where Judson’s voice had been a steady presence
It was Ryder, of all people, staring back at her from the photo
He looked different, transformed almost Dressed to the nines in a tailored suit, his hair combed with military precision, he exuded
the aura of a corporate titan.
She was so accustomed to the sight of him in his white lab coat that this new Ryder seemed almost alien to her
Yet, despite the change in attire, one thing remained the same the icy coolness that seemed to radiate from him
“Agnes, what’s wrong? Judson’s voice cut through her reverie, calling her back to the present
Truth be told, she had heard every word Judson had said. He wanted her to be the liaison for a big project with the TV network
Without a second thought, Agnes refused. “Boss, I can’t take on that interview
Judson removed his glasses, a sign of his growing impatience “Why not?”
” want to focus on making. The Primary Perspective‘ a success, Agnes said, grasping at excuses. “I don’t have the bandwidth for
more, and there are plenty of seasoned reporters at the station, people with far more experience in business than me. I’m just
not cut out for this liaison role”
Judson sighed heavily “I know it’s a tough ask, but this is a major initiative, high profile, with government backing. The Thomas
Group has entrusted all their post–project PR
to our network
“But if it’s such a high–stakes project, surely it’s all the more reason not to send a rookie like me, Agnes countered, playing her
last card. “I’ve only just returned to the country, after all
Judson leaned forward, “If the client hadn’t specifically asked for you by name, I wouldn’t dream of burdening you with this.”
That statement made something heavy settle in Agnes stomach.

Requested her? By name”
Judson seemed uncomfortable as he continued, “Look, Agnes, I need you to step up here. It’s a high–priority project, good for
the country, good for the people And I’ve touched base with them, it won’t be too demanding. The Thomas Group’s HQ is in the
Capital, and the project lead won’t be here all the time. It’s just a bit of a push at the
start
Now that Judson had laid it out like that. Agnes couldn’t refuse without good reason, especially if it was a direct request. And
Agnes had her own masons for wanting to see Ryder again
Alright, sir I do the interview this afternoon”
The interview was scheduled at the Caesar International Hotel’s auditorium. Agnes and her cameraman, Ben, arrived early to
prepare the site.
She went over the script one more time
The questions Judson had prepared were all highbrow, industry stuff
While Agnes was focused on the task at hand, her colleague Ramona was gushing over the photo in the script, “Boss, can we
just talk about how dreamy Mr Ryder Rumor has it he’s from the Capital, the son of billionaire Cilian Whitfield, and currently the
big shot managing director of the Thomas Group. He’s probably going to be chairman one day its like he stepped right out of one
of those bossy CEO romance novels I mean, what kind of girl lands a real–life prince like that? I’m dying to know who
hell end up with
Ramonas gossip was distracting, but Agnes felt a weight upon her heart. Her feelings for Ryder were anything but simple
The interview was set for the late afternoon, at half–past four
As the clock struck the appointed hour, the doors to the auditorium swung open, and Ryder appeared, punctual as ever