"Good day! You've reached Whitley Schnee, CEO of the Schnee Company in Genessia. I'm unable to speak at the moment, but leave a message and I'll respond with all due haste. Thank you, and have a wonderful day!"
[Oh, he's going to try to lie about it? Like that'll work.
He bangs his fist on his desk.]
Don't you lie to me! My secretaries were whispering about it in the office today. If they know about it, then the whole city does! What have I told you about public scandals?
[ He winces at the gesture, fingers tightening their grip on the desk in front of him as if trying to keep himself stable by sheer strength alone. ]
Whispering about what? Father, whatever this is, it isn't true! I've done nothing but uphold the integrity of our family name from the day I set foot in this place! I would never compromise it!
[Yeah, looks like the whole thing was a misunderstanding. His bad, not that he'll ever acknowledge it.
His tone shifts from accusatory to conversational in the blink of an eye.]
That's what I heard without a doubt. Don't feel bad - it just means that you're a popular public figure. Perhaps we should speak with this Strauss girl and demand her to rescind her nonsense; the little people like to spread these falsities sometimes to make themselves seem more important. In the meantime, you should contact our PR team and tell them the rumor is just that - a rumor. Though, if they're any good they'll already be on top of it.
[Like father like son. Could almost bring tears to an old man's heart if he had one.]
Calm down, Whitley. You're going to be dealing with these nonsenses for the rest of your life; you can't throw a tantrum every time someone says something bad about you; it's unbecoming. Besides, there are laws against people doing so. Throw a few lawsuits out there and the worst offenses at least will stop.
[ He forces a deep breath in... and out, allowing the professional facade to wash back over him. Cool as ice, badum-tshhhh ]
If only I knew where to aim a lawsuit.
[ A pause, as he fixes his hair - a single lock had fallen out of place. How embarrassing. ]
... No, you're right. I need to look at this rationally. It's a completely baseless rumor - unless this Mirajane woman says anything to confirm it, it may be best to let it fade on its own. Addressing it will only keep it in the spotlight longer, and that's the last thing I need.
Unfortunately that is usually the best course of action for these frivolities, at least in the cases where we can't determine where the rumor originated. If anyone questions you about it just tell the truth: that you have no idea who she is or why she would say such a thing, but that it's definitely false. But only if you're approached by the media; otherwise just let it go.
[Illegal dealings were probably easier for Jacques to deal with at this point. People had an affinity for making him out to be the bad guy for some bizarre reason.]
I would avoid speaking to her and let our PR team handle it. It draws less attention. Unless...[He pauses, sizing his son up.] If you can make it so you seem very much hurt that she’s potentially spread these lies - in a private setting, of course - she might be willing to step up herself and renege on the whole thing. It’ll put it in the spotlight but it will make you the innocent victim of such a scandal, which generally helps with ratings. I don’t know this woman, though, so I’m not sure if she’s the type to fall for such things.
I'm just as much a stranger to her as you are, I'm afraid. If I knew anything of her personality or reputation perhaps I could make an informed decision, but...
Yes, that might be best, then. [There's the slightest smirk on his face.] Sounds like you might have an admirer. Of course, she's a nobody so it can't go anywhere. I expect that when you do decide to... engage with someone they will be of good standing.
Father, that's not a priority of mine for the time being. I have plenty on my plate with running the company - that kind of relationship would be far too time-consuming to be viable.
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He bangs his fist on his desk.]
Don't you lie to me! My secretaries were whispering about it in the office today. If they know about it, then the whole city does! What have I told you about public scandals?
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Whispering about what? Father, whatever this is, it isn't true! I've done nothing but uphold the integrity of our family name from the day I set foot in this place! I would never compromise it!
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He leans back, still slightly on edge but noticeably calmer as he keeps eying him.]
So you didn't have... intimate relations with a Mirajane Strauss?
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... Someone is saying that about me?
[ Something in his tone has a bite that is very reminiscent of his father. ]
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His tone shifts from accusatory to conversational in the blink of an eye.]
That's what I heard without a doubt. Don't feel bad - it just means that you're a popular public figure. Perhaps we should speak with this Strauss girl and demand her to rescind her nonsense; the little people like to spread these falsities sometimes to make themselves seem more important. In the meantime, you should contact our PR team and tell them the rumor is just that - a rumor. Though, if they're any good they'll already be on top of it.
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[ It's his turn to bang a fist on his desk - not so decisively as Jacques had, but he hasn't had as much practice as his old man just yet. ]
How dare they! How dare they!
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Calm down, Whitley. You're going to be dealing with these nonsenses for the rest of your life; you can't throw a tantrum every time someone says something bad about you; it's unbecoming. Besides, there are laws against people doing so. Throw a few lawsuits out there and the worst offenses at least will stop.
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If only I knew where to aim a lawsuit.
[ A pause, as he fixes his hair - a single lock had fallen out of place. How embarrassing. ]
... No, you're right. I need to look at this rationally. It's a completely baseless rumor - unless this Mirajane woman says anything to confirm it, it may be best to let it fade on its own. Addressing it will only keep it in the spotlight longer, and that's the last thing I need.
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Unfortunately that is usually the best course of action for these frivolities, at least in the cases where we can't determine where the rumor originated. If anyone questions you about it just tell the truth: that you have no idea who she is or why she would say such a thing, but that it's definitely false. But only if you're approached by the media; otherwise just let it go.
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[ That doesn't mean he's not still really mad about it, but. He'll live. He'll move on. ]
Do you think I need to speak with her, just to ascertain that she had nothing to do with it?
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I would avoid speaking to her and let our PR team handle it. It draws less attention. Unless...[He pauses, sizing his son up.] If you can make it so you seem very much hurt that she’s potentially spread these lies - in a private setting, of course - she might be willing to step up herself and renege on the whole thing. It’ll put it in the spotlight but it will make you the innocent victim of such a scandal, which generally helps with ratings. I don’t know this woman, though, so I’m not sure if she’s the type to fall for such things.
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Playing it safe and quiet may be best, this time.
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