#manipulationtw

[Chantal is in the hall at work. Suddenly yelling is heard near Ambrose’s office. A crowd starts to gather and murmur]

Ambrose: That underhanded, conniving little bitch! I'm going to ruin her!

Chantal: [to co-worker] Lilian, what’s going on?

Lilian: Oh, you didn’t hear? Kayla Flemming went off on Ambrose in an interview. It's all over the internet.

Chantal: The fitness influencer? They know each other?

Lilian: Yeah, according to Kayla she and Ambrose started this company together, but Ambrose backstabbed her and kicked her out. She said Ambrose turned it into some “woo woo bullshit” and said she’s unethical…she really dragged her about it.

Chantal: Wow, no wonder Ambrose is upset. 

Lilian: [lowers voice] You don’t think it could be true, do you? I mean, Kayla’s saying Ambrose is cutting corners to save money. I would hate to find out that’s what kind of company we’re working for, wouldn't you?

Chantal: Yeah, hopefully it's just a personal grudge.

Lilian: I'd rather do more than just hope.

Ambrose: [yelling] Nico, do something about this. You know better than anyone what a vicious little snake she can be!

Nico: I'm on it.

[Chantal sees Nico heading to his office and follows behind him]

Chantal: I'll talk to you later, Lilian.

Chantal: Hey Nico, I--

Nico: It’s not a good time, Chantal.

Chantal: I know, I’m sorry. It'll just take a minute. I heard about what happened and I was wondering…well, I don’t need to be worried, do I? What Kayla’s saying isn’t true, right?

Nico: Look, let’s just say I wouldn’t put too much stock into anything Kayla says. Jealousy is an ugly trait. She’s just bitter because the company is succeeding and she can’t get any of her projects off the ground. That’s all this is.

Chantal: If you’re sure. She was throwing some pretty big accusations around, so–

Nico: Chantal, you’re obviously well educated, but the thing about academia is that it doesn’t account for more...practical matters. You have a lot of opinions for someone who still has a lot to learn here. Trust me, I know more about this situation than you do.

Chantal: Of course you do, I wasn't trying to say you don't know what you're doing.

Nico: [sighs] Hey, come here. Don't be sad, beautiful. You know I didn't say that to be hurtful. I just see a lot of potential in you and I don’t want you to waste it. 

Chantal: It's ok. Thanks for being so willing to teach me about this stuff.

Nico: No problem. Well, I have to figure out how to deflect all of this. Do you mind taking care of a few things for me? It would help a lot.

Chantal: Sure, whatever you need.

Nico: Thanks, you’re the best!

[Lilian watches Nico and Chantal intently from the hallway]