Red Flag [COMPLETED]

Chapter 44

Third Person's POV

Joy hates to check the internet but her PR team has been bombarding her questions about her personal life and choices. The PR team's head wanted to know what's really going on as to why she snuck out to see Lisa at the mall without bringing her personal bodyguard or manager. They have to take precautions after her greatly publicized dating scandal. Though there are many who are receiving her relationship warmly, some brands are raising their brows. They aren't advocates of LGBTQ+. Some brands already took their stand and pulled out even a 5 year long contract. They clearly don't want their image to be tainted or be associated with Joy. Even her brand reputation has progressively declining these couple of weeks. Though none of those matter to her the team needs to control the damage or else it could further escalate and could cost irreversible damage on Joy's career.

"I told you already, Lisa and I are just good friends. And Jennie was also with us when we went there. She needed our help that's why we met with her."

"But your actions say the opposite. You know that it's not good to be seen with Atty. Lalisa Manoban as the issue has not died down yet." He was getting all worked up after the photos of Joy at the mall spread out like a wildfire on the internet.

"I was being careful. Lisa too. But it seems like someone is intentionally doing all this to look like we are a couple. I don't know if that even makes sense to you. Lisa is dating someone else and I am a good friend of her. And the last thing I wanted to happen is to expose them both. It's their relationship so no one has the right to have them come forward if they don't feel like doing it." Joy was really annoyed that her day would start being interrogated by the PR Manager.

"Hang on," He was trying to analyze the information that Joy just gave him. "Roan, can you double check if there has been a rumor about the Manoban from the past?" He instructed his subordinates and the latter immediately sat down and did the research.  "Just anyone from them. There must be something."

"Sir, there's no verified news about any member of Manoban dating. They clearly have the power to make the press shut up. Even Atty. Manoban's pictures were all taken down from the internet."

"Interesting." The PR Manager has been working relentlessly to promote Joy's image and he wouldn't let anyone to ruin his artist.

"I tried to search the ip address but they really good at blocking anyone." Roan explained.

Joy was curious, "What are you on, Mr. Bo? Of course, Lisa's family can conceal everything. They give their privacy a high regard. They are powerful and very influential."

"Huh, I knew it!" Mr. Bo exclaimed. "We are just going in circles without realizing this propaganda is actually orchestrated by the Manoban. The young Atty. Manoban might not have the slightest idea that her grandfather is behind all of this media play."

"Right," Joy agreed. "He even set us up with the press. This all started that night."

"But why? Is he against the woman his granddaughter is dating with?"

"As confusing as it is, her grandfather is super homophobic but he has no issue if Lisa would date me. He's just a manipulative, control freak old man."

"Man this is really difficult. How can we ever change the narratives here? Do you think Lisa would be fine to correct this? It would put her real lover in the spotlight." He wanted to get the work done. He has not been sleeping for days because of Joy's scandal. Aside he cares for his artist's well being he also might lose his job because of the matter.

"I have to consult this first with her. Don't do anything until I give you a go signal Mr. Bo. Also, I know someone who can talk to Lisa about this kind of thing." Jennie immediately crossed on Joy's mind. She knew her bff can be very helpful in such a crisis like hers and Lisa's situation.