Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)
Chapter 909

Ramona approached Agnes with the newspaper in hand, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Boss, what you wrote is just too moving. I know you're spinning this to manage Mamie's PR crisis, but it's so compelling. Is there more to the story? I'm hooked! If you serialized this, you'd have fans knocking down your door."

Agnes replied with a serene voice, "I'm not a spin doctor. Every word is the truth. There's no personal bias or opinion, just the power of the story that has touched the audience. The magic of words can transform an atmosphere charged with negativity into one filled with positive energy. Now, go on with your work."

Ramona squatted beside Agnes, puppy dog eyes pleading, "You really won't consider writing a follow up story?"

Agnes shooed Ramona back to work without further indulgence.

Shortly after, Agnes' phone rang. It was Ivan.

He didn't preface with small talk, just a simple, "Thank you, Agnes."

"I just told a story, no thanks needed," she replied.

Neither Ivan nor Mamie had expected their biggest worry and fear would be so deftly resolved by Agnes' article.

Mamie hugged Ivan and sobbed. After composing herself, she said, "I was ready to lose everything, but suddenly, it feels like I've gained the whole world again."

As a token of their gratitude, Mamie and Ivan invited Agnes over for dinner at their place.

When Agnes arrived, Mamie was already waiting at the doorstep.

"Why are you standing out in the cold?" Agnes asked.

"To welcome my savior, of course," Mamie exclaimed. "Agnes, I've decided, if I have a daughter, I'll betroth her to your Nocturne. And if it's a son, I'd love for you to be his godmother. What do you think?" Agnes chuckled, "In this day and age, arranged marriages might not be the best idea."

"Oh, it's not bad at all," Mamie insisted. "Affection needs to be nurtured from a young age. I'll raise a child betrothed to Nocturne, teaching her to love only her future husband. Imagine how much easier it'll be for us when they're grown. And do you have any of Nocturne's old clothes or shoes? I'll take them all for my little girl. One day, I'll tell her that she grew up wearing her husband's clothes. How could they not be fond of each other?"

Agnes couldn't help but laugh at Mamie's earnestness.

Ivan came down from upstairs and asked, "How come Jared didn't come with you?"

Agnes frowned slightly, "Did you invite him too?"

"Yeah, couldn't get through to him on the phone. Thought he might be with you, but I left him a message," Ivan explained.

Mamie looked puzzled at Agnes, "Don't you know where Jared is? Did you two have a fight?"

It seemed unlikely that Jared would show up at this point.

Agnes didn't want to spoil the mood over her and Jared's relationship issues. Quickly shaking her head, Agnes assured, "No, nothing like that. I just got back from the Capital. He's been swamped lately; we haven't had the chance to catch up."

Ivan sighed, "He has been busy, especially with your nephew."

"Ryder?" Agnes looked surprised.