Page 85 of Invisible Bars
Chi leaned back, pleased. “She got jokes and credentials. I like her.”
I nodded slowly and opened the portfolio she placed in front of me.
Her layout was clean, her analytics were precise, and the sample crisis response memo was damn near flawless.
“This is clean work,” I applauded, flipping through the pages like it was a restaurant menu. “Strong layout. Clear KPIs.”
I looked up, mildly impressed.
“You track long-term engagement strategy?”
“Yes! I don't just repair reputations; I cultivate narratives. I believe in building a brand people can trust before it ever needs defending.”
“Smart,” I replied, still reading. “You ever worked with a client who’s been… misunderstood? Someone the media tends to villainize, regardless of facts?”
“My last client had three baby mamas, two lawsuits, and a leaked sex tape. We got him a shoe deal.”
“Say the media's on fire, and your client refuses to make a statement. Do you push back or play safe? What’s your move when the brand’s reputation is slipping, and the person behind it is the problem? How do you protect the business without stepping on the wrong ego?”
Most people would've said,Hold on, you're taking me too fast.But surprisingly, Saroya didn’t flinch at a single question I threw her way, which had me nodding in quiet satisfaction. That told me one thing: she paid attention. And when a person worked for me, that wasn’t just a preference, it was a requirement.
“First, I assess the fire. Not every blaze needs a full water truck—some just need a fire blanket and silence. So I look at the facts, the narrative, and the emotional temperature. If my client refuses to make a statement, I pivot. Silence can be powerful when it’s intentional, not passive.”
She shifted her posture, poised but unshaken. “But if the damage is bleeding into the brand, I push. Not loud, not messy, but strategic. I come with options, not ultimatums.”
“Like?” I questioned.
“Alternatives that protect the clientandthe business. A recorded video instead of a press conference. A written statement crafted in their voice; a subtle move on social that says everything without saying too much.”
Then her focus sharpened just slightly.
“If the client is the problem—and sometimes they are—I don’t dance around it. I address it privately, respectfully, and with receipts. My goal is never to silence a voice; it’s to redirect it. I make sure my client understands the cost of every word, every post, every pause. I don’t force them to follow the PR plan; I make them want to.”
She smiled, calm but serious. “And when it comes to ego… I study it first. Know what triggers it, what calms it, and what earns its trust. I don’t need to outshine my client. I just need to protect the light they’re standing in.”
Chi whistled low. “Damn. If you don’t hire her, I’m gon’ think you wanna stay in blog hell.”
For once, I didn’t have a slick comeback. Because he was right.
Saroya wasn’t just qualified, she was composed under pressure, sharp in her delivery, and smart enough to handle my brand without needing hand-holding. She didn’t flinch or fold during questioning or answering. And more importantly… shedidn’t try to flirt. She was the perfect match for my image, and the kind of presence that made noise without being loud.
Saroya turned to Chi with a raised brow. “I’m sorry—what exactly do you do here?”
“Oh, me? I’m moral support. Backup muscle. Resident truth-teller. Sometimes I pretend to answer emails.”
I shook my head and focused back on Saroya.
She seemed a little too good to be true, so I wanted to challenge her a bit.
“If I hired you today, what would be your first move if a scandal breaks about metomorrow?”
“Depends on the scandal. If it’s criminal—lawyer up first, then silence. If it’s salacious—buy time with a distraction story. If it’s personal—lean into transparency but control the platform.”
I gave a short nod, keeping my expression neutral but impressed.
“I keep scenarios ready,” she added. “You’re too powerful not to be targeted eventually. People love a villain until they need a hero.”
I stared at Saroya for a moment, letting the silence drag.
