Cid was still lost in thought when the office door suddenly swung open.
Harvey entered and closed the door behind him.
— Sorry about all this, Cid immediately apologized. Mia went too far…
Harvey raised a hand to stop him.
— Don't apologize.
Cid looked at him, surprised.
— I heard everything.
He crossed his arms and fixed Cid with an intense gaze.
— That girl is right.
Cid blinked.
— Excuse me?
— You are a talented and brilliant actor, Cid. A gem on stage. No one here at the studio has the right to treat you that way.
Harvey paused, then continued in a more serious tone:
— I've known you since you were young. I saw how you fought to get where you are. Those who criticize you know nothing about the hardships you endured to reach this place. So why let them bring you down?
Cid remained silent, troubled.
— Besides, those girls will be severely punished, Harvey added sharply.
A slight, grateful smile appeared on Cid's lips.
Harvey, regaining a lighter tone, tilted his head and asked curiously:
— So, Mia… is she your girlfriend?
Cid almost choked.
— What?! No!
Harvey shook his head, laughing.
— Shame.
Cid stared at him, exasperated.
— Harvey…
— What? You don't often find such rare flowers.
Cid shook his head, amused despite himself.
Harvey glanced at his watch and turned serious again.
— Alright, enough of that. You have an interview to prepare for. Go on, get moving!
Cid nodded, still a bit lost in thought, but with a strange warmth in his chest.
Maybe Mia was right.
Maybe it was time for him to start fighting too.