However, just after leaving the neighborhood, she encountered a frail figure. Follow current novels on novel⁂fire.net
Evelyn Clayton almost thought she was seeing things. She stopped in her tracks, took a closer look, and quickly called out, "Julia Lawrence!"
The figure stiffened and turned around to see Evelyn Clayton. Julia’s expression was unreadable: "Director, Director Clayton?!"
Evelyn Clayton and Yara Reagan were both surprised and delighted, and they hurried forward to see her.
"We’ve finally found you!" Yara said skeptically, looking at Julia’s pale complexion. "Are you sick? You look so pale!"
Julia hesitated for a long time without speaking.
Evelyn looked at the faint dark circles under her eyes and didn’t say anything, her mind full of doubts.
After a while, Julia responded evasively, forcing a smile: "I’m sorry to worry Director Clayton and Director Reagan... I’m, I’m fine, just a fever and cold that lingered on, and then I wanted to go home to get some of my stuff, but my family... so I’ve been delayed."
Listening to her, Evelyn knew Julia wasn’t telling the truth, but she didn’t expose her and only said, "How are you feeling now? Any better?"
"Much better." Julia said, quickly adding, "I’ll return to work tomorrow. For the days I missed... Director Clayton, you can deduct whatever salary you deem fit!"
Evelyn sighed helplessly, "I’m not urging you to come to work, just concerned about your condition. If you’re not fully rested, take a few more days off. The company is managing just fine for now."
Julia seemed dazed for a moment, then smiled faintly with pursed lips, "Don’t worry, Director Clayton, I can handle it. I’ll definitely return tomorrow."
Seeing that Julia had no intention to say more, Evelyn pressed Yara’s hand, signaling her not to inquire further, and pulled her into the car to leave.
On the way back, Yara felt confused, "I have a feeling Julia is hiding something from us?"
"As long as it doesn’t affect our interests, and she’s not deliberately provocating by not coming to work, then let her keep it hidden. Adults, don’t we all have secrets, especially given her unique family situation."
Evelyn didn’t take it to heart and shifted the topic to the call from Charlotte Sterling after work.
Yara inhaled sharply upon hearing it would cost seven million for the shares.
"Seven million, where would we get so much money?"
Evelyn already had a plan, "I currently have four million on hand. For the remaining three hundred, we can see how much Iris Lockwood has and try to gather as much as we can."
Yara felt slightly relieved, "I can contribute one million. If Iris has two million, then we can manage."
Returning home, when mentioning this to Iris, Iris looked troubled.
"I, my money... Dad took it all." Iris turned away, her eyes again red-rimmed.
Yara stared in shock, then was filled with helpless anger.
"Didn’t you use to be tough? How have you become a pushover now, letting everyone step over you?" Yara said irritably.
Iris didn’t have the energy to argue with her now, lowered her eyes, and spoke softly, "When I was modeling, it was thanks to Dad’s connections that I got into the entertainment company. He has a complete hold over all my movements, including how much I’ve earned. None of it goes into my pocket; it’s directly transferred to my father’s account."
Upon hearing this, Evelyn’s view of Philip Lockwood was completely altered.
She initially thought of him as simply shrewd, but now realizes he has no boundaries.
"So, you have no right to control your own money, and you’re essentially working for Philip Lockwood, is that right?"
Iris nodded silently.
Evelyn paused and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Consider it as using that bit of money to sever all ties with him. Moving forward, things between you two might become quite unpleasant."