James Grant seemed about to walk over, and Evelyn Clayton immediately blocked him.
"Do you need me to call a doctor for you?"
Cindy Owens scowled, wondering why Evelyn Clayton was ruining her plans again!
Evelyn dragged a chair over and sat beside the hospital bed, crossing her arms and frowning as she scrutinized her.
Suddenly, her gaze rested on Cindy Owens’ bandaged wrist.
"So this is your injury, huh?"
"What do you mean, ’so this is’!"
The manager immediately defended Cindy Owens, "Miss Clayton, I know you’re Director Grant’s fiancée, but you should speak more politely. Cindy even attempted suicide; can’t you be gentler with her?"
The manager’s intention was to evoke protective feelings in James Grant.
Who knew James Grant would stand by Evelyn Clayton as if supporting her, glaring at them with an eagle-like ferocity.
The manager and Cindy Owens swallowed nervously in unison.
Unaware, Evelyn Clayton stretched out her hand towards Cindy Owens, "Let me see your injury."
"Y-You’re not a doctor, why should I show it to you?" Cindy Owens retreated behind her manager.
The manager could only grit his teeth and say, "Miss Clayton, Cindy’s injury was difficult to bandage; taking it apart now risks reinfection. Let’s leave this matter as it is instead of escalating it further."
Evelyn Clayton sneered, "Are you trying to force us to drop this issue? You’re afraid we’ll hold Cindy Owens accountable for defamation. I don’t care about public opinion; even if it becomes widely known, I want the truth. James Grant, what about you?"
She looked at James Grant, who returned a "do as you please" look.
"Do as you like. I support you."
That’s it. Cindy Owens’ last glimmer of hope was shattered.
She initially hoped James Grant would speak up for her, perhaps this would make Evelyn Clayton reconsider the idea of pursuing accountability.
But given James Grant’s stance, even if Evelyn Clayton threw her in jail tonight, he’d only call a lawyer to assist.
The manager was panicking, sweating profusely, "Miss Clayton, this is all just a misunderstanding. Cindy simply entered the hospital, and the public misunderstood — there’s nothing we can do. Cindy is helpless; if she responds this time, she’ll have to respond every time, which will wear her out, won’t it? Let’s end this here; it’s best for everyone."
"It’s only best for Cindy Owens, isn’t it?" Evelyn Clayton mercilessly exposed the manager’s intent. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novèlfire.net
"Don’t say that. You and Director Grant already have fame and fortune, so you naturally don’t care. Yet Cindy still has to live off her career in the entertainment industry; if her reputation is ruined, with no roles to play, will she really have nothing to eat?"
While the manager played the sympathy card for Cindy Owens, Cindy kept her head down, trying to squeeze out a few tears.
But she was too nervous; her face was reddened, yet not a single tear fell.
"Don’t you know you have to take responsibility for your actions? Even elementary school students understand this; I shouldn’t need to teach a superstar, should I?" Evelyn Clayton was unmoved by the attempt to gain sympathy and insisted on seeing Cindy Owens’ injury.
Cindy repeatedly sent pleading looks to James Grant, but James Grant ignored them.
Conversely, James Grant agreed with Evelyn Clayton’s viewpoint.
"This matter cannot be brushed aside. Either I have our advertiser sue you, or you terminate the contract yourself. Choose one."
"Director Grant, saying this is just driving me to desperation."
Cindy Owens’ voice trembled, pitifully as she removed the bandage and extended her hand for them to see.