Chapter 673
Jackson grabbed the phone and hit play on the video. Terry was right; Lillian came back because something happened to Shirley.
Shirley, that idiot, always put on a brave face. If Nathan hadn't spilled the beans to Lillian, she would've had no clue Shirley was in such deep trouble.
When Lillian got to Elegance Estates, the place was swarming with media. Shirley was stuck inside, unable to leave.
Reporters clogged the hallway, banging on the door with the fervor of maniacs. The commotion was loud and chaotic, creating a nearly unbearable tension. Suddenly, one of the reporters shouted above the din.
"Hey, let's head downstairs! Nathan's rumored romance just broke, and he's supposedly shacking up with some mystery girl. They live in this complex. If we hurry, we might catch them red-handed. This is front-page stuff, the kind that trends for days!"
"Seriously? We just lucked out big time!"
"Totally true. It's already blowing up online. If you don't believe me, check it out. They say Nathan's car is on its way here! Move it, or we'll miss the scoop."
Nathan had been in the biz for three years and was already a top star, gaining even more steam this year.
His meteoric rise was the kind of sensation that a newcomer like Shirley couldn't compete with. News about Nathan, particularly involving romance and cohabitation, was journalistic gold. Within moments, the reporters blocking Shirley's door had vanished, chasing the much juicier lead.
Desperate not to miss the big story, those who couldn't fit in the elevator bolted for the stairs.
Just as they cleared out, Lillian stepped out of another elevator and knocked on Shirley's door.
Shirley quickly opened up. "Lillian."
Shirley was bundled up tight, but Lillian could still see the bruises on the part of her face that was showing.
Thinking about the video where Lucy and her bodyguards beat Shirley, Lillian was heartbroken and angry. "Nathan's got the reporters distracted. Let's get out of here."
Lillian and Shirley shared a quick hug, then Lillian grabbed Shirley's hand and headed for the elevator.
The elevator went straight to the underground parking lot. As they stepped out, they had only taken a few steps when a shout rang out.
One of the reporters yelled, "Hey, that looks like Shirley!"
Another one chimed in, "It's definitely her. Hurry!"
With a sudden burst of steps, two groups of reporters, seven in total, appeared, rushing toward them. Lillian hadn't anticipated any journalists lingering around and instinctively moved in front of Shirley to shield her.
The reporters immediately started firing questions. "Ms. James, what's your relationship with Austin? Are you his mistress?"
"Lucy said you got your roles through the casting couch. Besides roles, what else has Austin given you?"
"The property prices here are sky-high. Did Austin buy this place for you?"
These reporters were anything but polite.
Lillian's eyes were cold and furious as she stood her ground. "What kind of questions are these? Just based on a snippet of a video? Did you verify anything?"
Lillian was getting anxious. She had asked the driver to bring the car around, but for some reason, it hadn't shown up yet.
"Ms. James, we heard you're pregnant with Austin's child. Is that true?" A male reporter said as he tried to pull Lillian aside to get to Shirley.
"Lillian!" Shirley, worried about Lillian getting hurt, was about to step forward.
But Shirley had injuries on her face and still needed to keep up her star image. Her appearance was crucial.
Lillian stepped in front of Shirley again, her voice icy as she glared at the male reporter. "This isn't an interview; it's slander and defamation. Back off! Or you'll all be getting cease and desist letters today!"
But the reporters weren't scared. Embarrassed and enraged, the male reporter lunged at Lillian, his hand clutching her collar. In the scuffle, Lillian's head struck a nearby camera.
Frowning, Lillian was about to pull out her phone when the pressure in front of her suddenly eased. Then she heard a scream.
The male reporter who had grabbed her was thrown aside, causing the others to step back in a commotion.
"Where did you get hit? Let me see." A familiar deep male voice, filled with obvious concern, came from above her.
Lillian's body stiffened slightly. She looked up and saw that familiar face. The man was tall and imposing as always. He stood in front of her, and the reporters hesitated, not daring to approach. It was Jackson.
Lillian knew she might run into him this time back, but she didn't expect it to be so soon.
Why was Jackson here?
She didn't have time to think, quickly composed herself, and shook her head at Jackson. "I'm fine."
Jackson's gaze lingered on her slightly red forehead for a moment before he turned around, coldly staring at the male reporter and the others. "Didn't you hear her tell you to move aside?"
"Mr. Frane!" Someone recognized Jackson, their face changing drastically, and they immediately took two steps back.
Those who didn't recognize him sensed the tense atmosphere and didn't dare to step forward.
Jackson turned to Lillian. "Get in the car first, okay?"
The cold aura around him seemed to dissipate for a moment as he turned towards her, replaced by a softer, protective concern.
Lillian noticed Terry had driven the car over and also noticed Jackson was asking her. She felt unfamiliar and surprising.
Lillian glanced at Jackson, then nodded and led Shirley to Terry's car.
Lillian opened the car door, letting Shirley in first, but she didn't get in herself. Instead, she closed the door.
She turned around just as Jackson walked over. Seeing Lillian hadn't gotten in, he felt his heart sink slightly, feeling a bit lost.
So, Lillian still didn't want to see him or be in the same space as him?
Jackson was about to suggest Terry drive them while he arranged for someone else to pick him up, but Lillian spoke first, explaining to him, "I have some questions for them."
Jackson was momentarily stunned before realizing Lillian was referring to the reporters.
A glimmer of light flashed in his eyes, and he said with a slight smile, "Alright, I'll stay with you."
The dim lighting in the parking lot made Jackson's face look a bit thinner, his features more defined, and the sudden brightness in his deep eyes seemed out of place.
Lillian turned her gaze away, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you."
She did need his help. The reporters, clearly not wanting to provoke Jackson, had already started to disperse. Lillian's presence alone wouldn't have been sufficient to make them behave.
"Stop here." Jackson's calm but firm voice made the fleeing reporters almost cry as they reluctantly returned.
But unlike their previous arrogance, this time, they looked nervous.
Jackson's gaze swept over them, and he said coldly, "Answer the questions properly, and I won't pursue what just happened."
Then he looked down at Lillian beside him, his voice gentle. "Go ahead and ask."
The reporters looked at Lillian, trembling.
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