Chapter 674
Lillian wasn't about to let a golden opportunity to ride Jackson's wave slip by.
She whipped out her phone, opened the video app, and aimed it at the reporters. "So, who sent you guys?" she asked, her voice dripping with curiosity.
The male reporter, looking a bit flustered, replied, "Miss, no one sent us. We're just doing our job as entertainment reporters. Interviewing Shirley is part of it. If we've upset her, we can apologize."
Lillian zeroed in on the tall, skinny reporter who had been the most pushy. Under Jackson's icy stare, the guy started to shake a little.
He seemed sincere, but Lillian just laughed. "If professional entertainment reporters had the chance to uncover juicy gossip about a top-tier male celebrity's romance, they would go after it rather than persistently staking out a minor celebrity."
It wasn't that Lillian thought less of Shirley, but compared to Nathan, Shirley was still a newbie in the biz.
Ignoring a big star's gossip to focus on a minor one? Who'd buy that without a good reason?
But the reporter and his crew still weren't spilling the beans.
Lillian gave Jackson a knowing look. "I thought you were the big boss around here, but maybe not."
Jackson hadn't even reacted yet, but the reporters were all wide-eyed.
This chick must be nuts to mock Jackson like that.
They were hoping she'd tick Jackson off enough to get herself and Shirley booted out, so they could get back to their job.
But what happened next blew their minds. Instead of getting mad, Jackson's cold face actually showed a hint of amusement when he looked at Lillian.
Jackson was kind of flattered. All he could think was, 'Lillian talked to me. She actually started a conversation with me.'
So instead of losing his cool, Jackson smiled slightly, "You're right. Maybe I've been too low-key lately, making them think I'm a pushover. Time to set an example so people stop disrespecting me."
When Jackson turned his gaze back to the reporters, the warmth vanished, replaced by a bone-chilling coldness.
His smile was still there, but it was like a sharp blade. Wherever he looked, it felt like a death sentence.
"Who should I make an example of?" Jackson raised an eyebrow, his eyes scanning the group before landing on the tall, skinny reporter.
"How about him?" Jackson asked Lillian, his tone almost playful. It was like he was saying, "Should I take him out to make you happy?"
Lillian glanced at the reporter again, and this time, he was drenched in sweat. He had no doubt that if Lillian nodded, he'd be out of Miracalia by tomorrow.
Panicking, he blurted out, "It's Ms. Porter! She paid us big bucks to keep tabs on Shirley. She promised us $100,000 each if we could get a video of Shirley looking a mess. If we got her cursing and attacking us, she'd throw in another $100,000."
That's why they were so obsessed with Shirley, ignoring even the juiciest gossip about a top star.
After all, even if they dug up dirt on a big star, it might not lead to promotions or raises. But here, they were promised cold, hard cash.
Plus, with Bianca's status, getting on her good side could mean more gigs down the line. Lillian frowned a bit. 'I thought Lucy sent these guys. Who's Ms. Porter?'
She glanced at Jackson, who filled her in, "They're probably talking about Bianca Porter from HorizonHive Media. Looks like the Flores Family is looking to team up with the Porter Family by marriage."
'So this is tied to Gray?' Lillian's eyes darkened. Thinking of Gray as Jackson's buddy, she figured they really were two peas in a pod, always attracting shady characters.
She flashed a smile at Jackson, which made him want to call Gray right then and to reprimand him.
Turning to the reporters, Lillian shook her phone. "I've got everything on tape. I'm sure you all can fix your mistakes and won't go blabbing about this, right?"
With Jackson there, they didn't dare cross him. And with Lillian holding the video, if it got out, their careers would be toast.
The tall, skinny reporter led the others in nodding like their lives depended on it.
Lillian raised her hand slightly. "You can go now. Thanks for your cooperation."
The reporters scattered like they'd been pardoned.
Just then, Lillian's driver pulled up. He walked over and said, "Sorry, this car has a Seaspring Valley City plate. The reporters knew Nathan's from there, so they chased the car, causing the delay. Please get in quickly."
Jackson stepped up and said, "Since the reporters chased you, it's not safe. Let me drive you."
Lillian looked at him and nodded. "Thanks."
She then headed towards Jackson's car, leaving him staring at her back, a bit stunned.
He hadn't expected her to agree so easily, and her attitude left him even more puzzled.
But Lillian not turning down his help was a good sign.
A hint of a smile flashed in Jackson's eyes as he quickly followed her.
With his long legs, he caught up to Lillian in a few strides, reaching the car first. He opened the door for her and even raised his hand to shield her from bumping her head.
His actions were smooth and impressive.
Lillian got into the car, her eyes briefly catching Jackson's slightly lowered tie due to his bent posture.
The tie was floral, with bold colors, one of the ties she had bought for Jackson back in the day.
She remembered it had always hung in the Peace Mansion's closet. Jackson had thought it was too flashy and never wore it.
Lillian lowered her eyes, her expression calm. After sitting down, she politely smiled at Jackson outside the car and said, "I want to talk to Shirley, Mr. Frane. Could you give us some privacy?"
It meant that the back seat wasn't convenient, and he could sit in the front.
Terry, in the driver's seat, got the hint. He glanced at the smiling Lillian through the rearview mirror, feeling that her polite demeanor now was even tougher to deal with than before.
Terry felt a pang of sympathy for Jackson.
Jackson's gaze lingered on Lillian, his grip on the car door tightening.
He hadn't planned to sit next to her anyway. He knew Lillian and Shirley hadn't seen each other in a while, and with what had happened to Shirley, Lillian would want to focus on her.
But maybe Lillian's earlier attitude had given him the wrong idea.
Now, being turned down like this, Jackson felt like a bucket of ice water had been dumped over his fiery spirit, sending his heart crashing from the heights of hope to the depths of despair.
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