Chapter 13 Arriving in Time

Before Evelyn could witness the situation calming down, she received a call from Jovan. As expected, he was the first to lose his composure. His initial intention was just to create some gossip with the photos and hope that Evelyn would contact him, even if it was just to put an end to the rumors. But Evelyn's stubbornness kept her isolated and unwilling to reach out to him.
The severity of the situation exceeded Jovan's expectations. He knew that Evelyn was truly angry this time. When the call connected, he didn't know how to proceed with the prepared words.
"You don't need to hide anymore. I won't comment on such a foolish scheme."
"Evelyn, I just want you to come back to me. Because I..."
"I don't need to hear the same words repeated. Let me make it clear now, it's impossible between us." Evelyn felt that continuing this entanglement wouldn't solve anything.
"Fine, Evelyn. Now is not the time to be stubborn. How long do you think you can hold on? Do you want to continue like this forever? The problem can be solved with just a word from me. Why can't you come to me? Indeed, I released the photos, but I just wanted you to come see me. I'm willing to tell the reporters that we are a couple and that you're not a mistress, not someone who climbed up by sleeping with others..."
"What kind of person I am doesn't need others' validation. If I only felt it wasn't right before, now I know that it's you who doesn't deserve me. If you call again, I will report you to the police."
Evelyn felt like she had gone mad to have spent these years arguing with someone like him. This was truly a relief. But continuing to be in such a state of despair wasn't a solution. "Antonio, help me look up a phone number."
Evelyn knew that Jovan's reckless actions went against his own image, and Marcus wouldn't tolerate it. This negotiation was absolutely necessary.
These days of waiting still held a glimmer of hope for Jovan's conscience, but now it seemed that he was seriously ill.
After obtaining the number, Evelyn did not hesitate to call. Surprisingly, it was Marcus on the other end of the line. Instantly, she admired Antonio even more for his connections after all these years.
"Hello. I'm Evelyn, perhaps a name unfamiliar to you, but I'm the model involved in a scandal with your son."
"Why are you calling me?"
"I don't know how much you know about this situation, but I feel that if things continue like this, it will have a significant impact on me, Jovan, and your business. Allow me to explain: Jovan and I did have a relationship two years ago. At that time, I didn't know his true identity, I simply treated him like any other guy, and eventually, it ended calmly between us."
Seeing that the other party remained silent, she continued, "If you still have a permissive attitude towards this matter, I might take some action. When Jovan's career was just starting, he was bound to make mistakes, and I happen to have some understanding of those mistakes. I hope you can understand what I mean."
"Quite a remarkable girl. No wonder my son is infatuated with you. I understand. I don't want anything like this to happen again in the future."
After hanging up the phone, Marcus thought about Evelyn's words and found them intriguing. He wasn't an unbending person either; those outdated notions of social class had long vanished. As for his son, he only wished for him to be with someone he genuinely liked. It seemed that this girl truly had no ulterior motives. Allowing his child to continue entangling himself in this situation would be truly unsightly.
As Evelyn hung up, her heart still raced a bit. She couldn't believe she dared to threaten Marcus, and it was quite a risky gamble. But she didn't expect him to be so reasonable. Comparing it to Jovan's way of handling things, were they really father and son?
This matter should be able to come to an end now.
The "second generation rich" guy in the photos stepped forward to clarify, and the online storm settled down slightly. However, there were still some lingering effects.
William had stayed up for several nights but finally found a moment to rest. However, he learned from his subordinate Leo that Clint didn't actually go to Norway! "What's going on?"
"He didn't keep his promise and didn't go to the airport. Our people couldn't find him, but recently he was seen near Miss Bennett's house."
"Why are you telling me now?!"
"It's been really busy lately. Plus, Miss Bennett got involved in a scandal that caused quite a stir. She was almost blacklisted and hasn't been going out much. You have so many matters to attend to, no time even for sleep, and I..." Leo explained in a low voice before being interrupted by William's cold gaze. He had no choice but to say, "It was my mistake."
Glancing at the time, William said, "The bidding conference is in two days. I will depart now and return on the day of the conference." As he spoke, he grabbed his coat, preparing to leave.
"No, you can't leave at a time like this because of that woman..."
"Shut up! I've made up my mind."
"Sir!" Leo was speechless. Was this still the same Étienne he knew? In such a crucial moment, he was disregarding everything just because of a woman.
Evelyn once again sought solace in Antonio's embrace within the room.
It had been two weeks, and now she had truly rested enough. She felt that if she didn't go out soon, she would start to mold. Antonio said over the phone, "Think about it, there was no need for you to hide before. You didn't do anything wrong, so why run away?"
"I must say, you've gone mad. That's not how you spoke before."
"Come on, if you weren't so closed off, would you have listened to me? Back then, you were just panicking, and things have almost settled now. The only trouble is that you don't have a company anymore, and going back on your own, you must feel guilty."
"Then come over now, and let's have a meeting." Evelyn's tone was serious and sincere.
Thirty minutes later, Antonio stood outside the door holding lobster and beer, waiting for Evelyn to open the door. He felt like he had been fooled.
"I'm here. Give it to me." Evelyn took the food and went inside.
"When did you become so cunning?"
"Correction, this is called wit."
"What do you think about what I said? Or do you plan to continue being depressed like this?" Evelyn continued eating, opened a bottle of beer, and handed it to Antonio. "Of course not, I'm going to start my own studio."
Antonio was almost shocked. Evelyn continued, "I'll sell my house, car, clothing, jewelry, and other belongings. What do you think?"
"I think you're missing a business partner!"
"Deal!"
After returning home, Antonio earnestly considered the studio issue. He didn't think it was impossible. With his savings and some investment, as long as he had determination, nothing was impossible.
Moreover, the most important thing was that by doing this, he could help a friend and free himself. After Evelyn's incident, he understood clearly that Star Agency had no future.
Meanwhile, Evelyn had yet to realize that her impulsive idea had already made someone else unable to sleep with excitement. Hearing the knock on the door, she thought it was Antonio returning. Opening the door, she was surprised to see Clint standing outside.
He had aged considerably, with clear signs of drug abuse on his face, and his clothes looked worn out. His hair had turned almost completely white. If she remembered correctly, he was under fifty years old. How did he end up like this? She felt a twinge of sympathy.
The last time they met was when she had just debuted and won a beauty contest. Of course, he didn't come to congratulate her; he was only interested in the prize money. But what about this time? What was he here for?
"Speak."
"I came to see my daughter. Can't I come inside for a bit?" Clint forced a smile.
"No need. Just say what you came for."
"I'm homeless while you live in such a nice house. The people you sent to beat me up last time really did a number on me," Clint said.
"People I sent to beat you up? I wouldn't do such a thing. Don't blame everything on me."
"Alright, it wasn't you. I'm really desperate now. Please help me!" Clint pleaded.
"I have no money. I can't help you."
"How is that possible? You live in such a nice house, how could you not have any money? Please, help me."
Clint stared pleading at his estranged daughter.
"I'll help you, but how can I help you?"
"I've seen the news. You've been with that rich second generation, you must have gained a lot of benefits. Those wealthy people are generous. How can you not have money? Help me one more time, for Dad's sake?"
Evelyn looked at the person in front of her, who had become a stranger long ago. A few minutes ago, she could still feel soft-hearted, it was really ridiculous. The words that reached her ears were too heartbreaking, and she almost instantly burst into tears.
Why is it always like this, always the last time, help him, help him, who will help me?
"Evelyn. Dad is helpless."
"Don't say those two words again, do you deserve it? You have no right to utter m y name or call yourself Dad"
"No matter how much you don't want to admit it, I am still your father! Now I'm telling you, I want you to give me money!"
"I really have no money left. Don't you understand my situation? I haven't had a job for over a month, and it's very likely I won't have a job in the future. Where do I have money? I have mortgaged everything I have just to see if there's a chance. What do you want me to do? What do you want me to do?"
"You've been a star for so many years... you can just..."
"Just what? Sell myself?" Evelyn felt like she was suffocating. How could there be such a person in the world? "Impossible! I won't give you a penny!"
"You bitch, you have money but won't give it to me!" Clint raised his hand and slapped Evelyn, causing her to almost fall over. Before she could catch her breath against the door frame, he swung another slap at her, and Evelyn felt a painful throbbing in her temple.
Clint's harsh words followed one after another, "I am your father. So what if I want you to sell yourself? So what if I want you to give me money? I want you to die, and you should comply!"
Evelyn saw Clint's raised hand and closed her eyes, feeling a tremendous despair. In this moment, she even thought that it would be a relief if he killed her. But the anticipated pain did not come. Instead, she heard Clint's cries of pain.
When she opened her eyes, she saw William already knocking Clint to the ground, their fists clashing. "William?"
Hearing the faint cry, William immediately stood up and picked up the fragile Evelyn. "I'm sorry, I came late."
Evelyn sobbed softly, pulling on William's shirt, her tears falling silently. "It's okay now, it's okay. Let's go to the hospital."
William said to the bodyguard behind him, "Take him to the police station. Let him face charges for drug use, drug trafficking, attempted murder. Let's see how long he'll be locked up for."