Chapter 07 Dispelling Arrogance

"I just can't stand seeing someone bully you," William didn't know why he always acted this way in front of this woman, unable to even maintain a strong tone when speaking.
Evelyn immediately thought of the reason why, blaming him for being impulsive. Then she looked up and saw his puffed-up appearance, unable to hold back a gentle laugh. It turned out that someone would actually resort to physical violence to vent their anger on her behalf.
Only someone as childish as William could do such childish things. Looking at his face, something seemed to melt away inside her. She couldn't help but ask, "How old are you?"
"I'm 24 years old. You don't seem to care," he replied.
"Just an assistant. Can't be bothered with so much," he responded with his usual cold tone, even though the smile on his face hadn't faded. However, to William, it gave off a different feeling.
So; he's already 24 years old, yet still acts like a child. But then again, this kind of spirit is what people their age should have. Looking back at herself, it seemed like she had become too sophisticated after all these years in this circle.
She used to fantasize about what her life would be like if she hadn't taken this path. But later on, she realized that it was meaningless to think about things that could never happen.
Looking at the smiling Evelyn in front of him, William couldn't help but raise the corners of his mouth. Evelyn put away her smile and turned around but before she could take a step, William pulled her back. "What's wrong? Is that it? You haven't asked me about my height, weight, or if I'm married! And most importantly, I'm single."
"Not interested."
With the laughter gone, William awkwardly withdrew his hand. He shouldn't be too eager. He watched as Evelyn walked away, thinking that seeing her happy smile should be enough to satisfy him.
Just as he closed the door and was about to go to the bathroom to freshen up, he heard a knock on the door. William walked back and opened it, but there was no one outside. However, there was a medicine box on the floor. He picked it up and held it in his arms like a treasure. So; this was what she went to get.
In that instant, the bitterness of chasing after her for all these years seemed to dissipate like fireworks. It turns out that the person he liked was by his side, caring for him. This feeling was something else.
Neither of them slept that night. Evelyn smelled a deliscious aroma and came out of the bedroom. Breakfast was already set on the table, a typical French breakfast. She casually tied her hair up and sat down at the table.
William promptly sat across from her, holding a cup of hot milk. "Have some more, we have a meeting at the company this morning, we need to be focused and alert."
"Yeah, a criticism session," Evelyn said absentmindedly. William didn't respond this time, and they silently finished breakfast.
As soon as they stepped into the company's entrance, Lily from the reception came up to William. "The higher-ups are furious. Well, let me inform you, this storm isn't going to be peaceful. Be careful." William smirked and shrugged his shoulders to Lily, who was gazing at him with infatuation, and then he followed Evelyn into the elevator.
"You are truly charming. Once we're in the company, someone immediately spills the beans," William said intentionally.
"I think they're just trying to attract attention," Evelyn said, realizing that she might have been too intrusive and chose to stare at the numbers going up in the elevator without speaking anymore. William stood beside her, arms crossed, suppressing a smile. He could continue the banter. The effort he put in these days wasn't in vain after all.
Antonio happened to pass by the elevator and saw Evelyn coming down. He quickly closed his files and rushed up to her. "You got me into trouble again?!" He held his forehead, looking pained.
"Since you agree to every invitation, next time, handle it yourselves at these drinking gatherings," Evelyn said, not waiting for a response as she headed towards the conference room.
Antonio grabbed William's arm. "Next time, give me a heads-up about such things so I can mentally prepare myself. And by the way, this time it's serious. Evelyn has been replaced, and her contract was terminated early by the company. And to top it off, during this crucial time, someone beat up Tim."
Listening to Antonio's complaints, William said, "Evelyn didn't want to take it in the first place. It's your own doing."
"You two are starting to sound alike. After Michael finishes his tantrum, bring Evelyn back."
We will also have to sort things out about the Villa. The film crew has had to wait now, it might take a couple of days off for Tim to rest. He couldn't find the person who attacked him, so he vented his anger on Evelyn. He won't give up easily, and things won't stay peaceful for long. What a mess."
At that moment, they heard the sound of something breaking in the conference room. The two men rushed over. William was worried that Michael might harm Evelyn in his anger. They went in and saw Evelyn sitting calmly on the sofa, still looking cold and composed as usual. Only then did William feel relieved, and he walked over to stand beside her.
"I told you, Antonio, you need to take care of the people you bring. Stirring up trouble is stirring up trouble, and you can't distinguish between what's serious and what's not. It's because you don't make movies yourself that you offend people. How are those new actors in the company going to get by in the future? Don't you know what kind of person Tim is? Just won a big award, all the attention on him, and you tell me who he wants to upset!"
Michael still feared Evelyn's position and dared not confront her, even though he was angry.
Antonio had a bewildered expression on his face, feeling like he was the expendable one being referred to.
"Now Tim is hanging on to us, insisting that Evelyn is seeking revenge. And now that we live in this house, Evelyn must hold a press conference to apologize to him. This issue can't be resolved by terminating a contract. What do you think we should do?" The manager shrugged, looking at Antonio for a solution.
"Evelyn is capable of attacking people? And even putting them in the hospital? It's obviously a false accusation. We absolutely cannot apologize. It's more important to first find out who attacked Tim. Being angry here won't help. Just calm down." Antonio offered a way out, and Michael no longer said anything.
Evelyn began to speak, "Tim..."
But William interrupted her, saying, "It's Tim who's gone too far."
"Both of you, stop talking," Antonio scolded William with a glance.
"The company's higher-ups already know about this incident. As for finding someone, you don't need to worry about it. But the timing is not right. We just wanted to enter the film industry, and now this happens. The higher-ups won't let this matter go easily. Evelyn, take two days off." The manager's cold words were no surprise. They had come a long way like this.
This time Evelyn didn't say much either. After all, William was the one who hit Tim, so it was more important to find a solution.
On the way back, Evelyn was gloomy, and William occasionally looked at her. "You focus on the drive. I don't want to end up inhe hospital and keep Tim company."
William frowned, probably annoyed with his own affairs. When they arrived at the villa, Evelyn suddenly remembered something and turned to ask, "Which hotel did Tim get beaten at?"
"Bell Diner. The surveillance footage has been deleted. He was attacked with a blanket covering him, and I wore a mask. Not many people saw us."
Evelyn thought that he had handled this matter cleanly, unlike his usual self. She didn't ask any further questions and nodded in agreement. She turned around.
"I hope there won't be a next time," he added before entering.
Although William said it aloud, he also knew deep down that if he encountered a similar problem again, he would respond the same way.
As he watched her enter the house, he walked to his study, which was slightly farther from Evelyn's room, and closed the door behind him before dialing a number. "Get rid of Tim. I don't want to see him in this circle anymore. And Dylan, stop the investment. Don't allow him to produce anything in the future."
The person on the other end of the line seemed somewhat gloomy but didn't dare ask further. They just repeatedly assured him it would be done. Lastly, they weakly added, "Sir, Madam was deeply affected by your grandmother's passing. She's been having a poor appetite and her health hasn't been well. She constantly mentions you..."
"My mother is naturally taken care of. You don't need to tell me these things," William interrupted, cutting off the person's words. "And don't mention it again in the future."
"Understood, Sir," the person replied, filled with resignation.
After hanging up the phone, William still felt somewhat unsettled. After all, she was his mother, and he couldn't help but worry. However, it wasn't the time to go back yet.
There were many things that needed to be resolved. Even though many years had passed, and even if it was just a misunderstanding at first, time had passed too long, and new problems would inevitably arise. He cherished the current life he had.
After all, in the near future, he would have to return to shoulder the responsibilities that belonged to him. He couldn't avoid it or refuse it. Life was always like this, filled with so many attachments that were inherent, unavoidable.
He only hated the fact that he was named Étienne.
If he could match up with Evelyn before going back and take her away with him, then he would have no regrets. However, it was unlikely that everything would go smoothly and he would achieve such good luck in completing all of it at once. Regardless, he still had to try. Unfortunately, whenever he was near Evelyn, William's proud confidence would dissipate like smoke.