Chapter 08 Reunion with Old Acquaintances

Evelyn thought that the situation with Tim would surely continue for some time. However, when she checked online, there was no news at all, and all those demands for an apology had vanished. Of course, she wasn't naive enough to believe that Tim suddenly had a change of heart.
"What's the situation online?" she asked, biting into her bread.
"The company managed to suppress it," William casually replied. Considering her personality, he thought she wouldn't ask much, and as long as the company didn't bring it up again, this matter would pass, which was good. As for the rest, he hadn't prepared himself to reveal everything yet.
"Mm. I don't have any objections to the upcoming work arrangements," she said. Her contract was about to expire, and she considered it a success. No matter how the company treated her, they did provide her with a platform for development. Without it, no matter how talented she was; it wouldn't have made a difference. She was filled with gratitude for this opportunity and platform and was determined to plan her future path accordingly.
This assistant was also hired by the company, and they would surely part ways soon. Evelyn felt a bit gloomy thinking about it.
"You're really not renewing the contract?" Although he asked like this, deep down, he hoped that Evelyn would make this decision. After all, he thought to himself; she had come this far by her own efforts, and now she was attached to this small company, which wasn't a good position to be in either.
Look. It would also be a good choice if you change.
"It's none of your business, no need to ask." Evelyn's consistent style was to avoid getting involved with people she would no longer have any connection with.
William knew she had a strong guard, and yes, how could she fight alone in this circle without protecting herself? He now only regretted not coming to her side earlier. However, there was still time. Although it wasn't much, it didn't matter. If in the future she didn't want to leave here and walk with him, he would pave the way for her and then they could leave together.
Everything was to hope that her occasional tenderness could alleviate her hidden sorrows, and he didn't want her to be sad, not at any moment.
The company's work arrangements regarding a cover shoot arrived via email. The rest of the work previously set up was now cancelled.
When Evelyn came out after changing her clothes, William was already waiting for her at the door, still wearing a t-shirt and jeans. Evelyn had seen many handsome men in this line of work, actors, models, various types, and they could all be described as handsome, but William was truly indescribably charming.
He was like a green grassland under the sunshine after rain, making people unable to help but relax and want to embrace. Encountering such a person gave a feeling of utter contentment and comfort. In life, it was rare to meet someone with such a compatible aura.
While she stared at him, William didn't say anything, just stood there, allowing her to do so.
They were interrupted by an untimely phone call from Antonio, undoubtedly another reminder.
The company recently hired a group of trainees, all young girls and boys with youthful vigor. When they saw Evelyn enter, they all addressed her as "Miss Bennett." Evelyn simply nodded, as always, aloof and silent.
As she was entering, she saw a figure mixed in the crowd that seemed familiar, and a sense of unease crept into her heart. Sure enough, when that person turned around, as expected, the world was truly small. Jovan Davis, perhaps it had been too long since she last thought of this person. His name had almost faded into a layer of dust in her mind, but she was surprised that she could still recall it accurately.
Jovan showed no surprise at the chance encounter. He simply walked up and said, "Evelyn, long time no see!"
"Long time no see." She replied. Seeing that he still looked the same, it was just an appearance. No matter how dazzling a young man was on the battlefield of business, he would inevitably lose his innocence and change.
"Since we've met up here, let's have a cup of coffee together."
William thought it was yet another audacious pursuer, he certainly didn't expect Evelyn to agree so willingly and then turned around to discuss work with him. "You go ahead and let Antonio hand over all the work to you. Send me the location details, and I'll go over in the afternoon." Thereafter; she left with the man.
William was truly surprised and frustrated. Who on earth was this person?! It seemed he needed to investigate him thoroughly.
Jovan took Evelyn to an elegant coffee shop, the atmosphere was warm and the rich aroma of coffee enveloped them. A white cat was curled up on the counter, uncaring for the patron's interest. Without even so much as lifting an eyelid, the arrogant demeanor was incredibly cute.
With great interest; Evelyn stared at the white cat. "You can touch it, it won't bite."
Jovan said softly from behind, but Evelyn ignored him and went to find an empty table in the innermost part of the coffee shop.
Jovan sighed helplessly. She always had this temperament. After ordering two cups of coffee, he sat across from her.
"What do you want to say?"
"Can't we catch up as friends?!"
"Where did we leave off? Mr. Davis, you overestimate me."
"It was my fault, Evelyn. Will you give me a chance? Can we start over?"
"I've long forgotten about it. There's no right or wrong. We went our separate ways, so let's just leave it be. If that's what you came here to say, then there's nothing else to discuss." Evelyn made a motion to leave, but Jovan reached out and held her back. She couldn't break free, so she decided not to waste her energy and simply crossed her arms, staring coldly at him.
Jovan knew Evelyn's personality well, so he let go of her hand. "I have other things to discuss."
"Go ahead."
"Can't you sit with me for a while?" Jovan's tone was incredibly gentle, but the person across from him remained unmoved. He had to get to the point. "I met your father while on a business trip to Houston. I thought it would be best to let you know."
Evelyn finally showed some emotion when she heard the word 'father', but it felt distant. She didn't even know that person as her father until he was mentioned; his actions seemed more like that of a debtor.
"You don't need to bother with him."
"He's not doing well, and it seems he might be addicted to drugs," Jovan cautiously observed Evelyn's emotions. She seemed calm. Well, she didn't need him to tell her about something like that.
"It's better to report it next time you encounter him." Reporting him would mean she wouldn't have to deal with him anymore. Reporting him would truly save herself. Evelyn didn't know what else she could do to him. Suddenly, she thought of something else. "Did you give him money? How much did you give him?" Her tone was somewhat excited.
Jovan finally saw the emotions unintentionally revealed by Evelyn. She wasn't as cold as she was before. He couldn't help but feel a sense of relief, even if she was angry, it was still good.
"I'm asking you how much! Who gave you permission to interfere in my affairs?" Evelyn clenched her fist, as if it gave her a bit of strength.
"Evelyn, don't say that. We..." Jovan anxiously explained, but Evelyn didn't give him a chance.
"We have no relationship whatsoever! I'll repay the money to you. I'm leaving."
Picking up her handbag, she didn't stay any longer and swiftly left the coffee shop. These painful shoes really hurt her feet. She walked too hastily just now, and it made her a little uncomfortable. She just wanted to live with a little dignity, but she didn't expect it to be this difficult.
Previously, she wasn't too bothered by Tim's insulting words. After all, he was just a stranger she didn't know, and she just needed to calm down. But this encounter with Jovan made her feel ashamed.
The events of two years ago seemed to be right in front of her, back when she could trade her dignity for a piece of contract.
In the face of an irreparable situation, they disregarded their feelings for money, and now they even resorted to dirty money to provide for her.
Who could understand the eager anticipation she had when she went to find him, only to hear him saying cruel things to others, including Evelyn? Was that contract really that important? Even if the contract had to be obtained, did it have to come at the expense of her? What is Evelyn to Jovan after all!
Evelyn felt immense resentment but was also extremely powerless. Walking on the street, she didn't even realize the tears behind her sunglasses. The surprised looks from people reminded her that she couldn't continue like this. Feeling dejected, she dialed a number and gave her address but didn't say anything else.
William sensed something was wrong from her tone. He kept talking to her incessantly on the phone and rushed to the garage to drive as fast as he could, treating every red light as green.
From a distance, William could see Evelyn standing by the roadside, looking desolate. Actually, she was too thin, hardly eating anything, afraid of gaining weight and not looking good on camera. Seeing her back, William couldn't help but feel heartbroken.
Once in the car, they remained silent. Evelyn didn't take off her oversized black sunglasses. William didn't know what had transpired in this short period, but he knew without a doubt, Evelyn was absolutely heartbroken.
Although he had found some background information on the person she met, the time was too short. All he could see was that it seemed clean with little interaction with Evelyn. He really didn't know what kind of relationship they had.
Just coming out of the company, gossip was everywhere. Most of it was about the higher-ups investigating the incident where Tim was beaten, but he was suppressed by some mysterious force and his whereabouts were still unknown. The crew also advised against further investigation.
Although the personnel arrangements were handled neatly, Evelyn shouldn't be informed of these things right now, so William took her straight back home.
After parking the car, William turned to look at Evelyn and said, "Are you feeling better? Can we talk?"
As Evelyn looked into William's deep eyes, they seemed to draw her in and gradually eased her tension. Those beautiful eyes, she didn't notice them before. But everything she had been through couldn't be explained in just a few words. Where should she even start?
Moreover, she couldn't say. "I'm fine, I'll go to the set after a nap."
"I canceled the afternoon shoot for you. Have a good rest."
"The company agreed?" Evelyn was curious about what was going on, but she didn't have the energy to deal with it.
"Yes." William didn't mention that the higher-ups were still looking into Tim's situation and discussing how they could continue to bind Evelyn. It was better not to bring up these matters.
Sitting in the living room with his laptop, William faced the staircase, looking at the information. This Jovan matter was a bit tricky. It seemed there was also some background information involved that Leo couldn't dig up. This led him to believe there must be a problem.
He only knew that Evelyn's father was a scoundrel. He had heard Evelyn's phone conversation with him last time and knew that this kind of devil was only after money. He wondered how Evelyn...
How did she survive these years? She probably doesn't have any savings. All the money she earned must have gone to that scumbag.
Could this incident also be related to Clint?