Chapter 366 Want to Participate
Diana turned around, but the woman was a complete stranger to her.
When the woman saw Diana's face, she got super excited.
She almost screamed but quickly covered her mouth. She grabbed Diana's hand and whispered, "Oh my God! I'm a huge fan! You're Stella, right? Can I get your autograph?"
Diana's face went blank, totally confused by the woman's reaction. She waved her hand dismissively. "Sorry, you've got the wrong person. I'm not who you think I am."
The woman's eyes widened as she stared at Diana, then she pulled out her phone to compare.
Diana turned her head away, feeling uncomfortable, and tried to pull her arm back. "If there's nothing else, I'll be going."
Realizing her mistake, the woman quickly apologized. "I'm so sorry, I thought you were someone else. But you really do look a lot like her."
Diana didn't care who she resembled. She pursed her lips and walked away.
She got into a taxi and headed downtown. Seeing familiar places, Diana felt a sense of surrealism.
"Evergreen City, I'm back," she murmured softly.
At The Percy Mansion.
News of Zachary's death had already spread across the country.
Major media outlets were all over it, trying to get attention through the deceased Zachary.
This was a huge blow to the Percy Group's stock price.
Charles had slept late last night, but he still had to get up early for work.
It wasn't until late at night that the Maybach pulled back into the mansion.
Jacob was surprised to see Charles come back so late, expecting him to stay at the office. He stepped forward respectfully and said, "Mr. Percy, you're back. Benjamin is already asleep. Are you hungry? Want something to eat?"
Charles rubbed his tired eyes as he walked past Jacob, not saying a word.
Jacob didn't take it personally. But after a few steps, Charles stopped and spoke in a low voice. "Tomorrow, the company will hold a press conference."
The situation had gotten out of hand, and it couldn't go on like this.
The press conference originally scheduled for two days later had to be moved up.
Jacob nodded and then asked, "What about Benjamin?"
As the vice president of the Percy Group, Zachary's death would inevitably raise questions and suspicions, possibly even accusations of murder.
Charles needed to present evidence and clearly separate Zachary from the Percy Group to reassure shareholders worried about Zachary's death.
Zachary had a child, and this fact could be discovered by others. When the death was announced, someone would surely ask about the child's whereabouts.
As the president of the Percy Group, Charles had to provide an explanation.
If he didn't clarify, rumors would spread wildly, including conspiracy theories suggesting Charles harmed Zachary to secure his position, even hurting Zachary's child.
Charles didn't care about the media's opinions, but if someone exploited the situation, the Percy Group's stock price could be affected, causing widespread repercussions.
The only solution was to bring Benjamin to the press conference and reveal his identity to the media.
This would create a harmonious image of Charles adopting Zachary's child after his death.
However, this was unfair to Benjamin.
At such a young age, he would be thrust into the spotlight, and the label of being the product of Zachary's one-night stand would follow him for life.
"No, he'll stay at home," Charles said coldly.
"I want to go," a young voice suddenly came from the stairs.
Both men looked over to see Benjamin standing there in his pajamas, holding a stuffed toy.
"It's late. Why aren't you asleep? Go back to bed," Charles said, frowning, not taking his words seriously.
Benjamin's face tightened as he walked down the stairs, repeating, "You said there's a press conference tomorrow. I want to go with you."
He stood in front of Charles, his eyes determined.
"Why would you go? Stay at home," Charles said sternly.
Benjamin shrank back, his hands clenched at his sides, and said softly, "I'm your brother's child. He died, so I should be there."
Charles didn't speak for a moment, seemingly trying to read something from Benjamin's face.
Benjamin stepped forward and tugged at Charles' coat, his voice soft and pleading. "Let me go. If I don't, people will slander you, right?"
Charles was surprised that Benjamin understood this. He frowned and said, "This isn't something you should worry about."
"But I can explain. This trouble is because of me, so I should solve it," Benjamin's expression was firm, his voice rising.
Charles' expression softened slightly, his lips pressed into a thin line, not speaking.
Seeing no reaction, Benjamin shook his coat and pleaded, "Please, let me go."
If he stayed in the Percy Mansion, Diana would never have a chance to rescue him.
"Now that your father is dead, I can sever your ties with him if I want, do you understand?" Charles' expression was serious, clearly not joking.
Benjamin's existence was a significant risk for him.
"That would be great. Then I could be with my mommy forever," Benjamin's eyes sparkled.
He knew the wealth and power behind the Percy Group, but he didn't care about them.
Charles didn't know how Benjamin's mother had raised him, and he couldn't help but ask, "Who is your mommy?"
Benjamin's smile faded, and he replied, "My mommy is the one who gave birth to me. She's the best mommy."
Seeing Benjamin didn't want to say more, Charles didn't press further. He pulled Benjamin's hand off his coat and turned him around. "Go back to bed."
"Why do you always change the subject? I really want to go. I'll be good and won't cause any trouble!" Ignored again, Benjamin stomped his foot in frustration.
Charles looked down at him and said, "You have 20 seconds. If you don't go back to your room and sleep, you won't be going anywhere."
Benjamin didn't react immediately, and they stared at each other.
Jacob smiled and reminded him, "Go back to bed, Benjamin. Mr. Percy means if you sleep well, you can go to the press conference tomorrow."
Benjamin's eyes lit up. He bowed to Charles, thanked him, and quickly ran upstairs.
Jacob couldn't help but laugh.
Once Benjamin was out of sight, Charles turned and went to his room, calling Nolan. "Arrange for two more cars of bodyguards for tomorrow."
Nolan, preparing for the press conference, was puzzled. This wasn't a gang fight, why so many bodyguards?
But Nolan didn't question it and agreed. "Okay."
"How's Elise?" Charles asked.
Nolan's expression became serious as he recalled what he'd found in the past few days. "No issues, but it's strange..."
He hesitated and then said, "Zachary's dead, but Elise has been very calm. She only cried once and then locked herself in her room."
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