Chapter 14 Conspired against Me
“They said you all were shameless and conspired against me!"
Liam's expression immediately changed. "What nonsense are you spouting!"
In contrast, Vivian did not respond to Evelyn's direct and stern accusation. She instinctively felt guilty, and her gaze evaded the eye contact.
After hearing Liam's voice, she snapped back to reality. "Yes, how could you believe such words? It's a slander!
"Evelyn, we've known each other for so long. Do we need others to tell you about our feelings? How could you believe such boring instigation? I am so disappointed in you."
Vivian's eyes welled up, tears on the verge of falling. She looked very aggrieved.
Evelyn couldn't help but admire her, thinking that Vivian's acting skills would be wasted if she didn't become an actress.
But Evelyn could do the same act as well.
Biting her lip, Evelyn struggled and looked confused. "But it's not just them. People outside also say that you and Liam—"
"Evelyn!" Before she could finish speaking, Liam interrupted her angrily, grabbing her arm. "Are you an idiot! You believe any rumors?! You always trust what others say, but you have no brains! Who are they and who are we to you? You don't understand who to trust and who not to trust at all!"
He was full of rage as if he had been greatly insulted, yelling at her with his neck tense.
Evelyn thought, 'I am the idiot. Otherwise, how could I have been deceived by these two for so long?'
The angrier and guiltier he appeared, the more intriguing she found it. She anticipated a confession now that matters had escalated, yet she was taken aback by their continued attempt to defend themselves.
Well, that's fine. If they wanted to act, she'dl play along.
"But now that things have come to this, why don't we just announce to the public that First Love is a joint project developed by me and Vivian?"
"No way!" Vivian immediately protested. "After the chaos yesterday, who would believe that? It wouldn't help in restoring Liavian Perfumes' reputation. It's definitely not an option!"
Liam hesitated for a moment. Upon hearing Vivian's words, he immediately agreed, "Yes! This won't work, and you know you have a bad reputation. If it's said that you and Vivian developed it together, it means admitting that we lied last night. We can't do that, absolutely not!"
"What should we do then?"
Actually, Evelyn had guessed that they wouldn't agree. She was just curious about how they would deal with the farce from yesterday.
"Evelyn…" Liam grasped her arms on both sides, his voice low, and his eyes staring at her intently. "We'll need you to make a sacrifice first."
"What do you mean?" "What do you mean?" She arched an eyebrow, her expression unreadable.
"I'll arrange a press conference where you'll admit your error, stating that in a moment of confusion, you sought sole credit and apologize to Vivian. The company will publicly absolve you, and the issue will be resolved."
He spoke very naturally as if he had practiced this conversation many times in his mind.
Evelyn didn't argue but still showed a troubled expression. "But what about Neogenito Fragrances..."
"You can quit. Did you already sign a contract with them?"
Liam frowned, feeling unhappy when he thought of this.
He thought, 'When did Evelyn get involved with Neogenito Fragrances? Why didn't I know anything about it?'
Evelyn shook her head. "I haven't signed a contract yet."
"That's great. Since you haven't signed a contract, we still have a chance. They deceived you, and I didn't sue them for slander, which is already quite merciful."
He breathed a sigh of relief and patted her arm. "Evelyn, you're too naive. You don't understand the complexity and dirty tricks in this business world. We care about you and don't want you to get involved in these terrible things.
"Vivian and I can handle these things. You can focus on making your perfume. Isn't that what you love the most? Isn't it good to focus on doing what you love?"
Evelyn glanced at him. All this time, he had employed these words to sway her, persuading her to work for them willingly, with no expectations in return. Yet now, they persisted in urging her to shoulder the blame, shamelessly claiming it was for her own benefit.
She understood that confessing to stealing someone else's formula now and transitioning to another company would essentially brand her with a lifelong stigma, rendering her unable to thrive in this industry in the future.
Liam wanted her to do this for two reasons: to protect the reputation of Liavian Perfumes and Vivian, and to undermine her own reputation, ensuring her obedience to him in the future.
She thought, 'How beautiful! He's such a shameless guy!'
"Will admitting my mistake and making amends really restore the losses? Won't you blame me?" she asked staring at him with a pretense of nervousness and anxiety.
Liam was very satisfied, thinking, 'This is the Evelyn I know, she cares about my feelings the most, how could she betray me?'
He gently embraced her shoulders and said tenderly, "Don't worry. I know you were deceived by wicked people, how could I blame you? Blame those cunning and malicious people instead.
"You don't have to be afraid. During the press conference, Vivian and I will be by your side to support you. Everything will be fine!"
Evelyn suppressed her disgust and nodded. "I'm counting on you both."
Vivian jealously watched the two of them, hoping to separate them immediately.
But for now, she had to consider the bigger picture and endure it for the time being.
After Evelyn left the office, Vivian could no longer contain herself. "Are you under her spell? It seems like you're hanging onto her every word now!
"Do you genuinely believe it was instigated by someone from Neogenito Fragrances? How would they even know about our relationship, and why would they disclose it to her?"
"I can't be certain if it was someone from Neogenito Fragrances, but she's become suspicious," Liam said, picking up the cigarette box from the table. He lit one and took a slow drag, squinting as he spoke. "Those details aren't crucial right now; what's important is to quell public opinion."
With a cold laugh, Vivian retorted, "Will she heed your advice? Remember her performance last night; she commanded the entire scene! Are you not worried she'll stir up another commotion at the press conference?"
Despite considering Evelyn simple-minded, Vivian couldn't shake the sense that something was amiss this time.
"She wouldn't dare!" Liam exhaled a puff of smoke, shaking his head. He paused briefly before continuing, "Even if she does, I have a plan. But..."
"She won't. She's not that smart. Maybe everything from yesterday was just a misunderstanding."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
