Chapter 590 Forced Volunteer
"Ms. Taylor's always been a straight shooter. Everyone knows that. If Randy was really a jerk, do you think she'd do surgery on him?"
Calvin's words set off a firestorm.
People say you become like those you hang around. Randy was always seen as a bad guy. Everyone knew he wasn't a saint. Calvin didn't bother trying to clean up his image; he just wanted to get himself off the hook. Public opinion was irrelevant to him.
But Evelyn was a different story.
By revealing the surgery now, he was making a point.
Evelyn was secretly backing the Alexander family.
Don't be fooled by her words. When push comes to shove, she's loyal to the Alexanders and will help them out!
"Everyone, Randy's situation has taken up too many public resources. On behalf of him and the Alexander Group, I apologize."
Calvin bowed deeply. "We'll be tougher on ourselves from now on, setting a good example and accepting public scrutiny."
The news video cut off abruptly.
Evelyn's beautiful face was cold, like a snow-covered mountain in the dead of winter.
"Damn it! Calvin's trying to drag Mrs. Wellington down with him!" Bart's eyes were red with anger, his voice shaking.
Evelyn herself, though troubled, was surprisingly calm compared to earlier.
But Edward was anything but calm.
The strong hand she held turned icy cold. She could feel his muscles tense, the veins on the back of his hand bulging, filled with a murderous intent.
They were alike in this way.
When someone they cared about was in trouble, they couldn't tolerate it!
Evelyn looked up, seeing Edward's eyes dark and stormy, his chest heaving against her back.
The quieter he was, the angrier he was.
"Edward, don't be too angry."
Evelyn squeezed his hand, her voice gentle and comforting. "He can try all he wants to smear us, but in the end, it's just nonsense on a screen. I don't care at all, and you shouldn't either."
"How can I not care?"
Edward's breathing was erratic, his fist hard as rock under her soft hand, trembling violently. "I won't let him get away with it. Whatever Randy suffered, I'll make sure Calvin pays double!"
"I feel the same way, but we can't lose our cool just because of his words."
Evelyn gently pressed her hands to his forehead, soothing him. "You know how serious your condition is. Overreacting will make it worse. Even if you don't care, think about me."
Despite her words, anything concerning Evelyn made it impossible for him to stay calm.
Rationality was no match for deep-rooted love.
"Mrs. Wellington, the online attacks have started! Calvin must have hired trolls!" Bart's fingers were practically stabbing his phone screen as he read the negative comments.
"Get the PR department to control the narrative!" Edward ordered coldly.
"Let it go. Let them talk. Calvin thinks attacking me will hurt me and make me lose hope, but he's underestimating me."
Evelyn lifted her delicate chin, smiling faintly. "We don't need to do anything."
"Evelyn." Edward's breath was heavy, gripping her hand tightly with worry.
"If it weren't for these trolls, how would people know Evelyn is a celebrity?"
She waved dismissively. "Remember, proving yourself is the dumbest thing you can do. For now, let's not bother with Calvin."
Evelyn's expression turned serious again. "I'm more concerned about those girls. They suddenly changed their statements, likely due to pressure from the Alexander family."
"Those girls come from ordinary backgrounds. How can they stand against the Alexander family?"
Edward lowered his lashes, analyzing quietly. "And those two minors—if this blows up, being threatened by the Alexander family is one thing. They will also be dragged into the public eye, attacked by the media, and public opinion. Even as victims, they could become subjects of gossip and ridicule, accused of being 'willing participants.'"
"Willing participants?" Evelyn was stunned.
Edward's clear yet harsh words brought to mind the sharp, cruel mockery:
"They must have wanted it. Why else would they be there?"
"Why wear such a short skirt?"
"Why you and not someone else?"
Those girls were victims, yet they had to endure the world's malicious slander, adding insult to injury, pushing them into the painful vortex of being 'willing' victims.
"Those girls have their whole lives ahead of them. Their parents fear the world's greater malice more than they seek justice. I don't agree, but I get where they're coming from."
Seeing Evelyn's face pale and her shoulders trembling, Edward pulled her into his arms, his chin resting in the crook of her neck, holding her tighter as if to merge her into his flesh.
"Edward, I'm fine. I just feel sorry for those girls." Evelyn's voice was choked, soft, and pitiful.
"You're too kind, Evelyn."
Edward's warm palm patted her back gently. "But I hope you stay pure, always standing in the warm sunlight, always kind-hearted."
I just want you to always face the sun, always be kind.
Evelyn shook off the gloom, rallying herself. "Edward, can you arrange for me to meet those girls alone?"
"You want to persuade them to testify?" Edward's brow furrowed.
"They changed their minds not because they don't want justice, but because they fear the Alexander family's power and retaliation."
Evelyn's lips curved into a determined smile, like a ray of light piercing the darkness. "I want to show them that even if the Alexander family is powerful, I, Evelyn, will stand up for them!"
Randy was released from the detention center and welcomed back to the Alexander Manor with great fanfare.
In the car, he guzzled red wine and scrolled through the negative comments about Evelyn, laughing maniacally like a deranged lunatic.
"Evelyn performed surgery on Randy? Treating a scumbag so diligently—are they involved?"
"I knew it! The rich are all the same, looking out for each other. Even Ms. Taylor, who seemed noble and upright, is no exception. It's us ordinary folks who suffer."
"Evelyn! You've let me down! I despise you!"
"Hahaha! Calvin, look at these comments. They're hilarious!"
Randy's legs shook with excitement. "People are saying I have a thing with Evelyn. Will Edward come to kill me tonight?
Man, I wish I really had something going on with Evelyn. With her sexy curves, she'd be amazing in bed!"
Randy's vulgar words were unbearable. Calvin interrupted, his face dark. "Amazing? Can you even enjoy it now?"
"Calvin, can you stop talking about my weaknesses?" Randy said angrily.
"You're no match for Evelyn. Aren't you afraid she'll destroy you?"
"If I can't have her, can't I at least fantasize?" Randy licked his lips lewdly.
Calvin shook his head in disgust. If Randy weren't his brother, he wouldn't even talk to him.
Randy continued to enjoy the offensive comments, laughing uncontrollably.
"Your attitude is impressive."
Calvin swirled his wine glass, sneering. "The whole internet is cursing you, and you're still laughing?"
"Why wouldn't I laugh? I'm a scumbag—do they need to tell me that? I already know!"
Randy's lips curled in a wicked smile. "But now, Evelyn is dragged into the controversy. I'm thrilled.
She thinks she's so noble, trying to distance herself from the Alexander family, yet she's getting more entangled with us. She must be crying in bed right now!
Calvin, seize this opportunity. Make sure that little bitch's image collapses like Tiffany's!"
"I'll continue to control the narrative. You don't need to remind me." Calvin glanced at him, smirking arrogantly.
Elbert was overjoyed to have Randy back, father and son embracing in a sickeningly sweet reunion.
"Randy, you owe your freedom to Calvin!"
Elbert looked at Calvin with renewed trust and admiration. "Calvin, you did an excellent job! You truly lived up to my expectations! The Alexander family can't do without you!"
"Thank you, Dad."
Calvin smiled humbly. "Randy is my brother. Of course, I'll do everything to help my family and ease your worries."
"Dad, see! Calvin is the only one who truly cares about you and the Alexander family! Without Calvin, I'd be done for. I wouldn't have the chance to be here and show my filial piety!"
Randy sneered. "Look at Gilbert. What has he done for you since our family got into trouble? He wants our family to fall apart so he can benefit!"
"Randy, don't say that. The family's stock price and the Aurora Isle project have stabilized thanks to Gilbert's help." Elbert said seriously.
At that moment, there was a knock on the door, and Gilbert walked in with a smile.
"Randy, it's great to see you home safe."
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