Chapter 063: Taking His Arm

The two receptionists were completely bewildered.

"Is she out of her mind? We didn't even do anything to her..."

"Shh, shh, keep your voice down. She’s not someone small characters like us can afford to offend."

"What is she so proud of! Does she really think people can't see what's on her mind? Too bad for her, she doesn't stand a chance!" Despite her words, the receptionist lowered her voice.

They were just lowly receptionists; they truly couldn't afford to provoke anyone.

The other receptionist nodded in agreement.

Like everyone else in the company, they had heard rumors that Solas and Seraphina had been seeing a lot of each other lately. People in high society weren't usually loose-lipped, but the rumors had spread because a photo of the two visiting an amusement park together had leaked. It was picked up by marketing accounts, and soon enough, many people knew.

However, there were likely some constraints at play; even the marketing accounts didn't dare spread it too widely. So, even now, not many people knew the full story. But since one of the protagonists was their boss, the news naturally circulated privately among the staff.

Slowly, almost everyone in the company found out.

The authenticity of the story was still up for debate.

No one dared to spread it openly.

Yet, despite the uncertainty, it likely wasn't entirely false.

In the past, whenever a rumor surfaced about their CEO, the company's PR department would wipe it clean instantly, leaving not a single trace online.

This time was different. The incident hadn't caused a huge stir and had been circulating intermittently for over half a month, yet the PR department hadn't made a single move...

It was hard not to overthink it.

"Whether she has a chance or not, we certainly don't. Let's just stay quiet to avoid bringing trouble on ourselves."

The person who had just glared at them didn't hear their conversation; after shooting them that look, she hurried out of the building.

She was chasing after Solas.

"Mr. Sterling!"

Seraphina had rolled down the passenger window and parked by the roadside to wait for Solas.

As soon as Solas stepped out of the building, their eyes met in mid-air, and they shared a smile. Just as he was happily heading toward Seraphina’s car, he heard someone calling him from behind.

It was a woman.

His good mood instantly dropped a notch. His heart tightened, and he looked toward the girl in the car with worry, fearing she might misunderstand.

Only when he saw that her smile remained unchanged did he secretly breathe a sigh of relief.

He turned back to look.

He remembered this person; her name was Gong琳 (Lynn Gong).

The reason he remembered her so clearly was because back at Seahaven No. 1 Middle School, she had almost ruined his major plans.

"Is there something?" His voice was ice-cold.

Lynn’s forward step froze; she was a bit afraid.

But she couldn't wait any longer!

If she didn't lean on this "great tree" before her now, she wouldn't be able to survive in the entertainment industry!

She had offended Ye (Huan Ye) on the film set.

It was all Huan Ye's fault—wasn't she just relying on her family's stinking wealth? Just because she accidentally splashed a cup of water on her, Huan Ye threatened to blacklist her from the industry. So petty!

But even as she resented Huan Ye for doing whatever she wanted because of her money, Lynn had to admit: if Huan Ye really wanted her gone, she truly wouldn't be able to stay.

Once those current spotlights were gone, she would be nothing and would have to return to the dust.

Having grown accustomed to a glamorous life, she didn't want to go back at all!

Unfortunately, there had been no news of Mr. Sterling for some time. After finally learning he was back, she was delayed by a lecture from her manager.

If Mr. Sterling hadn't waited in the lobby for so long, she likely wouldn't have caught him. But after finding out

why

he was waiting in the lobby, she was consumed by jealousy.

Seraphina Pierce, Seraphina Pierce, it was Seraphina Pierce again!

They even went to an amusement park together!

When she heard that news, heaven knew how furious she was.

Why did Seraphina get everything she wanted while she couldn't?

Jealousy! Indignation!

Glancing at the person sitting in the car not far away, Lynn steeled herself and swayed her hips as she approached. "It’s nothing major. It’s just been a long time since I last saw you, Mr. Sterling, so I wanted to say hello."

"The hello has been said," Solas replied devoid of emotion, turning to leave.

"Mr. Sterling, please wait!"

Solas’s heart tightened again.

His anxiety had nothing to do with Lynn; he was simply afraid Seraphina would overthink it.

Once or twice was fine, but this Lynn Gong appeared before him far too often. Last time, he had finally managed to convince the girl of his innocence, and now this woman was back like a lingering ghost, right in front of her...

Is there no end to this?!

"I was wondering if you had some time, Mr. Sterling. I’d like to treat you to dinner."

The moment Solas’s expression darkened, Lynn quickly added, "I don't mean anything else. I just want to thank you. Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today."

What did she mean by "without him, she wouldn't be where she is today"?

Those ambiguous words made it sound as if they had some improper relationship. More importantly, she said it so loudly that the girl in the car definitely heard it!

Solas wanted to strangle her.

"Since when did Sterling’s threshold become so low? Shoving just anyone in! Has your manager not taught you how to speak after being in this circle for so long?"

The Sterling Entertainment building was in the city center, and the foot traffic outside was significant, including many fans waiting for their idols.

This commotion drew a lot of attention.

Everyone was staring.

Solas’s brow furrowed deeper and deeper.

"It’s undeniable that you are a relatively popular artist in Sterling and can make some money for us, but Sterling won't stop running without you."

Solas didn't care at all about how others saw it, how the media would write it, or how marketing accounts would spread it; it wasn't as if he couldn't handle it.

His only concern right now was that the girl would misunderstand.

Having finally found a chance to get closer to her, he wouldn't allow anyone to ruin it.

Lynn’s face turned pale.

This wasn't right!

It wasn't supposed to be like this!

She had risked her manager's wrath to chase after him and risked being blasted by netizens to say these things in public. She had sacrificed so much just to use public pressure to force Mr. Sterling to help her this once. If she were lucky, she might even force him to keep her by his side, even if it was just to punish her...

The more she defied him, the more it would pique his interest.

Aren't all overbearing CEOs like that?

Besides, how many men aren't obsessed with beauty?

Why was Solas an exception?

Did he not fear the media's backlash or the impact on his career?

Many of the onlookers were already taking photos and whispering.

With the paid internet shills she had planted in the crowd, the tide of discussion was leaning her way—mostly saying Solas wasn't gentlemanly enough and was being too harsh to a lady in public.

Of course, it was all being guided by her people, but regardless, the trend was moving in the direction she desired. Why wasn't Solas worried at all?

"Mr. Sterling, I didn't... I didn't mean it that way. I just... I simply wanted to invite you to dinner. If my wording was improper, I apologize to you..."

"We accept your apology."

It was Seraphina, who had stepped out of the car, who spoke.

At a glance, it was clear there was gossip to be had.

Gossip is human nature.

Some people had already pulled out professional equipment used for stalking idols and started taking photos—

click, click, click.

Seraphina completely ignored them. Maintaining her elegant and refined smile, she walked over slowly and directly took Solas’s arm.