Chapter 72 Irrefutable Evidence
"Yeah, it's her!"
Every time Sophie came up, Jade would lose her cool.
They were sworn enemies back in school, and now they were stuck studying abroad together. Even after graduation, Sophie wouldn't leave Jade alone, always stirring up trouble.
"She's spreading the nastiest rumors about me in our industry. She even said I got my latest investment by sleeping with a professor. Can you believe that?"
"That's so gross. But why is she doing this? You guys don't even work in the same theater company."
Jade snorted, fuming. "It's because my play won the gold award last time. She entered too but didn't even make the list. That witch! Next time I see her, I'm gonna rip her a new one!"
This time, Sophie set a trap, waiting at the Empire Hotel to catch Jade in the act. But only the professor showed up, and Jade was long gone.
It made sense that Jade called Daphne for help in the middle of the night.
After chatting a bit more, they reluctantly hung up.
Daphne noticed a unread message from Carl. He said he had an important meeting in the morning and would come back for lunch.
Daphne typed back: [It's okay, you don't have to rush back specifically. Work comes first. And remember to eat something.]
Meanwhile, Vivienne woke up early, looked around, and saw nothing had happened. She left in a hurry.
She was getting impatient not seeing Carl. Waiting like this was driving her nuts.
What she told her assistant last time wasn't just out of anger. She had decided to change the situation.
After her agent told her about the contract termination with the Ward Group, Vivienne called Ralph and even went to the company, but no one paid her any attention. She didn't even get to see Ralph.
On the phone, Ralph simply said the company decided to go with another top artist.
Vivienne was obsessed. She was so close to standing by Carl's side. But everything changed suddenly. She couldn't accept it.
It was just a minor failure in endorsement, and Daphne was just a small obstacle on her path. Vivienne was about to go all out for getting close to Carl.
Daphne also heard from Ralph about this. It was a shame the termination didn't cost Vivienne anything, but the good news was Claire was super efficient.
Claire sent a copy of the email to Otis and Daphne. A quick glance showed all sorts of explicit images.
Alan and Vivienne were in bed, Alan's hand wandering over her body. It was undeniable proof.
When Carl got back, Daphne was just about to eat.
"Didn't I tell you not to rush back?" Daphne asked, noticing Carl looked a bit off these past few days because of her condition.
Carl walked to the dining table and looked at today's meal. It was clearly more refined, with a variety of easy-to-digest dishes.
"Let's eat together," Daphne said, setting a clean set of utensils in front of Carl.
"Did you take your medicine on time today?" he asked.
Daphne nodded. "Yep, took it all. You don't need to worry about me. You've got dark circles under your eyes; don't wear yourself out."
She examined his dark circles seriously. Carl glanced at her and tasted the food. It was pretty good.
"Not bad," he commented.
Daphne thought he was complimenting the food, but then he said something that left her speechless.
"At least you still have some conscience."
It seemed like all her words of thanks yesterday were ignored.
"When can I be discharged? I feel fine now, and the doctor says I just need to rest."
Daphne was getting restless. Seeing the other patients in the hospital made her feel down. It was much livelier at home, where she could chat and laugh with Evelyn and Maya.
Carl put some yam in her bowl. "Let's get some more nutrients today, and I'll take you home tonight."
He looked at Daphne for confirmation. Originally, Carl planned to let her stay in the hospital for half a month to recuperate. But she seemed to be getting antsy these days.
Daphne's face lit up with joy at his words. "Are you busy today? If not, could you bring me home early?"
Seeing her hopeful eyes, Carl nodded and agreed. His heart felt a strange ache. He didn't know why, but every time Daphne mentioned home, it made him feel this inexplicable sensation.
The special meals on the table were all prepared by a chef Carl had specially arranged to make nutritious meals. Although bland, they tasted really good.
Daphne had always had a good appetite, but she had to control her diet due to her poor health, which was a bit torturous.
Staying with the Johnson family for so many years, she never showed any signs of being a foodie. But after coming to the Ward Family, there were always all sorts of delicious things tempting her.
Before evening, Carl arrived at the hospital before rush hour and successfully brought her back to the Emerald Manor.
Seeing her return safe and sound, the servants were overjoyed.
Evelyn went to arrange a room for the new chef and asked many questions about the food prepared for Daphne.
After getting affirmative answers, Evelyn happily served a bowl of fish maw soup to Daphne. Everything felt familiar again. It was so good to be home.
Daphne greedily enjoyed these moments. She wished for this kind of peaceful life to continue forever.
After dinner, Daphne watched Evelyn and Maya bombard the new chef with questions. It seemed they had a lot to learn.
Carl made a phone call and then asked the servants to bring some things from the entrance. Soon, they came in with bags full of items.
"What's this?" Daphne asked curiously, seeing that the packages contained high-end supplements.
Carl said calmly, "Otis and Daniel sent them, knowing you were sick."
"Is there even ginseng?" Daphne was speechless.