Chapter 43 It's Not Your Fault
Evelyn's firm stance quickly silenced the commotion in the studio.
Even though everyone was puzzled by the news, most people eventually chose to believe her.
Evelyn's character was well-known; she had a deep passion for art and didn't seem like someone who would get involved with Sloane just for a tour or promotional purposes.
Only Madeleine, sitting in the corner, voiced her dissent.
"You guys are way too trusting. The media reported it, and there are photos to prove it. Do you really think she was framed?"
She scoffed, crossing her arms. "I think Sarah is in trouble this time. If I were her, I'd be keeping a low profile to avoid getting caught."
"What do you mean by that?"
Some colleagues stood up, visibly upset. "Are you saying Sarah actually did something wrong?"
They already had issues with Madeleine, and now she was adding fuel to the fire, which made them even more displeased.
"Did I say anything wrong?"
Madeleine showed no remorse, lifting her head to retort, "Sarah's been in the news several times before, always for negative reasons. Yet, Sloane not only didn't terminate her contract but also stood up for her. He would rather take the blame than let Sarah get hurt. Isn't that favoritism?"
She was convinced that Evelyn's behavior was inappropriate, and now she saw everything as tainted.
"That's nonsense!"
The colleagues shouted angrily, "Madeleine, stop being sarcastic and stirring up trouble. If you have proof, go to the reporters. We believe in Sarah!"
Just as the argument was about to escalate, Clare arrived in time to intervene.
"What are you doing?"
She frowned, pulling them apart. "At a time like this, we're fighting amongst ourselves? Do you want to give those reporters outside a good laugh?"
"And you, Madeleine," she turned her gaze to Madeleine, "Watch your words!"
"Sarah has done nothing wrong. If you keep spreading lies, then I'm sorry, and Sarah's studio won't welcome you!"
Madeleine rolled her eyes but reluctantly fell silent.
She couldn't afford to be fired now; she hadn't gotten what she wanted yet, and Seraphina wouldn't agree to it either.
With the situation finally calming down, Clare quickly returned to her desk to handle the tasks Evelyn had given her.
An hour after the incident started to spread, Sloane quickly issued a lawyer's letter, warning the reporters who leaked the story.
Facing the cameras with a serious expression, he made his stance clear.
"This incident is severe and has seriously damaged the reputations of Sarah and me."
Sloane emphasized earnestly, "If the other party doesn't stop, I will take legal action to protect our rights!"
His firm statement helped to some extent in easing the situation.
After issuing the lawyer's letter, Sloane contacted Evelyn.
He didn't go to Sarah's studio but chose to call, keeping his distance from Evelyn.
"Sarah, I didn't expect things to turn out this way. Maybe we should have a different female liaison to avoid further misunderstandings."
Evelyn rubbed her temples, speaking softly, "Mr. Reed, that's not necessary."
People with bad intentions will always find ways to create scandals.
Even if they changed the liaison, those people would just see it as a guilty move to distance herself from Sloane.
"Given the current situation, Ellie and I feel sorry. We didn't expect reporters to be spying on us."
Sloane continued sincerely.
"It's not your fault."
Evelyn shook her head, feeling even more troubled.
Sloane hadn't done anything wrong; they had just shared a meal.
Yet, those who thrived on rumors had turned a simple event into a scandalous story.
"Alright, let's switch the liaison then."
After thinking it over calmly, Evelyn finally nodded. "It's better for you, too, to avoid getting caught up in this mess because of me."
Deep down, she felt guilty.
Sloane was dragged into this because of her.
This leak was clearly aimed at her, and Sloane was just caught up in it by being with her.
"Sarah, don't overthink it."
Sloane, appearing unconcerned, reassured her instead, "You've already helped us a lot by establishing a stable partnership with Ellie."
Everyone knew that working with Evelyn, a highly sought-after figure in the industry, was more beneficial than not.
Moreover, Evelyn's firm stance, even rejecting sponsorship offers from the Collins family, showed her genuine commitment to Ellie.
Sloane added with a meaningful smile, "Ellie's CEO has been looking forward to this day for a long time."
Evelyn remained rational, not letting the praise get to her head.
Although she had closely collaborated with Ellie for a while, she hadn't yet met Ellie's CEO in person.
Sloane's mention piqued her curiosity, wondering when she might get the chance to meet them.
Because of Sloane's stern statement and the threat of legal action, the gossiping reporters quietly retracted their stories.
The once turbulent situation gradually calmed down.
With plenty of other topics for gossip, the rumors about Sarah and Sloane soon faded from people's minds.
Seeing the matter settle, Evelyn finally breathed a sigh of relief.
She never liked being the center of attention, and being the subject of baseless rumors made her uncomfortable.
Meanwhile, Arthur, who had been following the situation, put down his phone, leaned back in his chair, and closed his eyes slowly.
"Mr. Collins," Louis asked cautiously, "Should we still hold that reporter accountable?"
He wasn't sure whether to intervene, but it was clear that Arthur cared about the matter.
"Why wouldn't we?"
Arthur opened his eyes, coldly questioning, "A journalist who only knows how to spread lies? Does he deserve to call himself a journalist?"
He couldn't stand the reporter's behavior, nor could he stand Sloane defending Evelyn as if only he could prove her innocence.
"Yes, sir."
Louis agreed, glancing at Arthur's expression before quickly leaving the office.
Arthur turned to look out the window, the darkening sky reflecting his complicated feelings.