Chapter 86 Face-saving Project
Rowan was fuming after the board meeting. Not only did she fail to gain the upper hand, but Arthur had completely overshadowed her.
Determined not to give up, she devised a new plan: an art charity event for children, with an invitation extended to Evelyn.
Rowan knew Evelyn's passion for art, charity, and children would make it impossible for her to decline.
Her intention was clear: to accuse Evelyn of embezzling funds at the event, leaving her with no way to clear her name.
The plan seemed to be working. Evelyn received the invitation and accepted it without hesitation.
Clare, however, was hesitant and full of concern. "Sarah, there's been so much drama lately. Someone's clearly targeting you. Do you want to attend this event? What if it's a trap and it ruins your reputation?"
Evelyn understood Clare's worries but wasn't about to back down.
She hadn't done anything wrong, so why should she live in fear?
"Don't worry," She reassured Clare with a gentle smile. "I know what I'm doing."
Whoever was trying to sabotage her might be watching, but she wouldn't let them succeed.
Evelyn arrived at the event as planned, only to be ambushed by a swarm of reporters the moment she stepped into the hall.
"Sarah, are you here to prove you're genuinely involved in charity, or is this just a PR stunt?"
"What's your connection to the previous charity fund issues? Is there any truth to those rumors?"
Evelyn remained calm under the barrage of questions. "The funding issues were explained thoroughly last time, and the accounts were audited. I don't need to repeat myself. As for who fed you those stories, why don't you ask them directly?"
Her straightforward response left the reporters with nothing to latch onto, and they fell silent.
But the ordeal wasn't over. Evelyn moved to the stage to interact with the children.
Just as the children were eagerly participating in the games, someone in the audience stood up and shouted, "Sarah, can you honestly say your charity's accounts are spotless? I found out you've been embezzling funds and pretending to be a philanthropist!"
His words sparked a wave of murmurs and shocked expressions among the attendees.
"Sarahembezzling funds? That can't be true!"
"She was involved in a funding issue before, and now this? Maybe she's just putting on a show to gain popularity."
The crowd's scrutiny intensified, but Evelyn stood tall and composed.
"Your tactics are even sloppier than last time. Can't you find a better way to slander me?"
She gave a cold smile and threw the notarized documents she had prepared at the accuser's feet.
After the last incident with the reporters, she had taken precautions.
She wasn't a pushover. If someone wanted to frame her, she was ready to fight back.
Seeing the documents, the accuser panicked, clearly not expecting this outcome.
"I can prove my innocence. Can you prove your accusations?"
The accuser fell silent, unable to meet her gaze.
At that moment, Arthur appeared, striding confidently to Evelyn's side.
"Mr. Collins? What's he doing here?"
The crowd buzzed with curiosity as Arthur addressed them without hesitation. "These baseless accusations have severely damaged Sarah's reputation. We will take legal action to resolve this. And I announce that the Collins Group's charity will merge with Evelyn's art fund. We hope you will continue to support our charitable efforts."
The news of the merger shocked everyone.
"Is Mr. Collins publicly defending Sarah? He's not even trying to hide it!"
"The rumors about Mr. Collins and Sarah having a deeper connection must be true. They might have been involved for a while!"
Evelyn looked at Arthur in surprise, not expecting this turn of events.
She shook her head slightly, indicating he should reconsider and not act impulsively.
But Arthur stood firm by her side.
He had seen Evelyn endure too much injustice and countless attacks alone.
He couldn't undo the past, but he wanted to walk with her on the path ahead.
Arthur's support completely turned the tide of public opinion.
People's perceptions of Evelyn changed significantly, and they sympathized with her ordeal.
Evelyn finally felt vindicated, though her emotions were mixed.
She knew how easily people could be swayed by rumors.
Despite proving her innocence twice, she wondered what challenges lay ahead.
Arthur sensed her concern and softly reassured her, "Evelyn, no matter what happens, I'll be here for you and the kids. Focus on what you love. I'll handle any storms that come our way."
Evelyn looked at him, deeply moved.
She wanted more than just a promise; she wanted Arthur's genuine heart.
Raising Julian and Ella alone had been tough, and she longed to give them a warm family.
Though she tried to deny it, her feelings for Arthur were real and undeniable.
"Evelyn..."
Arthur's voice was tender and sincere. "Let me take you home."
This time, Evelyn didn't refuse. She simply nodded.
Ella watched them with delight, sensing the connection between them.
She could tell Arthur and Evelyn liked each other, even if they hadn't admitted it yet.
And no one could be a better match for Evelyn than Arthur.
Even Douglas, whom she once liked, couldn't compare. Arthur and Evelyn were meant to be.
Ella tugged on Evelyn's sleeve and signed, "Mommy, let's go home."