Chapter 324
Willow remembered what Sterling had said when they parted ways.
Since Blake was here, Sterling should be here too.
She instinctively searched the crowd for Sterling's figure.
Just then, the reporters gradually dispersed, revealing the two people who had been surrounded inside.
Sterling was dressed in a sharp suit, his commanding presence unmistakable. Beside him stood a young woman with a gentle smile. The woman had an elegant demeanor, and from the way she carried herself, it was obvious she came from a distinguished family.
The reporters were asking them something. The two exchanged a glance, then Sterling faced the cameras again, his lips moving as he spoke. The woman stood quietly beside him, smiling as she watched him talk.
From a distance, they looked perfectly harmonious together.
The driver couldn't help but comment upon seeing this scene. "Isn't that the CEO of the Lancaster Group? Is that his fiancée next to him? I wonder which family she's from—she certainly looks like a good match for Mr. Lancaster."
Willow withdrew her gaze. "No, she's not."
The driver was confused. "Not what?"
"She's not his fiancée," Willow said. "They're just doing charity work together."
The driver didn't take her seriously. Though Willow was beautiful, at the end of the day, her background was ordinary. How would she know the inside dealings of wealthy families?
"How would you know?" he said. "This is the first time Mr. Lancaster has appeared in public with a woman in ages. I'd say good news is coming soon."
Willow patiently explained, "There's a banner over there—doctors are providing free medical consultations. The Lancaster Group must have sponsored it."
The driver glanced over. His attention had been completely drawn to Sterling and the woman earlier. Only after Willow pointed it out did he notice the banner.
Still, that didn't prove anything.
He looked again and said, "Mr. Lancaster's fiancée is such a kind person. The city hardly manages this nursing home anymore. It's admirable that she'd come here to provide medical care."
Willow opened her mouth, not knowing what else to say. She decided to drop the subject. "Can we take a detour? My friend really is in a hurry."
The driver didn't want to waste time either, so he backed up a bit and took another route.
Meanwhile, at the nursing home.
Sterling had finally dealt with the reporters who'd been swarming like flies and watched as they departed.
Adeline spoke apologetically, "I'm so sorry. I've always kept the medical consultation events well under wraps. I don't know what happened today—so many reporters showed up. I've caused you trouble."
"They came for the Lancaster Group," Sterling said.
As he finished speaking, he turned to look toward the nursing home entrance.
The reporters had already left in their cars one after another. The entrance had become empty.
Sterling withdrew his gaze and asked Blake, "Was someone at the entrance just now?"
Blake looked confused. "A taxi seemed to pass by, but it left quickly. Why?"
"Has Willow gotten back?" Sterling asked.
"An hour ago, the driver dropped her off at Majestic City University," Blake replied.
Sterling didn't think much more of it. "Now that things are settled, let's go."
Blake agreed.
"Ster," Adeline tried to persuade him to stay. "Since you're already here, why not spend more time with the elderly? They all seem to really like you."
Sterling glanced at the crowd and explained politely, "I have matters I need to attend to and must leave early. I apologize for not being able to stay with everyone, but Lancaster Group employees will remain to help. If anyone needs anything, they can speak to them."
Naturally, the elderly residents had no objections.
Sterling left with Blake.
On the other side.
By the time Willow arrived at Molly's filming location, the sky had completely darkened.
Molly sat alone on a bench among the set pieces, still focused on memorizing her lines.
Willow called out to her. Only then did Molly notice Willow had arrived. She put away her script and complained with a pitiful expression, "Willow, you're finally here!"
Willow walked to her side. "There was some traffic on the way. How are you? Can you walk? I'll help you."
Molly nodded and, with Willow's support, struggled to stand up, then hopped to the car on one foot.
"Young lady, what kind of show are you filming? How can the production be so irresponsible?" the driver asked.
Molly huffed. "It's a secret. You'll find out when it airs. Want me to give you an autograph? Who knows, I might be a big star by then."
The driver actually agreed, handing over a notebook for Molly to sign.
Molly immediately forgot about her injured foot and laughed happily.
"Is it badly hurt? Should we go to the hospital to get it checked?" Willow worried.
Molly shook her head. "I don't want to go to the hospital."
She glanced at Willow guiltily. "If I go to the hospital, Blake will definitely find out... Besides, I feel like it's not actually that serious. I'll be fine after resting for a couple of days."
Willow frowned slightly, still worried.
Molly hugged her arm. "Also, Willow, can I stay at your place for a couple of days? If I go home, Blake really will break my legs."
Willow had no way to deal with her. "Are you sure it's not serious?"
Molly nodded vigorously. "I promise, I definitely didn't injure any bones or tendons."
Willow asked the driver to take them back to the Majestic City University residential compound.
On the way, Willow expressed more concern about Molly's injury and told her, "Blake is just worried about you. He won't actually do anything to you. If you're hurt, he's more anxious than anyone."
Molly rested her head on Willow's shoulder and nodded noncommittally. "Yeah, my parents have always favored boys. They never took me seriously since I was little. Blake raised me, being both father and mother to me."
Willow fell silent.
Molly's personality showed no signs of being someone who wasn't cherished by her family growing up.
She suspected this was another script Molly had written for herself.
"I just don't want him to worry," Molly said. "He's raised me for so long. Once I become a big star and can easily make money, I'll be able to support him."
Willow couldn't help but laugh. "Then I wish you success in advance."
Molly declared confidently, "I'll definitely succeed. I'm working so hard now, following news about other celebrities every day, learning from their mistakes to make sure no one discovers any dirt on me after I'm famous."
As she spoke, she opened social media again to look at entertainment news, calling it studying.
She scrolled while excitedly sharing with Willow.
Willow reminded her that the driver was still there, so she toned it down a bit—though she only lowered her voice.
"Willow, there's a trending topic about the Lancaster Group!" Suddenly, Molly discovered the Lancaster Group's hashtag in the trending topics and curiously clicked on it.
After scrolling for a few seconds, Molly's expression froze slightly. She glanced at Willow cautiously.
Willow noticed her unusual reaction and frowned in confusion. "What's wrong?"
Thinking something had happened to Sterling, she lowered her head to look at Molly's phone screen.
Molly hurriedly blocked it. "Nothing... nothing..."
She guiltily shifted her bottom to the other side, trying to act casual. "Um, I'm a bit tired. I think I'll sleep for a while..."
"Is it about the medical consultation?" Willow asked.