Chapter 400: Warning Letter
Charles remained silent for a long moment.
This was exactly the kind of thing Emily would say. She'd never been the vindictive type. Even when dealing with people who'd wronged her, she believed in giving second chances.
"Do as she asks. Send the warning letter, but hold off on terminating the contract. We'll see how Evelyn handles herself going forward."
"Understood, sir." Nathan exhaled in relief.
After Nathan left, Charles walked to the window and gazed out at the city skyline.
Emily...
You're always like this—kind to a fault.
But do you realize that in this dog-eat-dog world, too much kindness can sometimes hurt you?
Still... that's who you are.
And it's one of the reasons I fell in love with you.
Back in her apartment, Evelyn spent the entire afternoon on edge.
After posting her plea for fans to stay calm, she'd been glued to her phone, terrified of missing any updates.
Finally, her manager called. His voice carried a note of disbelief. "Good news, Evelyn. Windsor Group isn't terminating the contract. They've just issued a warning letter requiring a public apology and assurance that nothing like this will happen again."
Evelyn's eyes lit up. "Really? Mr. Windsor... he's not giving up on me?"
Her manager sounded uncertain. "Apparently not. Normally, what you did would constitute a serious breach of contract. Windsor Group would be well within their rights to sue for damages. But they're only issuing a warning... That's not Mr. Windsor's usual style."
Evelyn's heart raced.
Charles hadn't abandoned her.
Even after such a massive screwup, even after she'd crossed Emily—he was still giving her a chance.
What did that mean?
It meant she still mattered to him.
"I knew it..." A smile crept back onto Evelyn's face. "Mr. Windsor isn't really angry with me. He's just testing me, seeing if I can handle this situation properly."
"Evelyn, don't read too much into this. You're incredibly lucky to be let off the hook. Just draft a sincere apology and keep your head down. And for God's sake, stay away from Emily."
"Yeah, yeah, I know." Evelyn waved him off dismissively, her mind already spinning in a different direction.
If Charles actually cared about her, why should she fear Emily?
Emily was just Charles's soon-to-be ex-wife. She was the one Charles truly valued.
The fact that he wasn't coming down on her proved it.
"By the way, did Mr. Windsor say... when he might want to see me again?" Evelyn asked tentatively.
Her manager paused. "See you? Evelyn, you seriously want to meet with Mr. Windsor right now? Are you insane?"
"Why not? If Mr. Windsor's giving me another shot, it means he still has expectations for me. I should at least thank him in person and explain what happened."
Her manager's tone turned sharp. "Evelyn, listen to me very carefully. Mr. Windsor gave you this chance because Emily interceded on your behalf. Not because he has any special feelings for you. Don't delude yourself."
Evelyn scoffed. "Emily asked him to go easy on me? As if she'd be that generous. I don't buy it."
Her manager sighed. "It's true. Nathan said so himself. Emily's the one who convinced Mr. Windsor to give you another chance."
Evelyn froze.
Emily... intervened for her?
How was that possible?
But quickly, she pieced together her own narrative.
"She's just playing saint. Wants to parade around like she's magnanimous so I'll feel indebted to her. Dream on!"
"Evelyn—"
"I've heard enough," Evelyn snapped. "I'll post the apology. But you still need to arrange a meeting with Mr. Windsor. Tell him... I want to apologize in person."
Before her manager could argue further, Evelyn hung up.
She walked to the mirror and studied her reflection, a confident smile playing on her lips.
Charles hadn't given up on her.
That was her trump card.
As for Emily? Just a loser on her way out.
Once she became Mrs. Windsor, Emily would be the first person she'd deal with.
That evening, Evelyn posted an apology on social media.
[An Apology to Obscura Fashion and Ms. Emily Johnson]
First, I want to extend my deepest apologies to Obscura Fashion and Ms. Emily Johnson for my recent inappropriate behavior.
Due to personal reasons, I canceled my collaboration with Obscura Fashion at the last minute, causing significant inconvenience to the brand. I am deeply remorseful. I also apologize for the irrational actions of my fans. As a public figure, I failed to guide them properly, which led to their aggressive behavior. That responsibility falls on me.
I respect Obscura Fashion's decision and sincerely wish them success with their new campaign. Mr. Daniel Scott is an incredibly talented artist whose temperament perfectly aligns with Obscura Fashion's brand philosophy. I'm confident this collaboration will be a triumph.
Once again, I apologize to everyone affected. I will reflect deeply on my actions and strive to be more mindful moving forward, working hard to become a better artist.
— Evelyn
The comments section quickly split into two camps.
Some praised her sincerity and willingness to learn from mistakes:
[Everyone makes mistakes. Good on her for owning up to it. Go, Evelyn!]
[It takes courage to admit when you're wrong. I respect that.]
[Rooting for you, Evelyn! You've got this!]
But far more people remained skeptical:
[Now she apologizes? Where was this energy before?]
[She's only sorry because she got caught.]
[Words are cheap. Who knows what she really thinks?]
[Obscura Fashion should blacklist celebrities with zero professional integrity. Too risky.]
Still, the scandal had at least died down for now.
The next day, Nathan briefed Charles on Evelyn's apology.
"Mr. Windsor, Evelyn's manager reached out. She wants to apologize to you in person. Should I—"
"No." Charles didn't even look up. "Tell her I received her apology, but a meeting isn't necessary. Also, remind her this is her last chance. One more misstep, and Windsor Group won't be so forgiving."
"Understood." Nathan nodded, inwardly pitying Evelyn.
The woman was utterly clueless.
Charles had zero interest in her. Why couldn't she see that?
After Nathan left, Charles set down the document he'd been reviewing and rubbed his temples.
He thought of the message Emily had sent him earlier.
[Thanks for handling the Evelyn situation. But... don't be too hard on her. Just give her one more chance.]
A few simple sentences. Yet they warmed something deep inside him.
His Emily. Always so kind.
Even toward those who'd wronged her, she believed in second chances.
When Evelyn received Nathan's response, she stood frozen in shock.