Chapter 56 Mainly Still Think Ms. Smith and the Boss Are Well Matched
How to apologize?
For Andrew, the least damaging way was definitely to apologize in person.
There were countless more damaging methods, like going live on social media...
Or appearing on a TV show.
Or even posting a long apology on Facebook. But no matter which method, the consequences were too great for Andrew to bear.
Thalia's fans had been furiously commenting lately, accusing him of being a misogynist.
He had endorsed too many female-related products. If Thalia's fans really labeled him as a woman-hater, he would be in deep trouble.
"Ms. Smith, how do you want me to apologize?"
Thalia glanced at herself in the mirror, her eyes seductive, and spoke softly, "Go on a TV show."
"Thalia, you know, people like us have endorsements. Going on a TV show..."
"If you can't agree, don't call me. Let the law take its course and don't bother me."
Thalia hung up the phone, not wanting to drag the conversation any longer.
Layla said, "Jerk."
"If you had to choose between Andrew and William, who would you pick?" Layla suddenly thought of something and looked at Thalia with a teasing glint in her eye.
Thalia glanced at her through the mirror, "I'd rather die."
Layla burst out laughing, patted Thalia's shoulder, and left.
In the afternoon, Thalia had a promotional event. By the end, her face hurt from smiling so much.
Just as she was about to leave, the reporters outside suddenly shouted, "Thalia, what are you going to do about Andrew?"
"Are you still holding a grudge? You weren't hurt."
"Andrew's the one who got hurt."
Thalia was stunned. Hearing the victim-blaming, she got furious.
She grabbed the host's microphone and responded, "What if it was your wife or daughter standing there that day? Would you still say that? What do you mean I wasn't hurt? Is the law meant to be ignored? Just because I'm okay, I shouldn't pursue this? So if a murderer misses their target, they shouldn't be held accountable?"
"That's funny. This morning, Andrew called me with an arrogant apology, and this afternoon, his fans are here shouting at my event. You guys are something."
"If you have the guts, say it to my face."
"I'm not his mom; I don't have to coddle him."
"Disrespecting and hurting women might seem minor, but the real danger is brainless fans becoming weapons for some people, causing harm everywhere..."
As soon as Thalia finished, the crowd erupted in applause.
People in the audience cheered wildly.
With the support of the event organizers, Thalia left the scene. As soon as she got into the van, she cursed out loud.
"Impressive, Thalia. You're trending. You were so charming when you were cursing."
Evelyn called as Thalia was drinking from her thermos.
"I couldn't hold back. You praise me, but Layla's going to call and scold me soon."
She was definitely going to scold her for not maintaining a star's image.
Tragic!
It's so hard just to make a living.
...
At the law firm.
William was wearing gold-rimmed glasses, reviewing documents on his computer.
Brian brought in some files, hesitating to leave.
William's cold eyes glanced over, "What's up?"
Brian awkwardly rubbed his nose, "They sent me to ask if you and Ms. Smith had a fight."
William removed his hand from the mouse, "You guys can't live without Thalia's afternoon tea?"
Brian was embarrassed, "It's not just about the tea. We think Ms. Smith is a good match for you. Plus, Ms. Smith is prettier than Ms. Lewis. Ms. Lewis acts so high and mighty; every time she walks past, I'm afraid she'll get a neck cramp."
William sighed, feeling the headache coming on. First Thalia, now Scarlett. The socialites of Emerald City were no longer targeting rich heirs but him instead?
"From now on, tell Scarlett I'm not here when she comes."
Brian nodded repeatedly, "Understood."
Thalia, on the other hand, could be let in.
After all, who wouldn't want the boss to marry a wealthy wife?
"Mr. Brown, Mr. Lewis is here."
Brian: ...
William: ...
In the meeting room, William casually leaned on the sofa, looking at Jasper across from him.
"Mr. Lewis, what brings you here?"
"To be honest, I'm here on behalf of someone," Jasper looked at William with a hint of apology in his eyes.
William sat leisurely across from him, making Jasper break out in a cold sweat.
Silent pressure was the deadliest.
"Just say it, Mr. Lewis."
"I was asked by the Wood family to see if you could drop the case against Emma. If the lawyer wasn't you, it would be easier, but if it's you, there's no chance of winning."
Everyone in Emerald City knew how arrogant William was.
His reputation as a top lawyer wasn't for nothing.
Emma was unlucky to face him.
Jasper never imagined that William would take on Thalia's case.
Could it be — as rumors suggested?
If Thalia and William were really close, he wouldn't be with Scarlett, would he?
William spread his hands, "I'm afraid I can't help with this."
"Mr. Brown..."
"The feud between the Wood family and the Smith family isn't something that can be easily resolved. Everyone in Emerald City knows what the Wood family did. If I drop Thalia's case because of you, Mr. Lewis, what will people think of me?"
"Moreover, our firm only takes cases that are beneficial to us. From any angle, Emma's case has no chance of winning."
"I have no reason to pass up a lucrative case. Don't you agree, Mr. Lewis?"
William's words were clear: Jasper wasn't worth giving up his interests for.
Jasper stared at William, listening to his impeccable words, unable to tell which were true and which were false.
After a long silence, the room was filled with a faint scent of coffee.
Jasper saw William pouring coffee.
He smiled, "Mr. Brown, you're right."
...
"Dad, how did it go?" Scarlett asked as Jasper got into the car, handing him a bottle of water.
Jasper took it, drinking half in big gulps, then wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief. A man who had been in the business world for over thirty years had shown weakness in front of William.
"He didn't agree."
Scarlett was shocked.
"What now?" Would Emma have to go to jail?