Chapter 77: The Farce at the Press Conference
The next day, at the Omni Group's new product launch, flashbulbs popped relentlessly, almost blinding Evelyn. Damian had orchestrated this public event to quell the recent "marital crisis" rumors and stabilize the company's stock price.
He wore a tailor-made dark grey suit, his hair neatly combed, and a practiced business smile. His left hand was tightly wrapped around Evelyn’s waist. The force was so strong his knuckles seemed to press through the silk gown into her body. It wasn't an embrace; it was a warning.
“Smile, darling,” he murmured close to her ear, an action the public would mistake for intimacy. “Don't look like you’re attending a funeral, unless you want tomorrow’s headline to be about Mrs. Green the miserable wife.”
Evelyn endured the pain in her ankle and forced her lips into a cold, lifeless smile. She wore a champagne-colored gown delivered by Damian’s stylist that morning. The long hem hid the bruise on her ankle, yet felt like a shackle, trapping her by Damian’s side.
A reporter raised a microphone. “Mr. Green, what is your comment regarding the argument with your wife at the amusement park and Mrs. Green’s alleged affair with Dr. Hall?”
The air seemed to freeze for a moment. Damian didn't flinch. He glanced at Evelyn, then spoke into the camera with what sounded like deep affection. “An argument? Just a bit of passion between a husband and wife. As for the rumors…”
He chuckled, took Evelyn’s hand, and kissed it. “Evelyn is the most important person in my life and my only love. I trust her completely, just as I trust myself.”
Applause and cooing sounds erupted from the audience. Evelyn felt a wave of nausea. The most important person? Just yesterday, he was threatening to break Ethan's hands and suing Sophie for corporate benefit. The man lied more naturally than he breathed. She stood beside him, stiff as a mannequin, playing her part in the "devoted couple" act.
Just then, the crowd parted. Sienna, wearing a business suit and an "Executive Assistant" badge, approached, holding two glasses of red wine. Her face was made up, and her eyes held a smugness only Evelyn could recognize. “Damian, congratulations on the successful launch.”
Sienna stood before them, smiling as she handed a glass to Damian, then turned to Evelyn, raising the other glass. “Mrs. Green, while we’ve had our misunderstandings, today is a good day. I’d like to toast you.”
In front of so many cameras and reporters, Evelyn couldn't refuse. She reached out to take the glass. Just as her fingers neared it, Sienna suddenly stepped forward and stumbled. “Oops!” The red wine arced through the air and splashed directly onto Evelyn’s chest.
The champagne dress instantly turned dark red. The wet fabric clung to her body like a wound. Wine dripped down the skirt onto the carpet. The venue erupted in commotion, and the click of shutters was non-stop, capturing the moment.
Sienna gasped, covering her mouth. “Oh dear! I’m so sorry, Mrs. Green! I didn't mean to, my heels slipped…” While apologizing, she leaned into Damian, her eyes meeting Evelyn's over his shoulder. Her lips moved, forming words only Evelyn could hear: “Look at you now. A clown. Wearing his clothes, acting out his script. Pathetic.”
Evelyn stood frozen. The cold liquid soaked through her dress, but it was nothing compared to the chill in her heart. She instinctively looked at her husband. Damian didn't check if she was hurt or soiled, nor did he scold Sienna. He merely frowned, a flicker of annoyance in his eyes. He didn't even remove the hand supporting Sienna.
“How could you be so careless?” The tone made it impossible to tell if he was scolding Sienna or blaming Evelyn.
The surrounding guests began to whisper, their stares landing on Evelyn like needles. Standing under the spotlights, soaked and stripped of dignity, Evelyn was forced to endure her husband's mistress's humiliation while maintaining composure for her husband's sake.
“It’s fine,” Evelyn heard her own hollow voice say. “I’ll go clean up.” Without looking at anyone, she pushed through the crowd and headed toward the changing room. Behind her, Damian had already regained his smile, continuing to address the media as if the woman who had just left was utterly insignificant.
Evelyn rushed into the changing room and locked the door behind her. Only with the noise shut out could she breathe properly. She looked at her reflection. Her makeup couldn't hide the exhaustion, and the red wine stain on her chest was a conspicuous mock of her distress. She turned on the faucet, splashing cold water on her face, trying to regain control. I cannot cry. I won't give them the satisfaction.
Evelyn took a deep breath, wiped her face, and was about to take off the stained gown when two steady knocks sounded on the door.
“Who is it?” Evelyn asked cautiously.
“Mrs. Evelyn,” a young man’s professional voice replied. “I am Kevin, Mr. Ryan’s assistant.”
Ryan? Evelyn’s heart skipped a beat. After a few seconds of hesitation, she opened the door. A man in a black suit stood there, holding a silver briefcase. He simply bowed slightly.
“Mr. Ryan sent me,” Kevin said, handing the case to Evelyn. “This was specially prepared for you.”
Evelyn took the case, bewildered. “What is this…”
“Mr. Ryan said you might need a change of clothes,” Kevin paused, then added, “He also asked me to tell you that if you don't want to keep playing this game, he can take you away anytime.”
Evelyn’s fingers tightened around the briefcase handle. Downstairs, Damian was still playing the role of "CEO and his capable assistant" with Sienna, basking in the flashlights. But here, in this hallway, another man was concerned about her plight.
“Okay.” Evelyn looked up.