Chapter 148 Scandal

Chapter 148 Scandal

The steady sound of footsteps approached, and Dorian finally appeared at the top of the stairs. His face was somewhat pale, his jawline tense, and a faint shadow loomed over his brows.

Bella immediately noticed something was wrong with Dorian and asked with concern, "Uncle Dorian, why do you look so pale? Are you feeling unwell?"

Dorian glanced at her indifferently, his tone emotionless, "I'm fine." He walked to the dining table and sat down, his movements slightly stiff.

Bella gave him a suspicious look but didn't ask further. Instead, she turned to Amelia and said, "Amelia, what's your relationship with that Everett?"

"Everett?" Amelia frowned slightly, looking at Bella in confusion, "How do you know him?"

Bella smiled mysteriously and handed her phone to Amelia, "See for yourself."

On the phone screen were several photos and news links. In the photos, Everett was carrying an unconscious Amelia out of a party, and paparazzi had captured them at the hospital. There were even scenes of Everett talking to Amelia backstage at his concert.

The news headlines were sensational: "Shocking! Popular Pianist Everett Seen Carrying Mysterious Woman to Hospital Late at Night!", "Everett and Mysterious Girlfriend Suspected of Living Together! Romance Exposed!", "Couple Outfits Spotted at Business Association! Everett and Girlfriend Show Off Their Love?"

Amelia's face grew increasingly serious as she looked at the photos and news. The angles of the photos clearly indicated they were taken deliberately.

"Look," Bella pointed to one of the photos excitedly, "You two are even wearing matching outfits at the business association! I have to say, you look quite compatible."

Dorian's face grew darker, and he suddenly put down his utensils with a crisp sound. "Bella," his voice was low and filled with warning, "Focus on your meal and stop being curious about these things."

Bella pouted and muttered softly, "I wasn't wrong." But she obediently closed her mouth and continued eating her breakfast.

Amelia put down the phone, her face calm and unperturbed, as if the people in the photos had nothing to do with her.

"Everett and I are friends. We grew up together, but we lost touch when he went abroad to study. He recently returned for a concert, and we happened to meet and catch up."

Bella exaggeratedly covered her mouth, "A childhood friend! Why didn't you say so earlier? I almost thought you two were a couple."

She deliberately dragged out her words, glancing at Dorian with a hint of mischief, "Since you're not in that kind of relationship, that's good. I was hoping you could be my sister-in-law!"

Dorian's eyes were deep as night, and his fingers tightened slightly around his coffee cup, but he didn't refute Bella's words. He merely gave Amelia a look, one that was unfathomable and hard to read.

Amelia didn't respond to Bella's joke, simply taking a sip of the milk in front of her.

Seeing no reaction from either of them, Bella didn't feel awkward and continued eating her breakfast. The dining room fell silent, with only the crisp sound of cutlery clinking against plates.

In the top-floor CEO office of the Talbot Group, the entire city was visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Dorian sat in a large office chair, his long fingers tapping rhythmically on the desk.

"Heath." His tone was cold and emotionless.

Heath immediately entered, standing respectfully in front of the desk, "Mr. Talbot, what are your orders?"

"Take care of those online news and photos," Dorian's voice was icy and authoritative, "I don't want to see any more rumors about Everett and Amelia."

"Yes, Mr. Talbot." Heath took the order and quickly set to work.

Dorian gazed out the window, his eyes deep and complex. He disliked this feeling of being out of control, especially when it came to matters concerning Amelia. He didn't understand why he cared so much about Amelia when they were merely companions who didn't repel each other.

He irritably tugged at his tie, but the frustration in his heart didn't lessen at all.

Meanwhile, in the marketing department of the Talbot Group, the atmosphere was somewhat tense. Since Amelia was transferred to the CEO's office, her appearances in the marketing department had been rare. With the online rumors about her and Everett spreading like wildfire, the company was abuzz with gossip.

"Did you see those photos of Amelia and that pianist? They make such a handsome couple!" a female employee whispered curiously to her colleague.

"Absolutely, I heard that pianist comes from a prominent family, a real high society! Amelia has really hit the jackpot!" another female employee said enviously.

"I doubt it. She probably hooked up with him long ago, and now it's just public. She used to act so high and mighty in the marketing department, but it turns out she was just looking for a rich guy!" a sharp voice chimed in.

These discussions reached Evelyn's ears without missing a word. Evelyn usually had a good impression of Amelia, and hearing these rumors made her uncomfortable. She slammed her file down, making a noise that instantly silenced the office.

"Why aren't you working during office hours? What are you all talking about?" Evelyn's tone was icy, her gaze sweeping over everyone with a hint of warning.

Everyone fell silent, lowering their heads, not daring to speak.

Evelyn took out her phone and dialed Amelia's number. After a few rings, the call was answered.

"Mr. Lee." Amelia's cool voice came from the other end.

"Amelia, are you okay? What about those online news?" Evelyn's tone carried a hint of concern.

"I'm fine, Mr. Lee." Amelia's tone was calm, with no trace of emotion.

"That's good, that's good." Evelyn sighed in relief, "Why haven't I seen you at the company? Are you feeling unwell?"

"I twisted my ankle while accompanying Mr. Talbot to a business association event a few days ago. I'm on sick leave at home now," Amelia explained lightly.

"What? How could you be so careless? Is it serious?" Evelyn asked with concern.

"It's nothing serious, I'm much better now," Amelia said nonchalantly.

"That's good, that's good. Take care of yourself, and I'll visit you when I have time."

"No need to trouble yourself, Mr. Lee. I'm staying at a friend's place, and it's not very convenient," Amelia declined politely. She didn't want Evelyn to know she was staying at the Talbot Villa to avoid unnecessary trouble.

"I see." Evelyn sounded disappointed but didn't think much of it, "Alright then, take care and call me if you need anything."

"Okay, thank you, Mr. Lee." Amelia hung up the phone and let out a soft sigh.