Chapter 54 Who Gave You the Courage
Chapter 54 Who Gave You the Courage
As soon as those words left his mouth, the employees couldn't keep their cool.
It seemed the rumors had some truth to them; Killian was actually standing up for Lila.
Though no one said anything out loud, everyone felt that Lila was really unworthy of Killian.
Seeing the silence, Killian knew everyone had their own thoughts.
Killian didn't care about others' opinions and said directly, "Let me clear something up. The company's stock drop has nothing to do with the online rumors. It's just some people stirring the pot. We can't stop freedom of speech, and we can't control what they say."
"All we can do now is focus on our work and make sure no more serious issues come up. Don't mix work with personal life. My private life is none of your business."
Killian's tough stance was well-known in the company.
Some senior leaders were used to it, but the mid-level managers attending the meeting for the first time were shocked, their high regard for him shattered.
When Lila arrived at Killian's company, she was immediately the subject of whispers.
She had gotten used to it and ignored them.
A group of paparazzi followed her, cameras in her face.
Lila had been pushing her limits.
In the past, these people would have met a grim fate.
Some bold paparazzi even drove up next to her, shoving microphones in her face.
"Miss Voss, are the online rumors true? Are you really dating both the CEO of Hart Enterprises and the popular star Phelan?"
"Miss Voss, please clarify your relationship with Phelan. Why did that video leak? Weren't you with Mr. Hart at the gala that night? Why did you leave in such a hurry?"
"Miss Voss, do you know Calanthe is rumored to be with Phelan? As the third party, do you have anything to say to Calanthe?"
Lila shot him a cold look, making the reporter shrink back.
He hadn't realized a woman's gaze could be so icy, as if she wanted to kill.
He instinctively pulled back the microphone, and by the time he recovered, Lila was already gone.
When she tried to enter the building from the underground parking lot, she was stopped at the lobby.
The receptionist looked at her with disdain.
"Sorry, ma'am, you need an access card or an invitation to enter. Please understand our policy."
"Don't you know who I am?"
The receptionist laughed even more arrogantly.
"Of course, we know who you are, but rules are rules. Please don't make it difficult for us."
Lila was on the verge of exploding.
She struggled to control her emotions, trying not to smash the woman's head in.
"Move!"
She stormed into the elevator without looking back.
The receptionist hadn't really intended to stop her; she just wanted to make her presence known.
Lila had no idea that everything in the parking lot and lobby had been caught on camera, ready to become the next big scoop online.
The doors of Hart Enterprises were closed.
Lila knocked, but there was no response.
A cold smile appeared on her lips.
So Killian was mad. What a petty man.
He couldn't handle her being a little flirty with other men?
If she had known, she would have flirted with every man from the start.
Maybe that would have driven him crazy.
"Killian, if you don't open the door, I'm leaving. You'll never find me again, and you'll regret it."
The door opened immediately.
The staff in the office were stunned.
Killian was always decisive and unyielding.
But Lila had him wrapped around her finger.
Especially the gossip-loving women in the secretarial department, who were thrilled to witness the drama firsthand.
As soon as Lila stepped into the CEO's office, a strong arm grabbed her and threw her onto the large leather sofa.
The force was not small. Lila instinctively wanted to fight back, but remembered she couldn't reveal her identity.
She had to swallow her anger and glared at the man opposite her.
"What do you want? Why are you throwing a tantrum?"
"You have the nerve to ask? What's your relationship with Phelan?"
The air was thick with jealousy.
Lila laughed at Killian's twisted face.
"Killian, are you jealous?"
Lila asked openly and directly.
All his anger dissipated with that question.
Killian walked over to Lila, his face cold.
He looked down at her.
"What do you think? Why are you involved with him? Didn't you just come back from abroad? He's a top star; how do you know him?"
Lila was speechless.
She couldn't say they grew up together abroad, trained together, and came back to kill together.
"It was a coincidence. He's my college senior. We're just friends. Don't overthink it. He's married, but it's not public because he's a top star. His wife isn't me."
Hearing this, Killian's anger subsided by half, but he still gritted his teeth.
Lila was so restless.
If she entered high society, who knew how many suitors she'd have?
Was it true that one thing conquers another?
Just moments ago, Killian was furious, but Lila's few words made him feel restless.
"Don't worry about the online rumors. I'll handle them."
"I know the rumors aren't good for your company. The stock has dropped a lot. Are you losing both money and face?"
Killian frowned.
"Don't worry about that. Even if the stock keeps dropping, I have enough to support you for years."
Lila's mood plummeted. She hadn't realized the Hart family's wealth was so immense.
How long would it take to bankrupt him?
"It's my fault for causing you to lose money. Don't worry, I'll pay you back when I make money."