CHAPTER 50: CHAPTER 50: IS THIS MY THANK-YOU GIFT?

"Your face will be on the front page of all the major newspapers tomorrow, you won’t regret touching up your makeup." James brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "Go ahead."

Being called to a press conference in the middle of the night is also a test for journalists from all the major newspapers.

But no one wanted to miss out on the firsthand information, so they all forced themselves to attend.

The very first sentence made all their efforts worthwhile.

Evelyn Clayton and James Grant sat in the center, tightly holding each other’s hands.

James was the first to speak, "Thank you all for attending this late-night press conference. There’s something we need to clarify; the story about Cindy Owens attempting suicide over love and ending up in the hospital is nothing but a farce. It’s all part of her act."

"Additionally, there’s something I want to tell everyone: Cindy Owens has previously used her celebrity status to incite her fans to attack me. Now she’s pretending to commit suicide to gain attention. If today I weren’t Evelyn Clayton and didn’t have the means to protect myself and uncover the truth, would I be forced to bear this accusation?"

In just a few words, Evelyn hit the nail on the head.

Some journalists hung their heads in shame.

Evelyn seized the opportunity.

"Celebrities have several times, even dozens of times, the influence of ordinary people. They should be more cautious and restrained, or else ordinary people become mere tools for celebrity hype. I’m an example of this. So even if it’s the middle of the night, I need you all here because I hope to be the last ordinary person ever trapped by the celebrity effect. Hopefully, there will be no similar incidents in the future."

After she finished speaking, James added:

"As for my relationship with Cindy Owens, it’s not as rumored by the outside world. We merely met at a social event, chatted, and had a few drinks. There was nothing inappropriate between us. I have and only have one fiancée, and that is Evelyn Clayton."

Saying this, James raised their tightly held hands.

The media went wild with the sound of shutters clicking.

The constant sound of camera shutters forced Evelyn to smile, cooperating with James.

Just as her cheeks were about to ache from smiling, Quentin Hale finally took the stage to announce the end of the conference. Any further questions could be directed to him afterward.

"Director Grant, the car is ready in the parking lot."

James nodded, and amidst the sound of shutters and jeers, he led Evelyn away, like a loving couple.

As soon as they exited the elevator, Evelyn eagerly shook off his hand.

"Just leaving after using me? So ruthless?" James waved his hand nonchalantly. "People always talk about heartless men, why does no one mention ruthless women?"

Having been through a long night, Evelyn was too tired to argue with him and just wanted to go home to shower and sleep.

"Quick, take me home."

James unlocked the car, and Evelyn opened the door first, sitting in the passenger seat and adjusting the seat.

After fastening her seatbelt, she realized James was looking at her with a playful smile.

"What are you looking at?" Evelyn checked her face in the mirror.

"You’re getting more and more skilled at getting into my car."

"...Yeah, I don’t know why, but things always seem to get so busy when I’m around you, having to run all over the place." Evelyn forced a smile, "Director Grant, can we drive now? You can sleep in tomorrow, but I still have to go to the studio to draw."

"You don’t have to be so tired. You’re about to be Mrs. Grant, just hire someone to draw for you and spend more money."

Typical rich kid mindset.

Evelyn snorted, "Sorry, our studio is a small business, we can’t afford to hire so many employees. Just the two of us are doing fine."

"If you need capital, you can tell me—"

"James Grant," Evelyn suddenly looked at him, "Is this my thank-you gift?"

James immediately understood what she meant, shaking his head with a helpless smile.

"Of course not."

Just as Evelyn was about to speak, James’ phone suddenly rang.