Chapter 682:

With this newfound understanding, Elyse felt a serene peace wash over her. But she couldn’t leave Cambape yet; Felicia still needed to hear her play the violin.

The next day, an unexpected visitor disrupted the quiet. Gavin eyed the man with palpable disdain, thoroughly disgusted by his lecherous grin. “Mr. Ewing, how many times must I tell you?” Gavin hissed, his voice tinged with irritation. “My teacher isn’t accepting any performances. He’s focused on his student’s competition, not your schemes.”

Grayson Ewing, a television station director, nervously rubbed his hands together. “But this time’s different! I truly hope Mr. Tucker can be a guest at our station’s charity event. His presence would draw in more celebrities and support.”

Gavin rolled his eyes. “Really? Because I’ve heard your station’s charity events are money-making scams.”

Grayson wiped sweat from his brow, his smile faltering. “That’s not true. The previous director was corrupt, yes, but he’s imprisoned. I’m the new director. Our station’s reputation was tarnished, and now many people…”

Gavin rubbed his brow. “Even so, how can I be sure you’re sincere? Mr. Tucker doesn’t accept commercial performances. Please, leave.”

Grayson hesitated. “Actually, we also hoped you might attend, Mr. Cramer.”

Gavin’s mouth twitched. After a pause, he said, “So brazen.”

Grayson desperately grasped Gavin’s arm. “I know it seems like I’m only interested in your fame, but I genuinely want to contribute to the charity. I really have no other options.”

Elyse, drawn by the commotion, approached and saw Grayson clinging to Gavin. Curious, she asked, “Gavin, who’s this?”

“Director of Cambape Television, Grayson Ewing,” Gavin replied tersely. He gently but firmly removed Grayson’s hand. “I can’t assist. The previous director did so much damage that rebuilding trust is impossible.”

Grayson, his eyes brimming with frustration, pleaded, “Mr. Cramer, don’t refuse. I can show you the welfare homes supported by our station. The children are counting on us.”

Gavin raised an eyebrow skeptically. “It all sounds like showbiz. Anyone can put on an act.”

Grayson’s face fell; his desperation was evident. Despite his unkempt appearance, his desire to help was genuine.

Elyse, noticing Grayson’s distress, asked, “Who are you planning to invite?”

“Major elite families in Cambape and prominent social figures,” Grayson explained with a heavy sigh. “The previous director’s corruption scandal has left us in a tough spot. Rebuilding trust has been an uphill battle.”

He’d been thrust into the role at a crucial time, left to clean up his predecessor’s mess. Unlike most new directors, who start with a splash, Grayson’s task was to salvage what remained.

He touched his face, anxious about his future. If he couldn’t turn things around, he feared he might be Cambape Television’s shortest-serving director.

Grayson, dejected, appealed again, “Mr. Cramer, please, give me a chance. Trust me once, and I promise I won’t let you down.”

Gavin remained indecisive, but Elyse, smiling, interjected, “Mr. Ewing, would you consider inviting me to the charity event?” . . .