Chapter 117: So You Know How to Cajole

Sean couldn't help but notice the change in Abigail's eyes. It triggered a memory of something Kevin had confided in him earlier—that Abigail didn't like him. The thought furrowed his brow with concern.

Her apathetic gaze replaced the previous expression. "If she won't make a public online apology, we're not designing anything for her, and we'll destroy what we've already made. Trust me."

"Do you have to go to such lengths?"

She cut him off sharply. "I don't want to hear any explanations. L.Moon's success hinges on Alana's reputation. What Joan's doing is tantamount to ruining someone's livelihood. It's almost like murder, do you understand?"

"Are you mad because I'm defending her? Is that why you're going after her?"

She replied coldly, "I couldn't care less about rumors of a scandal involving you and Joan staying at any hotel."

Sean took a deep breath, his eyes locked on Abigail. "Are you willing to say anything just because she won't apologize? Is L.Moon that important to you?"

She avoided answering, turning her gaze to the window. She didn't want to talk to him anymore, realizing he was just a flaming heap of disappointment.

"Do you still want to resolve this, Abigail?" he asked.

She turned, her frustration evident as she snapped, "Don't threaten me. What else can you do besides threaten me? Why does the set have hidden cameras? Why is there a voice recorder? Why can she edit the video and slander Alana?"

Abigail's eyes blazed with anger as she approached Sean. She enunciated sharply, "You resorted to underhanded tactics just to get Alana on your show. So you better protect her. She owes you nothing, and you expect her to sit quietly when her reputation is on the line?"

He knew she was angry, and he pulled her into an embrace. "We're already looking into it. Why are you so angry?"

She was still livid. She froze momentarily, then shoved him away. "Let me go!"

He gently patted her back, adopting a persuasive tone. "This is the production team's oversight. I've dispatched my team to locate the original video. I'll prove your innocence." He understood her anger. She was Alana, after all. Of course, she was aggrieved after being slandered.

Abigail struggled, but Sean held her close. "Alright, calm down. You have a show to attend," he continued.

Her throat tightened. She clutched his clothing and exhaled. "I don't care. Joan can't be our model. We're replacing her with Nina."

"I made a promise to her, so I can't change that," he said calmly. She tried to break free again. "In exchange for her being your model this time, you can name any request."

"Fine. Then make an apology video and post it online," she said, reining in her anger. "For both her slander attempts against Alana."

Sean looked into Abigail's eyes and nodded. "Fine. I'll talk to her."

"And I want fairness this time. Anyone involved in the smear campaign must be removed from the show," she insisted.

"Of course," he agreed.

She looked at him and thought, He can do anything just for Joan's future. Then, she mocked, "Joan means a lot to you, doesn't she?" She smiled sardonically as she pushed Sean away.

"Why are you bringing that up again?" He frowned.

Abigail shoved him away and sneered. "Still playing dumb, I see. Forget it. Focus on your job. We have nothing more to discuss."

Sean was about to respond when a knock interrupted. He frowned but opened the door. It was Kevin. Sean impatiently asked, "What do you want?"

"Still arguing, I see?" Kevin appeared curious, having overheard the heated exchange. He was worried they might break up.

Sean responded coldly, "Just get to the point."

Abigail approached from behind and pushed Sean out of the room, slamming the door shut. Kevin stood there in shock, staring at the closed door. He turned to Sean, who was frowning. Kevin asked, "Is she angry?"

"Yes, she is. I failed to cajole her," Sean admitted, thinking she might be jealous.

Kevin mumbled, "Maybe Joan shouldn't have led that crusade this morning. This has nothing to do with the models or designers. Can't believe they were trying to call the shots on our behalf."

Sean looked at him coolly and returned to his room, with Kevin quickly following.

"The internet is suspecting Alana. If Abigail finds evidence of their innocence, this won't be easy to resolve. After all, Luna did impersonate Alana. How can we spin this narrative?"