Chapter 148: Sean's Diligence

Abigail turned to look at Sean, surprised. She quickly composed herself. "Why are you here?"

Sean entered the private room and stood beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Of course, I came to help my cousin overcome her difficulties."

Luke, seated next to Anthony, stood. "You young folks should sit together and sort out this online mess."

Lewis was aware of the online situation but felt unable to handle it.

Sean sat beside Abigail, giving Anthony a cold glance. He muttered, "Your crew is something. Is it worth an actress targeting a mere assistant like this?"

"We don't have evidence—" Anthony began, but Sean coldly interrupted. "By the time you find a solution, it'll be too late. We've all been in the entertainment industry; don't you know when to do crisis PR?"

Abigail lightly bumped his arm. "Can you not talk like that?"

"If I don't, will you teach me?" Sean's gaze was cold.

Luke smiled, watching Sean. "Sean, you really stick to your principles. Only someone outside the industry could be so carefree. You and Anthony are both impressive. One helps her with outside troubles, the other inside. Haha!"

Abigail thought Luke should have remained silent. Sean's expression darkened.

Anthony, noticing this, smiled knowingly. "As a cousin, you're very diligent. I'm just worried your 'sweetheart,' Joan, might treat Abby like Laura did."

Sean's expression was indifferent. "What makes you think Joan is my sweetheart?"

"Oh, isn't it because you gave her an expensive bag and pushed her into a major production despite her lack of acting skills?" Anthony feigned curiosity.

"There's no need to explain," Sean replied calmly.

Anthony sipped his water, saying nothing more.

Abigail chuckled awkwardly. "You guys talk about history; I find it interesting."

She planned to ask Sean privately about the online situation later.

Lewis, wanting no part in the exchange, pulled Luke aside to chat.

Abigail texted Sean: "Can you please stop talking like that? How will you handle the online situation?"

Sean's phone buzzed. Seeing Abigail's message, he said, "Abby, I'm right here. It's inappropriate to message privately. Say it aloud."

Anthony and the others immediately focused on Abigail.

Abigail forced a smile, wishing she could disappear. "You guys continue," she said, putting away her phone. She then pinched Sean's thigh hard.

Sean gasped.

Abigail tried to withdraw her hand, but Sean held it tight. She struggled, then froze as Anthony stared.

"Mr. Booker, do you have intentions toward my cousin?" Sean asked directly.

Abigail wished he'd stop.

"Of course. I liked Abby in college, and I still do," Anthony said openly.

Sean nodded, his smile cold. "So, you have ulterior motives. That's why you've been treating her well." His implication was clear: Anthony's intentions weren't pure.

Anthony smiled at Abigail. "Liking someone is innocent. Mr. Graham, you make it sound like a heinous crime."

They continued their back-and-forth. Abigail, silently drinking water, tried to free her hand.

"Speaking of which, Laura's unhappy with a makeup style. She says it's like a hostess and accuses me of a personal vendetta," Abigail interjected, as Lewis and Luke talked enthusiastically.

Sean watched Anthony coldly. Anthony raised his teacup, his smile equally cold.

"Is it 'hooker' makeup?" Luke asked Abigail.

She nodded.

"Young actors these days they criticize without understanding, lacking confidence in our style," Luke sighed.

Lewis looked troubled. "Yes, the industry's changed. It's difficult for me too."

"Aren't you going to ask me how to handle the online situation?" Sean leaned close to Abigail, whispering intimately. His posture was ambiguous.

Anthony narrowed his eyes, uncomfortable. He leaned back and played with his phone.

Abigail gritted her teeth. "Let go of my hand." She spoke quietly.

Sean, though looking at her deeply, released her hand. (This sentence was repeated in the original; I removed the duplicate.)

She breathed a sigh of relief. "How will you handle it?"

"Find out who bought the trending topic," he replied.

"You're quite proficient," Abigail sneered.

Sean turned to her. "I specifically looked it up beforehand."

Abigail understood. He was diligent for Joan's career.

(The final line, "TOP UP 3 Times (Daily)," appears unrelated to the story and was removed.)