Chapter 57
"Can we get your autograph?" A fan's voice rang out, cutting through the bustle. Lynn followed, her senses sharpened by the crowd's passionate cries. Could Becky already have fans after just one variety show appearance? Glancing at Becky, Lynn felt a swell of pride.
"Count me in! I want Chuck's autograph too!" another voice called. Patrick and Debra stood at the jewelry store entrance, basking in their children's popularity. Their hearts brimmed with joy, reflected in their radiant smiles. "You can sign over there," Patrick directed graciously.
Charlie chuckled at his father's obvious favoritism. Still, he was thrilled at the prospect of signing autographs, especially with a designated area set up. Without hesitation, he whisked Rebecca away to greet their fans.
Soon, candid photos of Charlie and Becky circulated online, creating a whirlwind of attention. At Evergrande Entertainment, Lisa rushed to Janet.
"Janet, something's happened! Online rumors say Charlie and Becky were at Carter's Jewel's ribbon-cutting ceremony!" Lisa exclaimed anxiously. Janet, dressed and ready for the banquet, was startled. "What do you mean?" she asked, apprehension clouding her face.
Lisa showed her phone. "Look, Janet. Fan photos. Someone captured Charlie and Becky at the ceremony!"
Janet examined the photos, zooming in. The faces were unmistakably real; Rebecca and Charlie. Shockwaves ran through Janet's mind. As a Maeloria native, she recognized the location.
"How is this possible?" Janet refused to believe it. "Could Rebecca have earned the right to attend? With her limited abilities, is she even worthy?" Janet's frustration turned to anger. Lisa, equally perplexed, offered, "Could Charlie have brought her? With his status, it's possible he secured a spokesperson role for her."
Gossip among Carter's Jewel staff added to the confusion. Rumors suggested a spokesperson had already been chosen, yet no announcement had been made. Seeing Charlie and Rebecca together led many to believe they were the chosen representatives.
Janet's anger peaked; she smashed a glass. Lisa recoiled. "Why would Charlie help Rebecca?" Janet demanded.
Concerned, Janet ordered, "Lisa, find paparazzi to watch them twenty-four seven!"
Lisa hesitated, then understood. "Janet, are you suggesting Charlie's financially supporting Rebecca? Like, as her sugar daddy?"
Janet smirked. "Why else would he go to such lengths unless there were ulterior motives?"
Lisa nodded slowly. "You're right, his treatment of Rebecca is peculiar."
Janet instructed, "Arrange surveillance and capture any intimate moments. Get video evidence if possible." Lisa agreed. "Understood."
"And initiate online leaks, insinuating Charlie's 'financial support' for Rebecca," Janet continued. Lisa complied. "I'll handle it."
Such maneuvers were common in the entertainment industry. With investment, they could sway public opinion, damaging rivals and furthering their own interests.
"Janet, should we still attend the banquet?" Lisa asked cautiously. They'd prepared meticulously. Janet had even bought new Hivalis jewelry. But with their Carter's Jewel aspirations in doubt, the banquet's significance shifted. "Of course we are!" Janet said sternly.
She chuckled sarcastically. "If nothing unexpected happens, Theodore will be there. I'd love to see his face when he sees Rebecca and Charlie together. That would be amusing, wouldn't it?"
Lisa's eyes widened. "Oh my goodness! If Rebecca got the spokesperson role by sleeping her way around, how would Mr. Edwards react? Rebecca would be in big trouble!"
Lisa's excitement grew. "Janet, imagine if Mr. Edwards divorces Rebecca! Then you could marry him!"
Janet, initially surprised, smiled triumphantly. "Yeah, that's right." Her anger transformed into gleeful anticipation. She couldn't wait to see Rebecca caught red-handed by Theodore.
At Carter's Jewel, Rebecca and Charlie were surrounded by autograph-seeking fans. The frenzy subsided quickly. Charlie, a popular movie star, drew a crowd just by standing at the entrance. To avoid chaos, they briefly greeted fans before being ushered inside.
Outside, guests arrived for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Theodore's Rolls Royce finally appeared. Theodore stepped out, his expression icy. Jenny followed, smiling, her arm linked with his.
Inside, Debra whispered to Patrick, "Why did you invite him?" Patrick reassured her with a look.
They hadn't hesitated to move from Hivalis to Maeloria, setting up shop and buying a home. Besides being closer to Rebecca, seeking retribution was a priority. Rebecca's divorce might be legally straightforward, but the emotional toll of the Edwards family's mistreatment would linger.
Women might resolve conflicts verbally, content with quick victories. But men often approached things differently. Since the Edwards family mistreated Rebecca, they shouldn't be surprised by his actions. He intended to systematically dismantle their influence, making them regret betraying his daughter.