Chapter 114

Michael was confused, as were the other guests. No one understood Clinton's actions. Just when everyone was puzzled, Clinton clapped twice. The private room door opened, and a waitress entered carrying roses. Smiling, she presented them to him. "Here you are, Mr. Field."

He took the roses and nodded. "Thank you. You may go now."

The waitress left, closing the door behind her. Everyone looked at Clinton curiously, wondering what he intended to do with the flowers. He stood and walked toward Lilian.

Seeing this, everyone understood. Clinton had earlier mentioned giving Lilian flowers. Michael was extremely nervous. He inwardly cursed, "Jesus!" He thought, "Clinton is giving Lilian flowers while her boyfriend, Gilmore, is right beside her. Will they fight? My lie about Gilmore being Lilian's brother is about to be exposed. I'll definitely fail to get the sponsorship contract renewed."

Clinton stopped in front of Lilian and gazed at her affectionately. "I originally planned to tell you my feelings later," he began. "But now that you're here, and your brother is here, I've decided to propose to you in front of Mr. Hamilton and all the guests of 'Run, Friends, Run.' Lilian, I love you! Will you marry me?"

He produced a small black box from his pocket, revealing a glittering diamond ring nestled in white sponge. Holding the roses in one hand and the ring in the other, he knelt before her.

"Wow! How romantic!" "What a big diamond!" "Marry him!"

The guests of "Run, Friends, Run" exclaimed with envy and admiration, shouting in unison, "Say yes, say yes!"

Lilian was stunned. She hadn't expected a proposal, especially not in front of her boyfriend. She felt neither happy nor surprised, but rather angry and humiliated. Looking at Clinton icily, she said, "What do you mean by this? Do you think this is funny?"

The celebrities fell silent. Clinton was stunned. He frowned and explained, "No, I'm not kidding. I mean it."

Lilian stood, speaking coldly, "My boyfriend is sitting right here. Don't you think it's ridiculous to propose to me in front of him?"

"Boom!" The revelation hit Clinton hard. He looked at Gilmore in shock, disbelieving he was Lilian's boyfriend. He then glared at Michael.

The other celebrities also looked at Michael, equally surprised. They had believed Michael's lie that Gilmore was Lilian's brother. Otherwise, they wouldn't have encouraged the proposal.

Michael felt Clinton's furious gaze. Ashamed, he stammered, "Mr. Field, I didn't know he was her boyfriend. I thought he was her brother"

His explanation was unconvincing. Clinton remained unconvinced, his face sullen. He had just publicly proposed to a woman whose boyfriend was sitting beside her—a deeply humiliating experience. To make matters worse, he had earlier sought Gilmore's friendship. Hatred filled him. His face turned cold and gloomy. He stood, dropping the roses, petals scattering on the floor. Staring at Michael, he said, "Since you lied to me, I won't sponsor your show anymore. I know your show has the highest production costs in the country. Without my sponsorship, it can't continue. It's a pity such a good show will disappear."

Michael's face paled. He stood, quickly approaching Clinton and pleading, "Please don't do that! I shouldn't have lied. I'm sorry. Please forgive me." He bowed.

Two hands grabbed his elbows, preventing him from bowing. He looked up, surprised to see Gilmore. "Mr. Reed, let go of me!" he shouted.

Gilmore held firm. "Stand up. You don't need to do this."

Michael said bitterly, "If the show is canceled, I'll be fired from NexusTV, and many others will lose their jobs. For the sake of the show and everyone's jobs, bowing to him isn't a big deal."

The other NexusTV staff looked worried. Michael was telling the truth; the sponsorship affected many livelihoods.

Clinton then said sarcastically, "Michael, do you think an apology will change my mind?"

Michael jumped up, demanding, "What will it take to change your mind?"

Clinton coldly replied, "It's simple. NexusTV must blacklist Lilian, starting today. Or, if she agrees to be my girlfriend, I'll not only renew the contract but also make her the queen of show business."

Everyone except Gilmore and Lilian were shocked.