Chapter 146: Where Loyalties Lie
“Don’t overthink it,” Chase said. “You’re under a lot of pressure, and your mental state is quite serious. Once everything settles, I’ll find you a good therapist. You can’t keep going like this. It’s not good for you or for caring for Joy.”
Shanelle closed her eyes. “All I want is to avenge my parents. Joy is my child. I won’t let her stay with someone like Henry.”
She looked at Wendy. “I don’t care about your entanglements. I’m only here for one thing: justice for my parents.”
Wendy nodded. “I understand.”
The group left the hotel together. Typhoon Corp had already begun negotiations with Cloud Hospital, led by Melody and several star doctors. Chase’s presence wasn’t necessary; he was more of a figurehead.
“Where to?” Lemon asked.
Waylon checked the time. “The central bureau has a meeting today about Moses Group’s case. We’re waiting on an official document. I’m heading back. Shanelle’s information is essentially the same as Aimee’s. After Henry cleans up his act, it’ll be useless. We have to focus on what comes next.”
That was the higher-ups’ decision. For now, it was all they could do.
“Then I’ll head to Quinn Group,” Lemon said, responding to messages. Seeing Wendy glance over, she tilted her head. “Isn’t Noah signing the contract today?”
Noah’s signing had been planned, but the contract was finalized today. He’d just arrived at Quinn Group; Sammy even sent photos.
“Are you serious about Noah?” Wendy asked. “If so, I won’t be able to arrange any scandalous rumors for him. Better not pair him with other actresses either.”
Lemon raised her hand. “No, no, no. I’ve been in the industry long enough. I’m immune to all that. Things with Noah are…complicated. We’ve been apart for years, and the old feelings are gone. We’re just giving it another shot. Besides, Grandma said I should at least try dating.”
“So why not give it a try now?”
“What about you?” Waylon tossed his car keys. “Want a ride to the hospital?”
Chase shook his head. “No need. There are tons of reporters at Typhoon today. Melody even texted me not to come back. If they see me, they’ll want interviews and photos. I hate that stuff. I’ll head to Quinn Group and check on Noah.”
They were all curious about Lemon’s potential new romance.
Waylon leaned in and muttered, “Keep a close eye on him. If this Noah turns out to be no good, call me. I’ll make him disappear.”
Chase laughed. “Isn’t that a bit much?”
“Nope. I’m not letting some guy mess with my sister. You figure it out. Lemon’s your sister too,” Waylon said, looking serious.
Chase was speechless.
Quinn Group buzzed with activity. Noah didn’t have a huge domestic fanbase, but his fans were loyal. As their car turned the corner, they saw a crowd gathered outside—fans and reporters.
The driver skillfully pulled into the underground parking lot and took them up via the back elevator.
Wendy looked back. “Pretty crowded today.”
Lemon didn’t blink. “Ever since your entertainment division launched, it’s always like this. It’s either fans or reporters downstairs. I’m used to it. And the moment an artist gets into trouble, the fans go straight for their whole family.”
Wendy knew she was right and remained silent. She’d seen it firsthand during the Avery incident.
“By the way, how’s Avery recovering?” Wendy asked.
Lemon replied, “Doing alright. He’s in rehab now. Can start light work soon. Photo shoots are fine, just nothing too demanding. We haven’t scheduled him for any acting yet. He’s still really loyal to the company.”
He had been signed early, and Fenon International had always treated him well. The best resources always went to him first. Artists nurtured under those conditions tend to be very loyal.
Noah’s signing didn’t cause much of a stir. They’d originally planned a press conference, but Noah declined. “It’s just a contract,” he said. “Not like I’ve done anything worth celebrating. No need to broadcast it.”
“Noah actually knows how to play the game,” Lemon said. “Especially after spending years as a trainee overseas. He’s had it rough.”
Wendy nodded. “From what I know of this industry, someone as humble as him might just go far. After that, it’ll come down to results. I have a lot of faith in him.”
Internally, Noah’s signing had stirred things up at the company. There had been talk of launching an entertainment division before the New Year, but several senior executives had tried to block it. No one thought it would actually happen. Then, right after the holidays, Noah showed up and signed. Several esports clubs were also in discussions.