?<strong>Chapter 1279:</strong>


    Guilt weighed heavily on the assistant as he spoke. Waylon absorbed the anxious apology, contemting for a moment before responding, “Let it be. Don’t torture yourself over this—there’s no need for rification.”


    “In the past,” Waylon continued, his voice taking on a reflective tone, “I guarded my reputation zealously for my fans’ sake. Every whisper of scandal prompted me to demand ountability and set the record straight through my agent. But now…”


    His words trailed off as an unbidden image of a beautiful face drifted through his thoughts.


    A flicker of emotion crossed his features before dissolving back into cool detachment.


    “These days, I owe nothing to anyone,” he said tly.


    “Whether rumors are addressed or not makes little difference.”


    “But Waylon,” the assistant said, “your rising poprity has made you a target. People aretching onto these trending topics, spreading malicious gossip without restraint. Beyond the authentic photos, I’ve discovered doctored images circting…”


    “It’s okay. Do as I said. You don’t need to worry about this.” Waylon lifted his hand, cutting off his assistant’s concerned rambling. His attention turned to his phone, signaling the end of the discussion. Noticing Madisyn’s missed call on his screen, Waylon immediately initiated a video call to prove his sincerity.


    “Madisyn, I was caught up in work and missed your call. I’m so sorry…” he apologized, ensuring the camera captured his genuinely remorseful expression.


    Madisyn’s eyes softened as she studied her brother’s apologetic face.


    “Waylon, I understand how demanding your work is, but don’t you think it’s a bit much to consider missing my call as doing something wrong? Are we bing that formal with each other?”


    A warm smile spread across Waylon’s face.


    “I was just being silly. We’re thick as thieves—nothing could create distance between us!” His hectic schedule overseas had left precious few opportunities for conversations with Madisyn.


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    Making this video call a treasured moment for both siblings, they savored their connection, their joy evident in their animated chat.


    After catching up for a while, Waylon’s expression turned curious.


    “Oh right, Madisyn—what prompted your call earlier? Did you need to discuss something?”


    The brightness in Madisyn’s face dimmed slightly. Her gaze met Waylon’s, and she nodded hesitantly.


    “Yes…” she began, her words hanging in the air as if weighted with uncertainty.


    Madisyn hesitated for a moment, and Waylon immediately noticed. With a yful sigh, he said, “Why are you being so careful around me? Madisyn, if you keep this up, you’ll break my heart.”


    Madisyn knew he was only teasing, but something about his tone eased the doubt lingering in her mind.


    Taking a deep breath, she finally asked, “Waylon… are you dating someone?”


    Her cautious tone made Waylon pause. Meeting her gaze, he instantly understood what she was thinking.


    “Wait a second,” he said, tilting his head.


    “Did you see something online? Do you really believe I’m the kind of guy who changes girlfriends every day?” His voice held a hint of mock sorrow.


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