?<strong>Chapter 344:</strong>


    Vicky paled and stepped back, muttering in shock, “What? Asher? How could that be? Didn’t you im you two weren’t that close?”


    She had brought up Asher earlier, sure that he wouldn’te to a show like this for Carrie. Asher’s distance from others and his struggles to get along with people were well-known in the industry, especially when it came to anyone connected to negative rumors about him. Even if they worked well together, it still wouldn’t be enough for him to take the risk of any gossip.


    Before Vicky could process this turn of events, the host had already turned on the big screen.


    Asher greeted Carrie, the other guests, and the audience in session, then exined, “I’m tied up with other engagements and not in Orkset, so I can’t join Carrie in person today. However, since this is her first time on a variety show, I trust you’ll all look after her.”


    “Thank you in advance!”


    Asher’s statement shifted the audience’s perception of Carrie. Throughout it all, Carrie remained serene and unbothered by the shifting dynamics, disying no hint of pride.


    Vicky was so angry she almost ground her teeth, finally saying with a sarcastic tone, “So, Asher and Ms. Campbell are really close, huh?”


    Herment was soft and nearly inaudible on the set, but Asher, already informed of Vicky’s antagonistic behavior towards Carrie, watched her intently throughout the video call.


    Asher retorted, “Carrie and I have always had a close rtionship. She’s been immensely supportive to me. I’ve always seen her as a mentor.”


    The camera captured Vicky, who was visibly seething in silence before managing to ster on a strained smile and murmured, “I see.”


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    The surprise appearance by Asher promised a ratings spike for the show. The host, prompted by messages from the station manager and the director, took the chance to delve deeper with additional questions.


    Asher, out of respect for Carrie, responded to each query thoughtfully. With Asher’s endorsement, some audience members who had previously kept quiet now expressed their views.


    “I find Carrie to be very authentic, whereas Vicky seems quite pretentious. I can hardly follow what she’s saying.” “Doesn’t anyone remember her performances? I saw Carrie’s acting on Twitter, and she clearly overshadowed Lise.”


    “Asher is known for shunning the limelight. His backing of Carrie just proves she’s truly decent.”


    Lise exited into the hallway for some air. She gazed down at the TV station’s rear parking lot from the window. Among the vehicles, a silver luxury car caught her eye.


    Standing beside her, Elva noticed the car as well and asked curiously, “Lise, did you request Mr. Norris toe get you?”


    “Why would I ask him to pick me up?” Lise responded with a frown.


    After a moment’s thought, Elva suggested, “Perhaps Mr. Norris couldn’t find you at thepany, so he decided toe here instead. I’ll get some reporters to snap a few pictures and post them on a gossip blog.”


    “Okay,” Lise said, her voice distant, feeling uneasy, as if something bad was about to happen.


    As the episode progressed, Asher was engaged in an intriguing discussion with the host when an imposing, elegant figure appeared at the edge of the stage. Kristopher had arrived directly from his office, dressed in a sharp silver-gray suit that entuated his chiseled features, which stood out magnificently under the stage lights. His aloof demeanor exuded an air of aristocratic detachment.


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