?Chapter 1228:


    “Okay.” Eric hesitated for a moment, then stood up with the ss in hand and quietly stepped aside.


    “Hadley.” Elissa sat next to her friend, gently wrapping her hands around Hadley’s.


    She had heard most of their conversation earlier.


    “He is not wrong. Only someone with his status and influence can push back against this media frenzy! Waiting it out will only make things worse.”


    Situations like this weren’t unheard of.


    There was a male celebrity who had been falsely used once. By the time he cleared his name, the damage was already done. His career was in shambles, practically beyond saving.


    People rarely cared about the truth.


    Hadley understood all that, but…


    She couldn’t help but keep thinking about the moment Eric kissed her on the sofa that day.


    The phone rang.


    Hadley’s heart skipped a beat when she saw the caller ID. Elvin. Her hands trembled slightly as she answered, forcingposure into her voice. “Hello, Mr. Webster.”


    “Hadley…” Elvin’s voice was tense. Pressure from the production team was clearly mounting. “Why haven’t you addressed the matter yet? Can’t you just rify things? Who is that guy, and what’s your rtionship with him?” His frustration wasn’t unwarranted. The dy in her response had only fueled spection.


    “Hadley!” he snapped. “Tell me the truth— And don’t tell me you actually—”


    Hadley faltered, unable to find the words.


    “Hadley, listen to me,” Elvin continued, urgency rising in his voice. “The industry is cracking down on scandals. Your public image needs to be spotless, especially now. You’re just getting started! If this explodes further, you could get cklisted for good. Do you understand? Your career could be over before it begins!”


    Across the room, Eric overheard. He set his ss down and strode over, calm but purposeful.


    Elissa, watching the exchange, leaned in and whispered, “It’s the director, Mr. Webster.”


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    Eric nodded, eyes narrowing, and stopped in front of Hadley. He extended his hand. “Give me the phone.”


    Hadley hesitated, torn. She understood what it meant—letting Eric step in could change everything.


    “Trust me,” he said gently. “I won’t make this harder for you. I’ll just fix it. That’s all.”


    Still wavering, Hadley searched his eyes for reassurance.


    “Let me help,” he said quietly.


    Slowly, she handed him the phone.


    Eric took it and pressed it to his ear. His voice was calm but firm. “Mr. Webster, it’s Eric.”


    There was a pause, and then Elvin’s surprised voice. “Oh—Mr. Flynn. I mean, Mr. Scott.”


    Eric brushed past the formality. “I’ve just been made aware of the situation. I’ll take care of it immediately. Don’t worry.”


    A brief silence followed before Eric added, “Thank you for your patience. I’m sorry this caused any trouble. Goodbye.”


    He ended the call, handed the phone back to Hadley, and pulled out his own.


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