Chapter 42

"Of course, I'm here to see you!" Ava grinned, slipping through the door before Ella could say a word, and plopped down on the sofa.

She lifted her chin, looking around with a smirk. "Now you see how powerful I am!"

Ella rolled her eyes. "Not really!"

"Stop bragging, this was just a small lesson," Ava said, waving her hand dismissively. "I don't care what you think, announce your withdrawal from the show immediately, or I'll make sure you regret it..."

"Really?"

Ella raised an eyebrow, cutting Ava off. "Go ahead and try, I want to see what you can do!"

"Are you sure you won't leave?"

Ava frowned. "You guys are just here for the money!"

She pulled a check from her bag and tossed it over. "You won't make this much in your lifetime..."

Before she could finish, the door swung open.

Lily stormed in, her eyes blazing when she saw Ava. "What are you doing here,trying to mess with us again?"

Getting angrier, she was about to drag Ava out when she noticed the check on the table. Her fury intensified. "How dare you, a mistress, throw a check at..."

Ella stood up and covered Lily's mouth. "Alright, don't get mad!"

As their eyes met, Ella pinched Lily's waist andLily nodded.Lily nodded.

Ava, watching them, sensed something was off.

"What? Not happy with the amount on the check? Just take it and leave now, or I'll send you abroad right this second!"

"How dare you? If you have the guts, send us to the moon!" Lily snapped,picking up the check and throwing it in Ava's face. "Get out, don't embarrass yourself here!"

She shoved Ava all the way to the door, about to close it when she saw Arthur nearby,sneering. "Scumbag and slut, don't come out to bother us!"

The door slammed shut.

Lily pulled out a wet wipe and scrubbed her hands, as if she'd touched something filthy.

"Such a woman should be thrown out, you're just too nice!"

Lily sneered, "Who does she think she is? A mistress dares to throw a check at us! Tomorrow I'll get some coins and throw money at her!"

Getting angrier, she rolled up her sleeves, ready to rush out.

Seeing Lily so worked up. Ella felt her own frustration ease. "Alright, don't be mad, she's not worth it!"

"Right, if that matter remains unresolved, we will go back! I just talked to Alan, but he can't handle anything."

Listening to the complaints, Ella opened her laptop and got back to work,

as if it was the only thing that could calm her down.

Outside the door, Ava, who had been kicked out, was fuming,her eyes red.

Footsteps approached, she turned around, her anger vanishing, replaced by a sweet smile.

"Arthur, are you here to see me?" She walked over, trying to link arms with Arthur.

Arthur stepped back to avoid her. "I'm just walking around!"

"But..."

In such a large estate, how could he have arrived here by mere chance?

Ava didn't buy it, but she let it go. "Let's go for a walk. The other groups are still live streaming, it's a pity the first live stream turned out like this!"

As she spoke, she kept an eye on Arthur's expression.

Unfortunately, his face was calm, showing no emotion.

They walked and chatted, soon arriving at the first floor.

The live stream was still rolling, and everyone was super busy. Wherever they went, they were the center of attention.

Ava smiled warmly, greeting everyone and introducing them to Arthur.

She was soaking up the spotlight, totally enjoying herself.

She didn't notice that Arthur's expression stayed indifferent,his eyes glued to his phone.

After the live stream wrapped up, everyone gathered for a review.

Arthur, being a sponsor, joined in. He scanned the room but didn't see Ella,then cleared his throat.

"Where is Ms. Worry-Free's group?"

His voice was cold as ice.

Alan, who had been laughing, suddenly felt a chill down his spine and sat up straight. "Although today's live stream was interrupted, Ava has already clarified it,tomorrow..."

"Cut the crap!" Arthur cut him off. "Since it's a meeting, call them down!"

The director, sweating bullets, nodded quickly. "Okay, I'll call them right away!"

The room fell silent, tension thick in the air.

Arthur's slender fingers tapped the table rhythmically. Soon, footsteps approached.

He looked up to see Ella and Lily hurrying over.

Ella was bundled up, showing no emotion, while Lily had anger written all over her face. She glared at Ava as she walked by, and when her gaze landed on Arthur, she rolled her eyes in disdain.

Someone was stunned when a small assistant dared to roll her eyes,unsure if it was directed at Arthur.

"Everyone's here, let's review!" The director took control. "Today's live stream had great popularity, everyone was innovative in their designs,unique in their thinking..."

"Let's talk about the bullying incident!"

Arthur interrupted bluntly. "Workplace bullying is absolutely intolerable.Any explanations?"

Scumbag.

Ella looked over her sunglasses and decided not to hold back anymore."We also want an explanation! It was clearly Ava who deliberately pulled my hair..."

"I already posted that it was a misunderstanding!"

Ava lowered her head, lightly biting her lip, looking all innocent and aggrieved.

Lily. with her hot temper, was about to speak, but Ella grabbed her hand.

"We just want the truth! Being online bullied for no reason, if the show can't provide the video, we won't compromise!"

Ella, wearing sunglasses and a mask, her face was unclear, but her tone revealed her anger.

The director was in a tough spot, his gaze fell on Arthur.

The room went silent again.

After a while, Arthur spoke softly, "The surveillance equipment had issues,we need an expert to fix it!"

He sent a message on his phone.

Ella's phone buzzed, and she just glanced at it, raised an eyebrow,and put her phone down. "So, what do you plan to do next? A vague statement won't calm the public's anger!"

"This..." The director lowered his head,glancing at Arthur.

"During tomorrow's live stream, you two should act friendly, that will dispel the rumors!" Alan, thinking he was smart, suddenly smiled. "We're all partners, don't make it like this!"

"Shut up!" Lily threw a file at him.

Alan was startled. "Calm down, don't be angry!"

The situation was at a standstill.

The only one who could resolve it, Arthur, remained sílent,his cold eyes on Ella, showing no emotion.