Chapter 481

Ryan Cunningham Jr. tapped his wine glass with slender fingers, his gaze fixed on his brother's carefree expression.

"Are you really going to marry Emily Lowell?"

Ryan swirled his glass, the amber liquid tracing an elegant arc.

"Just for fun."

A smirk played on his lips, his eyes aloof.

"Women are nothing but distractions."

Ryan Jr. frowned slightly, but his brother continued, "Marriage changes nothing for me. It's a transaction—mutually beneficial."

"I'll entertain her when I feel like it. Otherwise, I won't even bother seeing her."

He drained his glass in one gulp, the crystal catching a cold glint under the light.

"To me, marriage is just decoration."

He set the glass down carelessly, the clink sharp against the silence.

"If it brings benefits, why not?"

Ryan Jr. studied his brother's expression, confirming his indifference before nodding.

"As long as you know what you're doing."

That Emily Lowell was unbearable.

But if Ryan didn’t care, neither would he.

At the Lowell Group press conference, reporters shifted impatiently in the media section.

"It's already eleven. Why hasn't it started?"

"Where are Mr. Lowell and Dr. Quincy?"

"Are they playing us?"

Whispers rippled through the crowd.

Backstage, Secretary Shaw wiped sweat from his brow, his palms clammy as he repeatedly dialed the company line.

"Hello?"

A timid voice finally answered.

"Mr. Lowell... fainted. He's at the hospital now."

Secretary Shaw's pupils constricted.

"What happened?"

"I... I don't know the details..."

The intern stammered.

"Both Mr. Lowell and the chairman are hospitalized. The press conference..."

She swallowed hard.

"The secretariat said... you should handle it."

Secretary Shaw nearly dropped the phone.

"Me?"

His voice cracked.

A secretary facing a room full of journalists and experts?

But there was no other choice.

When he stepped onto the stage, the room fell silent.

Dozens of expectant eyes locked onto him.

His grip on the microphone trembled slightly.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we sincerely apologize..."

He took a deep breath.

"Due to unforeseen circumstances, today's press conference will be postponed—"

Before he could finish, the room erupted.