CHAPTER 20: CHAPTER 20: FACING ADVERSITY WITH COMPOSURE

The room instantly fell silent, and everyone exchanged glances and instinctively stepped back a little, worried that she might lose her temper as she did before, because of what Quinn Lockwood had just said.

Smashing cameras, hitting reporters, refusing to respond and running away—all were tags attached to Savannah Lowell.

"Everyone, please calm down. Thank you for your attention and concern, but this morning’s news is indeed fabricated. The story is spun from a few photos and isn’t entirely reliable. As for the follow-up, the company will release a statement, so please stay tuned."

Quinn Lockwood smiled throughout, composed and calm, without a trace of pretense, completely different from her past anxious and angry demeanor, just making people feel she was truly handling her own business.

Her speech was flawless, without the slightest logical flaw, and coupled with her bright and compelling eyes, it was even more convincing, making people believe that the morning’s news, as she claimed, was false.

After she finished speaking, the reporters on site were completely dumbfounded. Savannah Lowell, who used to disdain interviews and was poor at handling public relations, actually clarified the situation publicly today, and she did it so sincerely.

"Is there anything else you’d like to ask?"

Since she had taken the first step, she might as well use this opportunity to reintroduce herself to the public, Quinn Lockwood thought, smiling at the cameras.

However, the reporters present were so shocked by her earlier statement that they even forgot to take notes, stunned and motionless on the spot.

"If there are no more questions, I apologize, but I have something to do, so I’ll be going now."

Being an actor herself, Quinn Lockwood knew that it’s crucial not to offend reporters, but some sharp questions from reporters are hard to answer, and every answer demands caution.

It was the perfect time for her to leave without upsetting anyone, so why not take the opportunity to depart?

Realizing that Quinn Lockwood was about to leave, the group of reporters finally snapped out of it, once again displaying the spirit of entertainment journalism, determined to get to the bottom of everything.

"Miss Lowell, is this the first time you’ve come out to clarify things? Was it your decision or the company’s?"

Even as Quinn Lockwood was about to enter the building, a reporter persistently pursued this question.

If it was in the past, Savannah Lowell would have kicked him away, letting the news write whatever, simply because she was in a bad mood and did things her own way.

But Quinn Lockwood was different. In her eyes, a star was not just about seeking attention but also setting an example for fans and the public.

"At this time, my agency must have just seen the news."

Quinn Lockwood intentionally looked at her watch, implying that her agency had only just seen the news, and thus didn’t have the time to formulate a response in advance.

Although she didn’t directly answer, her implication was clear, and the pursuing reporter nodded approvingly.

Seeing Quinn Lockwood’s attitude take a 180-degree turn today, the reporters swarmed around her, eager to ask more while she seemed in a good mood, otherwise, there might not be another chance.

A crowd surrounded her car, making it impenetrable. Quinn Lockwood was about to be late, but her face showed no signs of irritation, replaced by understanding instead.

"I’m truly sorry, I have things to attend to. I look forward to your next visit, and please don’t push, to avoid getting hurt."

With that, she entered the company building, and the reporters were kept outside by security, realizing that too many words could lead to mistakes, especially since they didn’t fully understand Savannah Lowell yet.

Better to avoid making any missteps.

When Elias Sinclair stepped out, everything outside was calm, the noisy reporters already gone after Quinn Lockwood had left.

No one dared to interview Elias Sinclair about such a sensitive topic, risking disaster.

Arriving at the company, Elias Sinclair walked straight into his office, oblivious to the employees casting gossip-filled glances his way.

"Ding dong."

A new email arrived. Elias Sinclair opened it and unintentionally noticed the latest news popup in the bottom-right corner.

Since the Sinclair Group also invested in stocks, they needed to keep an eye on real-time news for stock trends.

Inexplicably, he clicked on it, not expecting it to be an interview video of Savannah Lowell.

Her? She’ll probably mess it up again.

To his surprise, watching until the end, not only had Quinn Lockwood not messed up, but she’d also won many over, leaving Elias Sinclair astonished and incredulous.

How could it be? How could she say such things? From the breaking news this morning until she stepped out the door, he was there the whole time; it couldn’t have been pre-taught by the company.

Could it be that she had an epiphany when she got home that day?

With doubt in mind, Elias Sinclair called Cameron Grant.

"Did you see this morning’s video?" Elias Sinclair got straight to the point.

On the other end, Cameron Grant’s expression darkened instantly. This guy, every time he calls, he’s as terse as ever, not even exchanging a few casual words.

"What video are you talking about?" Cameron Grant feigned ignorance.

"Spare the nonsense."

Elias Sinclair’s cold voice came through the call, and Cameron Grant shrugged helplessly. Oh well, he’s used to this iceberg after so many years, probably only Savannah can put up with him consistently.

"Of course, I saw it. The X was buzzing today, but indeed, Savannah handled it very well."

So it turns out it wasn’t Cameron Grant’s idea either; it was truly her own doing.

Elias Sinclair furrowed his brow slightly, staring at the distant floor, contemplating something.

"She has this capability?"

What was clearly a sarcastic remark landed in Cameron Grant’s ears as a form of admiration for his sister.

To say it out loud, he probably wouldn’t believe it himself—that the proud Elias Sinclair would actually speak a word of praise for someone he didn’t like and utterly despised.

"What? Have you just discovered her gentle side?" Cameron Grant took the chance to tease him.

"Her act is simply ridiculous."

Hmph, gentle, it’s probably just another act by that woman. After a cold laugh, Elias Sinclair hung up the phone.

"Knock, knock, knock."

The continuous knocking interrupted Elias Sinclair’s thoughts, "Come in."

Joyce Kramer was dressed in a pure white business suit, with a specially tied bow at the neckline, wearing black leather high heels, making her legs appear strikingly straight.

It was clear she meticulously dressed up every day before coming to work.

She and Elias Sinclair were college classmates. From that time, she’d had a crush on him and still does to this day. Unfortunately, while Elias showed great trust in her professionally, he never paid attention to her in matters of the heart.

"This is tea I specifically had brought back from Yunaris, said to relieve fatigue. Try to cut back on coffee."

Joyce Kramer spoke, placing the tea leaves on Elias Sinclair’s desk, gazing at him with deep affection.

In truth, her feelings for Elias were no less than Savannah’s, only she knew Elias didn’t like women without depth, so she endeavored to make herself more outstanding, hoping one day Elias would appreciate her and see her differently.

"Thank you."

As always, Elias Sinclair only politely replied, not even looking up at her, thus missing her daily deliberate dress-up.

Joyce Kramer wasn’t saddened by this; she understood him, just feeling that as long as she persisted, he’d notice some day.