Chapter 50: Under the Surface

Chapter 50: Under the Surface

The corner of the tablet slammed against the desk with a loud thud before it bounced and crashed onto the floor with a heavy "clunk."

Ethan stared at the tablet on the ground before lifting his gaze to the woman standing before him, her eyes blazing with anger and her arms crossed defensively.

"Do you think the news about Ryan was leaked by me?" Ethan asked calmly, his expression unreadable.

Emily shot him a sidelong glare, her voice laced with frustration. "Wasn't it?"

"Emily." Ethan closed his eyes briefly, a hint of exasperation in his tone. "A news story of this magnitude is designed to destroy Ryan's career. He's one of Creston Media's artists; why would I sabotage him like this?"

Ethan spoke slowly, carefully, without any trace of anger. "This type of story is more than just entertainment gossip. The public and the authorities are intolerant of such matters. This doesn't just involve Ryan—Creston Media would also be implicated. Why would I use such a method to divert attention?"

As she listened, Emily's expression softened slightly, her long lashes blinking slowly as she began to reconsider. She had acted impulsively when she saw the news, assuming it was part of Ethan's "PR strategy." But now that she was calming down, she realized that Creston Media would never resort to such a dangerous tactic.

Emily bit her lip, looking up at Ethan with softened eyes, her earlier hostility fading. Ethan remained calm, his expression devoid of blame or ridicule. He gently took her hand and led her to the sofa, pouring her a glass of warm water, as if to say, "Take a breath."

Emily didn't reach for the glass, instead swallowing uncomfortably as guilt began to gnaw at her. "Then... what's going on with this news?"

"We're still investigating. Given that Ryan's album is in its promotional phase, it's likely an attempt by a competitor to tarnish his reputation." Ethan glanced at her, pausing briefly. "But you might also be affected by this."

Emily's eyes widened slightly as she quickly grasped his meaning. "Is it because I took the promotional photos?" She tilted her head, recalling the shoot, then shook her head. "I didn't even look at that map..."

Before Ethan could respond, the phone on his desk rang. He walked over, picking up the receiver and listening for a few moments before responding with a couple of quiet "hmms."

His face remained impassive, giving no clue as to the conversation. After a moment of thought, Ethan gave his instructions. "Immediately take down the MV from all platforms and recall the albums currently on sale. Regardless of the losses, this needs to be done. TrueArt Media should issue an apology, but only for the oversight, not for intentionally using an incorrect map. You've gathered evidence, correct? Release it simultaneously. And—"

He glanced back at Emily, his gaze softening as it landed on her. "Address the comments regarding Alisa's nationality immediately. I want you to steer the conversation back to this being an attack by a rival, not a conspiracy. Do not let this narrative spiral out of control."

Emily rested her chin in her hand, watching Ethan as he handled the call. Leaning against the desk, he issued orders with clear precision, his calm, authoritative voice leaving no room for doubt. He exuded the quiet strength and control of someone accustomed to leadership, the natural confidence of a man in command.

As she observed him, Emily's lashes fluttered slightly. For all his quirks, Ethan was undeniably capable in a crisis.

When Ethan ended the call, he turned to find Emily standing beside him, her lips slightly pursed, as if she wanted to say something but was holding back.

"The media team is handling it," Ethan assured her.

Emily nodded, her long lashes fluttering rapidly as she processed everything.

Ethan watched her for a few seconds, then softly called her name. "Emily."

He stepped closer. "I want you to understand that I would never do anything to harm you. I hate that this situation is affecting you."

Emily let out a small, reluctant sigh and averted her gaze. "I... I wasn't really saying I thought you leaked that news..."

Ethan's brow arched slightly. "Then what were you accusing me of?"

Emily's lips parted, but no sound emerged.

"Were you doubting my competence? Thinking I would use such a reckless strategy that would hurt us both?"

Silence.

"Or were you questioning my character? Thinking I would sabotage Ryan out of jealousy?"

More silence.

The quiet held a hint of embarrassment, as if she'd been caught out.

Ethan's voice was gentle, not accusatory, almost teasing, as if mocking himself. But the more he tried to be understanding, the more it made Emily feel worse.

She lowered her gaze and spotted the tablet she'd thrown earlier.

Bending down, Emily picked it up, noticing the cracked corner and the spiderweb of fractures across the screen.

"Uh..." Emily licked her lips, her voice a low mumble. "I'll buy you a new one..."

She lifted her eyes to see his tie, the fabric of his shirt stretching slightly over his broad chest. At some point, he'd moved closer to her.

Ethan's heavy gaze bore down on her, and though she didn't look up, she could feel the pressure of his presence.

Her mouth opened, but no words came out. Instead, she brushed her hair behind her ear, her lips forming a slight pout.

Ethan took in the small gestures, a knowing smile tugging at his lips.

She always did this when she was feeling guilty.

Once, she'd mistaken a female manager's close relationship with him as an affair, and without asking, had thrown his eight-figure watch off the balcony of the Starry Pavilion. It was only after he showed her proof of the misunderstanding that she had gone quiet, her face flushing with embarrassment.

But she'd never apologized.

Instead, she'd fidgeted with her hair and looked away, muttering, "I'll buy you a new watch..."

In the end, he hadn't asked her to replace it, choosing instead to "collect" his debt in another way.

But that approach wouldn't work this time...

"I'll buy you a new one." This was as close to an apology as he was going to get.

Ethan's smile widened, his gaze on her growing more tender.

Emily kept her head down, biting her lip, then took a deep breath as if making a big decision.

"I—"

Before she could finish, Ethan suddenly pulled her into his arms.

Emily froze.

"It's okay," he murmured, his arm wrapping around her waist, his other hand resting gently on her back.

His breath was warm against her ear as he whispered, his voice husky, "It's okay."

He had once thought she was just proud and unreasonable, but in that moment, when she had started to apologize, his heart softened.

He couldn't bear to let her finish.

Ethan tightened his hold on her, his arms encircling her, and she remained stiff in his embrace, not resisting but not relaxing either.

He ran his fingers through her hair, gently stroking, as if soothing her.

"I understand that you want to focus on your photography and avoid unnecessary complications, Emily. But the reality is that the environment you're in comes with challenges, even if you don't want them. You can't always avoid these issues."

He paused. "Like this time."

His voice was low and soft, each word a gentle murmur, like a bedtime story.

"But no matter how many problems arise, I can handle them."

He lowered his head, his gaze settling on a small patch of exposed skin on the back of her neck.

"I can protect you. Trust me."

Emily's breath caught, her eyes flickering with uncertainty.

She swallowed hard, her cheek pressed against his chest, feeling the heat rise in her face.

Ethan's arm moved higher, wrapping around her neck, pulling her closer. She was completely enveloped in his embrace, his scent of fresh pine surrounding her.

His voice, deep and resonant, vibrated against her skin as he continued, "You don't like trouble, and you feel tired. I understand."

"Let me handle all the problems and burdens."

Ethan closed his eyes, resting his chin lightly on her head. "Just don't get angry at me over another man."

Emily: "..."

From the moment she had walked in until now, this was the only thing he said that carried a hint of reproach.

Jealousy, tinged with a hint of bitterness.

A familiar childishness reappeared in his tone, like a sulking schoolboy.

Ethan loosened his grip slightly, creating some space between them so he could see her face.

His dark eyes seemed to swirl with a deep, unfathomable emotion.

"No one could ever love you more than I do."

Emily: "..."

Where had this clumsy romantic come from? He had somehow turned into a man who could deliver cheesy lines without a second thought.

Emily lowered her gaze, unable to meet his intense stare, and remained motionless.

But deep down, a small part of her was undeniably touched.

**

Three hours after the map controversy broke, Ryan's team issued a comprehensive statement—a rebuttal, really.

Ryan's team first apologized for the oversight, stating that they would be retracting and revising all materials. However, they firmly denied any intentional use of the incorrect map, asserting that this was an act of malicious sabotage.

Newly released behind-the-scenes footage showed that the map Ryan originally used as a prop was not the same one that appeared in the final cut of the MV—in other words, someone had switched the maps before filming.

The team revealed that the person responsible was not one of their staff members but rather an intruder from a rival company. They claimed to have

gathered enough evidence and had already reported the incident to the authorities.

Ryan's team's statement was written by Creston Media's PR department, and it was thorough, with clear evidence and a strong emotional appeal. It was the kind of statement that left no room for doubt.

Seeing the truth revealed, Ryan's fans were outraged.

They mobilized in unprecedented unity, and the internet was soon flooded with their fury. Although the statement didn't specify which rival was responsible, it didn't matter. Anyone who might have had a motive was swiftly and ruthlessly targeted by Ryan's fans, leaving no stone unturned.

In contrast, things on Emily's end had quieted down.

First, she posted a simple tweet, "My heart belongs to China," affirming her stance. Creston Media followed up with a series of articles highlighting the charitable donations made by Emily's grandfather and great-grandfather to their hometowns in China over the past few decades.

When this news came out, people were surprised to learn just how much these expatriate billionaires had quietly contributed to their homeland: donations during natural disasters, funds for building schools, and infrastructure—all without fanfare, and all substantial amounts.

This made Emily's "My heart belongs to China" tweet seem far more genuine.

With the issue of her nationality cleared up, the public's attitude softened considerably. Her social media was once again filled with comments like "You're so beautiful, love you!"

Creston Media had asked for her input on how to proceed—likely at Ethan's behest—giving her the option of either revealing her divorce or simply denying any romantic involvement with Ryan.

After some thought, Emily chose the latter.

She had seen firsthand the ferocity of a top-tier fandom. Best to steer clear of that.

To her surprise, during the height of the controversy, Ryan sent her a message.

Ryan: **[Can we meet?]**