Chapter 24: Facing the Public
Ethan barely slept that night. His mind raced with the pressure of the task the system had given him and the looming interview with Evelyn Bennett. The 72-hour deadline hovered like a ticking bomb, and failure wasn't an option.
The morning light spilled into the room as Ethan got dressed in his sharpest outfit—a sleek black suit, tailored to perfection. He needed to look composed, powerful, and ready to reclaim control of the narrative.
Mia arrived early, coffee in hand, her eyes focused and serious. "You ready for this?" she asked, scanning Ethan's expression for any sign of doubt.
"I have to be," he replied, adjusting his tie. He could feel the weight of the system task pressing down on him, but he forced himself to stay calm. "We need to set the story straight before Oscar gets ahead of us."
Leo appeared behind Mia, his phone glued to his hand. "I've already prepped a few statements for after the interview. Once it airs, we'll push the truth through every platform we have."
"Good," Ethan said, appreciating the support from his team. "We have to hit hard and make sure Oscar's lies don't stick."
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As they arrived at the studio for the interview, tension buzzed in the air. Evelyn Bennett was known for her no-nonsense approach to journalism. She wasn't the type to throw softballs, even for someone in Ethan's situation.
The producer led them into a small but modern studio, where cameras were already set up and rolling. Evelyn sat in her chair, poised and professional, her sharp eyes tracking every movement.
"Mr. Gray," she said, offering a brief but polite smile. "Thank you for joining us."
"Thank you for having me," Ethan replied, keeping his tone steady. He had to project confidence, even if he felt like his life was unraveling.
Evelyn wasted no time. "The rumors surrounding you have been swirling nonstop. Accusations that you've manipulated your way into roles, that you're involved in secret relationships with producers to climb the ladder. What do you have to say to those claims?"
Ethan took a breath. This was it. The make-or-break moment.
"Those rumors are completely false," he began, meeting her gaze with a steady calm. "I've worked hard for every opportunity I've earned. There's no secret agenda or backroom deals. Oscar Lang is trying to destroy my career because I'm one of the few people who dared to stand up to him."
Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "And why would Oscar target you specifically? What makes you a threat to him?"
Ethan leaned forward slightly. "Because I have evidence of his corruption—bribery, intimidation, and exploitation. He's been running this industry like a mafia, and I won't stand by while he tries to silence anyone who challenges him."
Evelyn's expression didn't change, but her eyes glinted with curiosity. "That's quite an accusation. Do you have proof?"
Mia, who was seated off-camera, gave Ethan a small nod. Ethan pulled out a small USB drive from his pocket. "I do. And I'll be releasing it today. It's footage that shows Oscar engaging in illegal activities with powerful figures in this industry."
There was a tense silence. The cameras zoomed in on Evelyn, waiting for her next question.
Evelyn took the drive from him, her expression neutral but focused. "If this is true, it could have a seismic impact on the entertainment industry."
"That's exactly why Oscar's trying to bury me with lies," Ethan said, his voice growing stronger. "He knows what's coming, and he's scared. The rumors about me are a distraction, a way to undermine my credibility."
Evelyn paused, letting the weight of Ethan's words sink in. "If this evidence holds up, you'll have exposed one of the biggest scandals in recent entertainment history. But if it doesn't…"
Ethan nodded, understanding the stakes. "If it doesn't, my career is over. But I'm confident that the truth will come out."
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**[Ding!]**
*Task Progress: 50%*
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The system's notification flashed in Ethan's mind as the interview continued. He was halfway there, but there was still more to do.
As the interview wrapped up, Evelyn looked at him with a rare glimmer of respect. "You've taken a big risk, Mr. Gray. I hope for your sake that it pays off."
"Me too," Ethan said, shaking her hand. "Thank you for giving me a chance to tell my side."
Evelyn smiled faintly, then signaled for her team to pack up the equipment. As she left the studio, Ethan exhaled deeply, the tension in his chest slowly easing.
Mia and Leo approached him, both wearing cautious expressions.
"You did great," Mia said softly, squeezing his arm. "But now we wait."
Ethan nodded, knowing that the hardest part was yet to come. Oscar wouldn't go down without a fight, and the next few days would determine everything.
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**[Ding!]**
*New Task Update: You have 48 hours left to complete the task.*
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The countdown was on. Ethan just hoped the evidence would be enough to finish Oscar once and for all.