In Star Studio.
This was Ernest’s studio. Rather than calling it his studio, it was more like an agency controlled by Derek alone. Basically, Derek had the final say. Everything here needed to be reported to him.
Nothing could be put into practice without Derek’s approval.
Ernest held the draft that he made on the day he wanted to tell Serina his feelings for her in his hand. He read it so many times that the paper had been crumpled.
He still felt a little sad when he thought of how Derek had suddenly taken Serina away that day.
He prepared so long to tell Serina his love for her. Yet, he failed before he could give it a try.
Lucas patted Ernest on the shoulder. Ernest was startled and immediately squeezed the paper up.
“What are you doing?”
“What are you so obsessed with then? What was that? A love letter! Let me take a look!”
Ernest immediately squeezed it into a ball. “What love letter? No one writes love letters these days!”
“Fine! What happened to yesterday’s variety show? Why are you so close to Clara? Today, early in the morning, the two of you went on a trending topic!”
Talking about this, Ernest was frustrated.
“Don’t mention it. That Clara leaned on me all the time, and she continued asking me to speak. What can I do?”
Ernest scratched his head and was speechless out of frustration.
“It seems that they want to make you and Clara a couple and win attention through it. In Clara’s recent posts, she seems to be taking a selfie, but you can be seen in every photo, either from the back or from the side!”
Ernest sighed wearily, “It’s the same with the programs we attended together. She always tries to approach me. I can’t just push her away in front of so many people.”
“We can’t take it anymore! Recently, Clara has been one of the trending topics. It is said that her payment has already tripled!”
“Then what should we do? How can we deal with such a shameless woman?”
“Clara is a married woman. It’s not good for your reputation if you two are made into a couple. They might say she’s cheating on her husband. But they might also accuse you of seducing her!”
Lucas slapped his thigh hurriedly. “I’ll go ask Mr. Derek to see if we can issue a statement!”
Thinking of this, Lucas immediately went out to call Derek.
Ernest is not willing to talk about Derek these days. Is there anything more depressing than the fact that his uncle is his love rival?
Many times, Ernest wondered would it be different if he did not make a mistake that day and married Serina himself.
After a while, Lucas returned, crestfallen and puzzled.
“What’s the matter?”
“It’s strange. In the past, when you had scandals, Mr. Derek would make a statement right away. This time, he refused to issue a statement and wanted us to cooperate.”
“What?” Upon hearing this, Ernest was also shocked.
“Last time when there was a scandal between you and Serina before I could go to him, Mr. Derek came to me and asked me to deal with it as soon as possible This time, you are involved with a rumor with a married woman. He asked us to cooperate and remain silent!”
Lucas really couldn’t figure it out. This didn’t make any sense!
Derek will not allow any negative news to be related to Ernest. Once this rumor with Clara goes viral, it will be a fatal blow to Ernest!
“What is Mr. Derek thinking?”
“I guess it’s for publicity.” Ernest sighed.
“Publicity?”
“Don’t you know that Derek bought this drama, and he invested in it alone? Every staff was selected by him, including the producer!”
“Oh my god! What is Mr. Derek doing? Is he trying to expand his territory to the film industry?”
Lucas really couldn’t understand why Derek would invest in a soap drama.
“Are you stupid? This drama is adapted from a novel. Think about who is the author!” Ernest glanced at Lucas.
“The author is Serina! God! Does that mean Mr. Derek is truly interested in her?” Lucas finally understood.
Ernest also just figured it out.
Of course, Derek wanted this drama to be more popular. The author of the original novel was Serina. If the drama became popular, it could bring her both wealth and fame.
Also, if the rumor between Clara and Ernest went viral, the scandal between Serina and Ernest would be soon forgotten.
Derek wanted to kill two birds with one stone.
Ernest has also seen Derek’s power.
“Alright, I understand. Then we can only listen to Mr. Derek.” Lucas sighed.
“What else can we do? Can you defeat him, or can I defeat him?”
Ernest said with resignation.
All along, he had always been like a puppet, and Derek was the puppeteer. He could not make any decisions for himself.
When would such days come to an end?
In the Crystal Palace.
Derek sat in the study room, leaning his head against the chair, his eyes closed.
Recently, all the staff in the Saint Group had been extremely careful. Derek had almost told everyone in the company off, and he had also fired many workers in the Crystal Palace.
He didn’t go to the company today. These days, he was in a bad state and couldn’t control his temper.
The computer was on, and it was playing “President Is an Evil.” Many plots in it were the things that happened when he and Serina had just met.
He had started watching since the first episode, and his heart was in pain as he watched those familiar details.
The divorce agreement signed by Serina was still on the table.
They had not been in contact for many days.
He missed her so much. Every day, all he could think of was Serina.
He wanted to know what she was doing, if she was sleeping well, and if she missed him…
There was a knock on the door.
Derek heard the knocking sound and opened his eyes, using the remote control on the table to open the door.
Henry came in. “Mr. Derek, there is something I need to report to you. It is about Ms. Serina.”
Hearing that it was about Serina, Derek immediately became interested, “What is it?”
“Mrs. Maynard is investigating Ms. Serina.”
Derek immediately frowned.
“I learned it from Mrs. Maynard’s housekeeper, Mr. Clark. Mrs. Maynard is investigating everything about Ms. Serina, and…”
“And what?”
“In fact, she already knew about Ms. Serina’s existence a long time ago. It is said that Mrs. Maynard received a call from Mrs. Norris. They seem to know each other. I think it could also explain why Mrs. Norris did not agree with you and Ms. Serina being together.”
“If she already knew, why didn’t she take action?”
“Mr. Clark stopped her, so Mrs. Maynard began to arrange for you and Miss Zoe to meet frequently.”
Derek finally understood. So, Lauren was anxious!
“Mr. Derek, I am worried…”