Justin cleared his throat. “Golden Gate Films is connected to the Reed family’s business. Controlling major headlines is difficult, even for me. The only ones who could manage something like this are the Lawson family and the Evans family. Unless Kennedy Lawson is personally involved, it’s unlikely. Dave, do you think…”
Justin let his sentence trail off, hinting at something. Catching the hint, Dave paused his pen, and his face grew serious. In a low voice, he said, “Understood. Keep an eye on Ashley’s situation.”
“Okay.” As Justin was about to end the call, he added, “If I may suggest, it might be wise to cut back on your recent meetings with Bianca, just in case…”
“I know what to do,” Dave interrupted firmly.
After ending the call, Dave’s expression remained stern as he pondered for a moment before dialing a number.
After a few beeps, a calm but surprised female voice answered, “Dave? Can pigs fly today? You actually called me.”
“Aunt Rachel, I do call you every year,” Dave said casually.
“You call every New Year, wish me a happy New Year, and then hang up right away. It’s like you can’t wait to get off the phone,” Rachel Evans teased.
Dave usually stayed quiet when she teased him, but this time, he quickly replied, “I’ve been really busy with work. Please don’t be upset with me.”
Rachel was a bit surprised but curious. “Do you need my help with something? Just let me know.”
Rachel, Dave’s aunt, understood him almost as well as his mother did.
She was the cherished daughter of Lucas and used to a life of luxury. Dave’s father also had a great affection for her.
Dave remembered that Rachel had married into the Lawson family. When he lived away from his parents, Rachel would visit often, bringing him toys and treats.
He had always been quite fond of Aunt Rachel.
Over time, Dave grew distant from Rachel. He clearly remembered being locked in the cellar by his uncles while Rachel was visiting Lucas. Despite being there, she did not come to his aid.
That incident left a deep wound in Dave’s heart. Although the pain lessened over the years, the scar remained, creating a gap between them.
“What’s Uncle Brady up to these days?” Dave asked casually.
Rachel’s eyebrows knit together. It was unusual for Dave to ask about Brady. Was something wrong?
“He’s been busy with a project in Domico City lately. Why do you ask?”
“Nothing, just curious,” Dave said, leaning back and holding the phone. He continued, “Justin mentioned a female artist who, despite being blacklisted by Phoenix Entertainment, is still doing well in showbiz. The media even praises her, and the Reed family seems to respect her. Outside of the higher-ups in the Evans Group, only Uncle Brady could make that happen.”
“A female artist…” Rachel’s frown deepened as she grew serious. She thought of Everleigh, the famous singer from twenty years ago.
After the Everleigh incident, Rachel had cut off all connections between Brady and women in the entertainment industry. She saw them as manipulative and ambitious, using their charm for personal gain. Rachel was determined to keep such influences away from her husband.
Naturally cautious, Rachel had even placed informants around Brady and would have known if something major like this had happened.
So, she felt sure that Brady wasn’t involved.
“Dave, your uncle’s been really busy with work lately. He hasn’t had time for the entertainment industry. It definitely wasn’t him.”
“I’m glad to hear that. You’re my aunt, after all. If he ever treats you badly, you can count on my support.” Although Dave’s words seemed comforting, his tone was cold and distant.
Rachel felt a pang of guilt but was relieved that he still considered her his aunt.
“You sure have a way with words, unlike my husband,” Rachel said. She then asked, “Dave, you’re turning thirty soon, and your grandpa is starting to worry about your marriage. Is there someone you’re interested in? If so, I can talk to him for you.”
“Aunt Rachel, I’m focused on working for the Evans Group right now. I’m not thinking about marriage.”
“Dave, don’t let what happened with your parents…”
“I have other things to handle. I’ll hang up now.”
After Dave ended the call, Rachel sighed as the busy tone played through the phone.
She noticed that he would quickly end the conversation whenever she brought up his parents. Rachel knew that the past had deeply affected Dave, turning him from a naive boy into a self-reliant man almost overnight.
Dave had been locked away in a terrible place, and when he finally came out, he had become distant and wary, even making Rachel feel uneasy at times.
Rachel wondered if there was any girl who could truly win his heart.
She shook her head, considering Dave’s future as the heir to the Evans Group. With his responsibilities, it seemed unlikely that he would find true love. Any marriage for him would probably be more about strategy than romance. How would he ever find real freedom?
Rachel’s other brothers, apart from her eldest, didn’t seem to understand love. They remained indifferent and ruthless, willing to hurt their own nephew if it suited their interests.
Sometimes, Rachel felt sympathy for them. What would have been the point of life if someone had never experienced love?
Rachel and her eldest brother were exceptions in their family. Rachel had fallen in love with Brady, the heir of the Lawson Group, and married him. However, she knew that Brady had no real affection for her; he married her purely for the family’s sake.
Brady had shown Rachel respect over the years, and their relationship appeared stable, but there was no real intimacy or romance between them.
Rachel envied her eldest brother, who managed to marry the woman he loved and who loved him in return. They both died in a car accident, which Rachel saw as a fitting end.
Dave, Rachel’s eldest brother’s only child, and Lucas’s favorite grandson was expected to marry someone perfect. Given Lucas’s high standards, Dave would have little choice but to accept. His future as the heir was set, and it all felt incredibly dull.
When would the Evans family’s future generations be able to escape these constraints and experience love and life freely?
Rachel shook her head with a sigh and went inside.
Meanwhile, Dave set his phone down and leaned back in his chair, rubbing his forehead with his fingers.
If not for Brady, the only other person in the Evans Group who could handle things, as well as Dave, was his second uncle, Rupert.
‘But why would Rupert help Ashley?’