Chapter 307

"What's up?" he asked, putting his stuff away.

"Mr. Cavendish, maybe you should check your phone?" Bob was still a bit torn.

He had wanted to ask William what he thought about the situation, but he realized William hadn't even noticed what was happening online.

William put his things down, sat in his office chair, and finally opened his phone. After seeing the trending news, his brows furrowed deeply. Then, he looked up and gave instructions.

"Handle the PR and clear things up. I'll address it personally afterward."

His words left Bob stunned. He had thought William knew about the situation and would at least question it a bit, like asking who Stefan was or how he and Christina had interacted. But to his surprise, William didn't hesitate at all and just told him to clear things up.

"What's wrong? Didn't you hear me?"

"Got it, I'll get right on it."

After Bob left, William put down his phone and rubbed his temples. But when he opened his eyes again, they had regained their usual sternness. He trusted Christina; he believed she wouldn't do such a thing.

He then called Christina. Christina had just finished explaining things to several partners when she saw William's call, her eyes full of exhaustion.

"Are you calling to question me too?" she asked, her tone not exactly friendly.

"No, I want you to join me in clearing things up. I trust your character."

His words made Christina want to retort, but the harsh words got stuck in her throat.

"Alright, when?" Christina asked after a long pause, trying to keep her tone calm.

"I'll arrange it. Once everything is set, my assistant will notify you."

There was a long silence afterward.

"I'm serious. I don't doubt you, and it's not that I didn't address it immediately. I just got off the plane."

His explanation left Christina a bit dazed.

"I understand. Thank you."

Christina hung up the phone, only for Stefan to call next. This time, Christina felt truly helpless.

"Mr. Hensley, please don't add to my troubles."

"Sorry, this is my fault. I'll clarify things online and hope people stop attacking you."

Stefan didn't understand either. He was the one who had feelings first, so why was Christina bearing the brunt of it?

Hearing his words, Christina quickly responded.

"Please stop. I've already told you there's no possibility between us. I would never do something unethical, so please don't make things worse."

"But I really want to be with you. I genuinely like you."

Christina sighed in frustration.

"But I've told you, I'm married and have a child."

"I said I don't mind. I hope you can give me a chance."

The two argued over the phone. After he said that, Christina fell silent. She wondered what chance he was talking about. Hadn't she made herself clear enough?

"Alright, Mr. Hensley, I've said all I need to. I hope you can restrain yourself a bit."

Christina's tone turned cold, ready to cancel their collaboration. Just then, Bob's call came in. Christina hung up on Stefan and turned to discuss the clarification with Bob.

"Okay, I understand. I'll head over now."

William had already set up a press conference. When Christina arrived, he was ready. The exhaustion on his face had vanished. Seeing Christina, William walked over with a warm smile. They had agreed long ago to play the role of a loving couple in public. It was beneficial for both William's company and Christina's studio. Christina didn't want any complications either. To her, it was an act, but William saw it as genuine.

"You're here. Are you cold? Need a jacket?"

Christina shook her head. "No, I'm good."

Once the two main characters arrived, the media swarmed in.

"Thank you all for coming to this press conference. Regarding the false rumors online, we've got our lawyers on it. As for the claims about my wife betraying our relationship, that's completely untrue. Christina and I have a great relationship, and our family is very close."

William stated the facts and held Christina's hand. Christina nodded, her expression still somewhat cold, but her demeanor softened when their fingers intertwined.

"Thank you all for your concern, but I'm not interested in betraying my relationship. My husband is wonderful, and my child is adorable. I would never do such a thing."

As soon as Christina and William finished speaking, the media started asking sharp questions.

"Even if Stefan is younger and more talented than William, you don't feel tempted?"

"Are you just playing the role of a loving couple to shut the media up?"

"Stefan's abilities are on par with William's. Haven't you considered..."

Seeing the media's questions becoming more pointed, William reached out and removed the microphone from Christina's face.

"Everyone, if you want to ask questions, please keep your distance. Your microphones are practically poking my wife's face."

Christina coldly gripped William's hand.

"Liking someone doesn't require excessive explanation. Not liking someone means no matter how great they are, they're useless in my eyes. Are you encouraging me to betray my relationship with these questions? Or are you trying to ruin my family?"

Christina's words shifted the topic, leaving the media who asked sharp questions a bit embarrassed. Because of this clarification, many netizens sided with William and Christina.

"I think those rumors were pretty ridiculous. Could it be that Stefan was just pestering Christina? She's married with a husband and child. Honestly, if she were to betray her relationship, she'd do it discreetly, not in front of the company."

"I think you're right."

Due to the rumors, Christina's company unexpectedly received more orders. Despite this, Christina still wanted to end her collaboration with Stefan.

"There's no need to be so absolute. Liking someone isn't a crime. If I had met you before William, I would definitely be with you."

Seeing him persist, Christina quickly explained.

"Mr. Hensley, you might have misunderstood. I'm not saying the company isn't clear-cut. I just think our current relationship isn't suitable for collaboration. If you're willing to have someone else from the company take over, I'd still be happy to work with you."

"As for the relationship issue, I think you're a very gentlemanly and worthy partner, but it's not possible between us."

Christina made her point clear. He sighed and pretended to be strong.

"You're right. Some things can't be forced. I respect your decision. I didn't win your heart, but I don't want to lose you as a collaborator."

And with that, the matter was settled.