Chapter 15: Not been finalized

974 Words
The Reynolds family felt invigorated upon hearing Clara's words! "Hahaha, Ethan, you good-for-nothing, now you can't even be a bodyguard! There won't be any chance for you to survive in Los Angeles anymore. Hahaha!" Alexander laughed heartily. While Maya couldn't help but feel sorry for Ethan, she raised her head proudly and silently mused, "This is all your fault! You deserve to endure everything I've put you through!" Despite the taunts and laughter, Ethan remained calm and composed. Turning to Clara, he inquired, "Miss Walport, may I ask if your statements just now reflect your personal views or those of Walt Disney?" Clara crossed her arms and asserted, "I represent both, of course!" Undeterred, Ethan pressed on, "As the Deputy President of Walt Disney, not the President, what authority do you have to speak on behalf of the entire company?" Ethan's probing question left Clara feeling a tinge of embarrassment. While Clara's authority was acknowledged by all, she was not the ultimate decision-maker at Walt Disney. Ethically, she shouldn't be speaking on behalf of the company's president unless they shared an extremely close relationship, like that of a married couple. After a brief pause, Clara decided to reveal a secret she had initially kept to herself, saying, "Alright, I was hesitant to disclose this, but since you're so keen on knowing the reason for your downfall, I'll explain." "In truth, the new president of Walt Disney, Mr. Sinclair, is my partner," she declared. Her revelation sent shockwaves through the entire venue of the birthday banquet. "What! Miss Walport's boyfriend is the enigmatic Mr. Sinclair? No wonder he ascended to the presidency so swiftly!" "Anyone who can earn the affections of Miss Walport must be a powerful and commanding figure like Mr. Sinclair to rule over the Walt Disney empire!" "Yeah, how dare he question the ability and authority of Miss Walport? He has a death wish!" Silence hung in the air for a moment, thick with tension and disbelief. This time, it was Ethan's turn to freeze in shock. "Damn it. Since when did you become involved with him, Clara?" "Aren't you embarrassed to refer to me in that way right in front of me?" The Reynolds, who had been eavesdropping nearby, could barely contain their excitement. Klein couldn't help but blurt out, "Miss Walport, why keep your relationship with the new president, Mr. Sinclair, a secret? Knowing he's your partner puts our minds at ease!" Sophie chimed in, adding, "Yes, Miss Walport, you should discuss the contract with Mr. Sinclair as soon as possible." Unbeknownst to Clara, the Reynolds had already attempted to sway her with bribes. Believing that their connection with Clara's lover, the president, would secure their $80 million investment, they felt confident in their strategy. Clara responded calmly, "My boyfriend is very professional and focused on his work. He values boundaries between personal and professional life, preferring not to mix romance with business." She continued, "I trust you to keep this information confidential." Ethan fought back a chuckle, "Oh, so now you're suddenly concerned about secrecy after boasting? Seems like you're worried about leaks." Clara locked eyes with Ethan, her expression unreadable. "Is there anything else you'd like to add?" Suppressing his amusement, Ethan inquired, "Rumor has it that Mr. Sinclair is not only incredibly wealthy but also remarkably handsome, surpassing even celebrities. He's said to be a master of music, chess, literature, and art. While you, Miss Walport, are undoubtedly beautiful, I wonder if you truly capture his attention." The tension in the room was palpable as Clara's gaze bore into Ethan, waiting for his next move. Clara haughtily declared, "Extraordinary people are naturally drawn to each other! Mr. Sinclair was captivated by me from the start. He even went as far as reserving an entire island in southern Illinois for a lavish ceremony to profess his love and ask me to be his girlfriend." The other women in the room couldn't hide their envy upon hearing Clara's words. Ethan, struck by disbelief, gazed at Clara, silently musing, "This woman truly excels at spinning tales." With a wry smile, Ethan remarked, "I appreciate you doing me this favor, thank you." Alexander approached Ethan with a smirk, taunting, "Haha, you're nothing now. Your days in Los Angeles are numbered. Pack your bags and disappear from this city, haha." Ignoring Alexander's provocation, Ethan turned to Maya and calmly stated, "Let's head to the lawyer's office." Observing the elitist circles of Los Angeles turning against Ethan, Maya understood that his fate in the city was sealed and opted to sever ties with him swiftly. "Wait a minute," Old Ms. Mimi interjected, her voice cutting through the tension in the room as she glanced at the clock on the wall, which displayed the time as 12 o'clock. "It's precisely noon. The birthday banquet has officially commenced. Have something to eat before you depart," she insisted gently. Maya understood that Old Ms. Mimi held traditional values and wouldn't allow anyone to leave during mealtime. Furthermore, with it being Old Ms. Julia's 50th birthday celebration, adherence to the customs was imperative. Alexander gestured towards the entrance of the hall, commanding, "Ethan, leave and wait outside. Maya will join you at the lawyer's office after she finishes her meal." Unexpectedly, Old Ms. Mimi interjected once more, surprising everyone present. "Ethan, please stay and dine with us," she offered warmly, extending an invitation to Ethan to partake in the birthday feast. Alexander exclaimed in shock, "Grandma, why are you allowing him to stay? He doesn't deserve to be here!" Even Ethan appeared taken aback by the sudden turn of events. Old Ms. Mimi calmly explained, "As the divorce has not been finalized yet, he remains a part of the Reynolds family. Therefore, it is my duty to offer him a meal as a member of the family."
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