Chapter 686: Chapter 686: Lose the wife and the troops
Elsewhere, Justin Battleson was lackadaisically flipping through documents. When he heard the ring of a phone, he quickly put down the documents and looked over.
He swiped the screen to answer the call, placing the phone by his ear, even before he could speak, a heavy sigh from the other end, Michael Richard, greeted him.
"Mr. Battleson, it seems we’ve lost both the battle and the woman."
At these words, Justin paused a moment before replying, "Quit beating around the bush and spit it out."
Michael shrugged and continued, "I just eavesdropped on some staff here, who, while they were eating what we’d brought them, were speculating about Miss Thompson’s intentions."
He groaned faintly, then added, "They were saying Miss Thompson is trying to please Zoe Anne."
Upon hearing this, Justin’s expression froze momentarily, then a hint of anger rose in him. His hand on the desk clenched slightly and he quirked an eyebrow, then ordered, "Handle those gossipers..."
Halfway through his directive, he paused for a few seconds.
Charlotte Thompson had already made it clear that she didn’t want him to intervene in her matters. If he took action for her regardless, Charlotte would definitely be upset if she came to know about it.
His gaze dropped and Justin became lost in anguished silence.
If Charlotte got upset at him again over this, wouldn’t all he was doing be in vain?
His lips gradually straightened, then he finally released a sigh. His hand gripping the phone tightened and he subdued the frustration in his eyes, murmuring softly, "Forget it... let’s just wait and watch. Since the food has already been delivered, just come back."
After hanging up, Justin rubbed his forehead, caught up in a dilemma. His phone buzzed again before he could do anything else.
He glanced at the caller ID, his expression shifting slightly.
The screen displayed a simple name: Charlotte.
As soon as the call connected, a slightly annoyed female voice came from the other end, "Justin Battleson, did you arrange for the things here at the production team?"
At the sound of her voice, Justin leaned back, admitting reluctantly, "Yes, it was me."
"Can you stop getting involved in such trivial matters from now on?"
On the other end of the line, Charlotte sat down on a chair, activated speakerphone mode, and casually picked a bottle of mineral water from the edge of her table and unscrewed the cap.
After taking a quick sip, she sighed exasperatedly, "You don’t have to bother with these things."
At her words, Justin nodded subtly, a hint of hidden heartache flashing across his eyes.
After a few seconds of silence, he said thoughtfully, "I know you’re feeling wronged by the production team, Charlotte. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to participate in the show. I could invest in a new program for you if you wish."
His voice spoke traces of a nearly undetectable concern.
At his words, Charlotte unusually fell silent for a few seconds. She avoided his gaze and let out a nearly imperceptible sigh. "Stop taking matters into your own hands. I have my own measure, and I’m not the kind to silently endure anything."
She paused briefly, knowing that a number of staff and guests had been discussing her in private.
But she didn’t care that much.
Participating in the program wasn’t about what others said about her. As long as she did what she was supposed to do, why should she be concerned about other people’s opinion?
Thinking too much about it might eventually trap her in her own prison.
She bit her lip and her voice unconsciously softened, "I’ve got filming soon, so let’s leave it here... bye."