Chapter 228
Maeve went downstairs to find Hailey looking displeased, with the entertainment newspaper spread out on the table.
Marve's eyesThis text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.
darkened she glanced at Cecilia. Hailey had never cared about the entertainment news, so it had to be Cecilia who had placed the paper there to stir up trouble. Such tactics weren't brilliant. 'Maeve, explain what's going on," Hailey demanded, her tone accusatory.
Maeve calmly walked down the stairs. She looked at the newspaper and said, "I just had a meal with one of our company's artists. Mrs. Brooks Senior, this is just a publicity stunt. There's nothing to it." "What do you mean?" Hailey asked, frowning.
Maeve smiled. "Bryce has been busy filming and hasn't had much media exposure. This is just a small tactic by the company to boost his fame and generate buzz for his new movie. The news will be clarified soon. It's no big deal."
Halley took a deep breath. "I don't understand your industry talk, but this damages both the reputation of the Brooks family and your own! "If everyone sees this on the news, we'll be humiliated! I don't care about your publicity stunts. Fix this right now, or don't come back!" Hailey was fuming.
Cecilia chimed in, "Mrs. Brooks Senior, this is just about Madam's work. Please don't be upset. I've heard that Madam is very busy with work and that she's often not home. Please don't pressure her any further."
Cecilia's words only fueled Hailey's suspicions.
"So, that's why you've been away so much lately," Hailey said, Her expression was grim, seemingly convinced that Maeve was already having an affair.
Maeve didn't bother to explain, as she no longer cared about pleasing Hailey. Whether or not Hailey liked her was irrelevant.
"Maeve! What about Sergio?" Hailey shouted, slamming her hand on the table while Cecilia watched, seemingly enjoying the scene.
She was eager to see how Maeve would explain herself, knowing that Hailey would never allow an unfaithful woman to remain in the family. "Grandma, you've got it all wrong." Sergio's voice came from the stairs as he walked down and stood next to Maeve.
Hailey found it amusing. "I've got it all wrong? She's out all night. Who knows what she's doing?"
"Bryce is just an artist under the Scott Group. Maeve has discussed publishing this news with me beforehand, and it was done with my approval."
"What did you say?" Hailey looked at Sergio in disbelief. Maeve also frowned at Sergio.
The entertainment news story was something that she had just made up to pacify Hailey. There was no pre-planned publicity stunt, and she hadn't even informed Sergio about dining with Bryce the previous night.
Cecilia was surprised, but she quickly regained her composure,
She said, "Sergio, I know you want to protect Madam, but you shouldn't lie to Mrs. Brooks Senior. Who would want their wife to be involved in a scandal with another man?"
"Sergio, tell me the truth. Is this real?" Hailey asked, confident that Sergio wouldn't lie to her.
Sergio replied calmly, "It's true. I was aware of this and approved it. This is a business matter, so it's normal if you guys don't understand. We will handle it. Don't worry."
Hearing Sergio's reassurance, Hailey's expression softened, but her attitude toward Maeve remained cold. "It had better be true. The Brooks family will never accept a wife who brings shame to her husband!" Chapter 229