Riiing!
Mr. Evans was about to press the dial button when his phone rang first. The caller ID displayed: Mother.
The severity on Mr. Evans's face vanished, replaced by a smile. He answered the call, his voice gentle: "Mom."
"Son, did that Celeste Monroe agree to use the song Julian wrote?" A vibrant, feisty voice came from the phone. It was indeed Mr. Evans's mother, Lillian. And the "Julian" Lillian referred to was her brother's son, Mr. Evans's cousin, Julian Harris.
Julian Harris used to be a guitarist in a small band. Later, the band broke up, and he sought out Mr. Evans's mother, which allowed him to get into Gemstone Records. However, he was getting older and had an ordinary appearance, so he couldn't be an artist. Mr. Evans had him become a songwriter. Of course, he didn't expect him to write any hit songs; it was just a way to employ a relative. But Julian Harris was ambitious and didn't want to live an ordinary life. Hearing that Celeste Monroe was releasing a new album, he wanted to use Celeste Monroe's fame to get popular. He took three of his own songs to Mr. Evans, claiming his songs were perfect for Celeste Monroe.
Initially, Mr. Evans refused, but Julian Harris went to Lillian and complained tearfully. Lillian had always doted on her only nephew and immediately confronted Mr. Evans. Mr. Evans was from a single-parent household; his mother had painstakingly raised him and his sister, and his uncle had provided significant support. He couldn't refuse his mother's and uncle's requests again. He finally agreed to include one of Julian Harris's songs on Celeste Monroe's new album. After all, an album with ten songs could easily accommodate one slightly weaker track without much harm. Moreover, he was the boss and Celeste Monroe's future husband; he could surely make such a small decision.
Who knew Celeste Monroe would outright refuse? She even kicked Julian Harris, who had barged into the recording studio, out. Giving him no respect at all. Mr. Evans and Celeste Monroe had argued several times over this matter. For Mr. Evans, changing a song was simple. But if he backed down, who in the company would recognize him as the boss in the future? Furthermore, to conquer a woman like Celeste Monroe, he had to completely subdue her! But Celeste Monroe remained unyielding, and her new album was consequently delayed.
Hearing Lillian's words now, Mr. Evans rubbed his brow. "She hasn't agreed yet."
Lillian was displeased. "Who's the boss of this company, anyway? A little wench who only got famous because of you, climbs into her master's bed, then turns her back on him?! That little wench deserves to be put in her place!"
Mr. Evans frowned. "Mom, Celeste and I don't have that kind of relationship. She hasn't agreed to be my girlfriend yet!"
Lillian's voice paused, then she immediately started sobbing: "You're scolding me for that little wench? I worked tirelessly alone to raise you and your sister. Now that you have a woman, you don't want your mother anymore. Oh, heavens, why is my life so bitter!"
Mr. Evans quickly said, "Mom, I didn't mean that. Don't be angry. Celeste isn't in Capital City these two days. When she comes back, I'll talk to her again. Don't worry, Julian's song will definitely be included in her new album."
"That's more like it, son. You need to remember, your sister, your uncle, and I are your last family in this world. Nothing compares to blood ties and family affection!"
"Mom, I understand." Mr. Evans immediately promised. He never forgot how hard his mother worked when he was a child, and how much his uncle helped them.
Lillian reminded him, "Son, that Celeste Monroe has too strong a personality. When you marry her, I'll help you discipline her properly, otherwise, she'll walk all over you!"
Mr. Evans sounded a bit helpless. "Celeste hasn't accepted me yet."
"That's an act. It's called... yes, playing hard to get! My son is such a big shot; how many women are scrambling to get into your bed? She's just afraid her position won't be stable later, so she's deliberately manipulating you!"
"You have to deal with these cunning little wenches severely!"
"When she returns to Capital City, bring her home. I'll teach her some manners!"
Lillian's voice was loud, her voice booming like a mother duck. Mr. Evans's ears hurt from the booming. He agreed with gentle words, and Lillian continued her loud tirade for a long time before finally hanging up.
Silence returned to the office. Mr. Evans stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, looking down at the pedestrians and vehicles that looked like ants below. His aquiline nose wrinkled, and his gaze darkened slightly. His mother was uneducated and spoke harshly, but it was all for his own good. These past few years, Celeste Monroe had flown higher and higher. It was time for him to reel in the kite string in his hand.
A knock sounded from outside. Mr. Evans's expression tightened, his voice authoritarian, "Come in." The door opened, and a handsome man around thirty years old entered. Theodore Chow, Vice President of PR at Gemstone Records. Also Mr. Evans's brother-in-law.
Theodore Chow brought two files for Mr. Evans to sign, then didn't leave. Mr. Evans looked up at him. "Something wrong?"
Theodore Chow respectfully said, "Mr. Evans, there's one more thing I'd like to report to you regarding American Voice."
Mr. Evans frowned slightly. What now, American Voice again? Earlier, Theodore Chow had called him, asking him to instruct Celeste Monroe to look out for Brandon and the other two on American Voice. The result was an argument with Celeste Monroe. And now this again. If it weren't his brother-in-law, he would have kicked him out.
"What else is it?"
Theodore Chow quickly said, "There's an artist named Frank Castle on American Voice. Do you think it's necessary to implement a 'containment' strategy against him?"
"Frank Castle?" Mr. Evans thought for a moment, then finally remembered the name. "Amelia Quinn's ex-husband?"
"Yes, wasn't his song 'Plain Face' quite popular last episode? Elise said that in today's recording, Frank's song was even more explosive. If this continues, it will be a threat to our artists." Theodore Chow generally recounted the situation at today's American Voice recording as reported by Elise.
Mr. Evans chuckled softly. "Is such a small fry worth the company's resources?"
Theodore Chow lowered his head. "Mr. Evans is right; we might be overreacting." He paused, then finally said what he truly wanted to say: "Brother, Celeste Monroe seems to be secretly investigating what happened at the celebration party two years ago..."
Two years ago, Celeste Monroe received her third Artist of the Year trophy, officially ascending to the throne of America's number one Diva. Gemstone Records held a grand celebration party for her, where Mr. Evans publicly confessed his feelings. But he was rejected by Celeste Monroe. Not long after the celebration party ended, Celeste Monroe was drugged and almost had an accident. It was later confirmed that her manager and assistant had been bribed by a competitor. The matter ended there.
Hearing Theodore Chow's words now, Mr. Evans suddenly looked up, his gaze like electricity shooting towards Theodore Chow. "What has she found out?"
Theodore Chow's head drooped lower. "She probably hasn't found anything."
Mr. Evans looked at him coldly. "Keep your people in line."
"Yes!" Theodore Chow hesitated for a moment, then spoke again: "Brother, Elise also said she noticed Celeste Monroe seems to be somewhat special towards that Frank Castle."
Mr. Evans glanced at Theodore Chow. "Celeste is Amelia Quinn's aunt, and Amelia Quinn is Frank Castle's ex-wife. Next time, use your brain when you speak."
"I'm sorry, Brother, I overthought it." Theodore Chow apologized profusely and quickly left the CEO's office. He only breathed a sigh of relief once he was back in his own office.
"That idiot Elise almost got me yelled at too!" Frank Castle didn't even care for Amelia Quinn; how could he have any involvement with Celeste Monroe? Speaking of Frank Castle, his name actually popped up on the phone screen.
It was the latest trending topic on X (Twitter):
#FrankCastleAssaultConfirmedEvidence#