Chapter: 324

“Let's drop it. I don't want to bring it up anymore." Kaitlin had no desire to dwell on the matter. It wasn't beneficial for her health.

After being discharged from the hospital, Kaitlin called Phoebe to inform her of the postponement. She chose not to disclose the real reason behind it.

On the other line, Phoebe's voice rang out energetically. "I get it. You're seizing the chance to escape into your love bubble! Take this time to really relax."

Phoebe paused and went on, "Don't rush back. I've got the studio covered. No worries."

Kaitlin quickly agreed and ended the call.

"Well, looks like we're set for some quality time in our little lovers' world. Smile!" Kaitlin teased, aiming to lighten Alan's persistently somber mood.

"Should I be thanking this mishap then?"

"Come on. I'm alright now. Don't worry. Show me a smile." She reached for his face, gently lifting the corners of his mouth into a comical smile.

Ashley hadn't seen Alan for several days in Osewood.

Alan's schedule was always shrouded in mystery. Despite visiting his office on the top floor of headquarters twice, Ashley came back without any news.

Puzzled, she sipped her coffee in the break room, her expression somber.

“Did you see this news? The guy with his face obscured has to be Mr. Hewitt."

"Yeah, I saw it. But they've buried the story. If I hadn't saved the pictures, they'd be gone by now."

Ashley's eyebrows shot up, her mind latching onto the critical details.

“What are you guys talking about?" she asked, her voice warm and inviting as she approached them.

The break room was always ripe with rumors.

Once, Ashley would have scorned mingling too much with these entry- level employees, but circumstances had changed.

Without Alan to support her, she had no choice but to blend in.

“Ashley, we're talking about Mr. Hewitt. Don't you know him? Here, look at this photo. Is this Mr. Hewitt?"

The screen displayed a group photo.

Kaitlin was clearly visible, unobscured. Beside her stood a man in a suit, his back to the camera, exuding an aura of significance.

At the sight, Ashley's expression hardened-she instantly recognized the man as Alan. "Where did you hear about this?" she asked.

"Didn't you catch it? Mr. Hewitt has been accompanying Ms. Gilbert at the Estresa Element Design Competition recently. They've been inseparable, quite the spectacle. And there's been some baseless gossip too, though it's been quashed."

Ashley clenched her jaw, maintaining a forced smile. “Is that so? I hadn't noticed. But wasn't Alan supposed to be at the office?"