Chapter 1013: Helpless

Chapter 1013: Helpless

When Camille decided to leave the tricky situation to Ayan, Ayan was in

a meeting with Mr. Bell.

Both of them were seated in a conference room, and Mr. Bell was

telling Ayan, "I find your hints very reasonable, and I'm grateful for your

suggestions. Otherwise, I would still be under his thumb."

Ayan merely smiled faintly and replied, "It was a small effort, nothing to

worry about."

Mr. Bell continued, "Even though it was a small effort, it helped me

immensely. I'm grateful that you were willing to offer your suggestions.

Otherwise, I can't imagine what my future would look like."

Ayan's attitude remained unchanged, showing no additional emotions.

Mr. Bell then discussed his plans for the future. He intended to come

clean about the situation through his official international accounts and

media outlets he had been cooperating with. He explained his reasons

for choosing this timing, emphasizing that it wouldn't affect his

relationship with Mrs. Bell or the various charitable projects they were

involved in.

Mr. Bell was completely transparent, as he couldn't afford any

concealment at this crucial moment. He needed someone to analyze

the situation and provide the most honest advice.

He looked directly at Ayan and asked, "Ayan, what do you think of my

plans? Are they feasible? How credible is this approach? Will it

minimize the damage and harm to me and her?"

Mr. Bell awaited Ayan's response with his gaze unwavering.

Ayan, with his mild gaze meeting Mr. Bell's eyes, softly said, "Honesty

is more effective than any public relations strategy. Your reputation

outside is excellent, and I believe people will be understanding. After

all, your personal life and work are separate matters. As long as you

ensure that your divorce won't affect your previous or upcoming

projects, there shouldn't be significant opposition. Even if there is, it's

likely just resistance to change."

Mr. Bell nodded, and his worries lessened a bit.

He looked at Ayan again and said, “The news will be announced

tomorrow morning. If the reaction isn't favorable, I might need to rely on

the Simpson Group's PR team."

Ayan agreed, "Kian will instruct the PR department to assist you and

coordinate if necessary. They will discuss any appearances or public

relations strategies with you in advance.”

“Thank you," Mr. Bell replied.

Ayan glanced at his watch and noticed that half an hour had passed.

He had another meeting to attend, so he asked, "After the divorce news

comes out tomorrow, how do you think I should handle the situation

with Mr. Mikkola?"

Mr. Bell's expression tightened, and he let out a silent sigh. He said,

"This is actually the second matter I wanted to discuss with you today. I

don't know how to handle the issue concerning him. If I were to

confront him directly, would it cause problems for our future work?"

Ayan chuckled, "Are you still thinking of maintaining a peaceful

coexistence? I understand that you don't want to offend anyone, but

sometimes certain situations force you to make choices. If you choose

to disclose your marital status, it will leave Mr. Mikkola with no leverage

over you. After making such a decision, do you really think you can

continue to cooperate with him?"

Mr. Bell nodded in agreement, saying, "I understand your point.

However, I've had previous collaborations with him, and he used to be

different. So, I still can't figure out why he suddenly changed.”

Ayan found it somewhat astonishing that someone with extensive

experience and a high position in the charity world, like Mr. Bell, could

say such words.

So, Ayan remained silent for quite some time before speaking up. He

said, "Sometimes, delving too deeply into things can lead to confusion.

It's better not to overthink and just make decisions based on the current

situation.”

Mr. Bell nodded, showing a hint of reluctance. Ayan's words were a

tough pill for him to swallow.

Ayan continued, "You're too kind, but others may not be. If you still can't

make a decision now, or if you're still under his control, would you still

think of him as a good person?"

Mr. Bell fell silent, his expression stiffening. Ayan's words made him

imagine a situation he might face if he didn't make a choice.

Ayan talked with Mr. Bell for nearly an hour, covering everything that

needed to be discussed. Ultimately, the decision rested with Mr. Bell.

After seeing Mr. Bell off, Ayan returned to his work.

Although the recent online rumors had been resolved without causing

significant damage to the Simpson Group, it had given Ayan some

ideas. He had assembled a team of expert hackers to work for him,

ensuring that he could promptly gain control in case any unfavorable

situations arose. While there hadn't been major disturbances before,

handling such matters required the use of Simpson Group's

connections. With his own team of hackers, Ayan could take action

without relying on external relationships, ensuring a swift and discreet

response.

Ayan spent the afternoon organizing these matters. He had found

several top-notch hackers through various channels. To maintain

security and confidentiality, he chose to meet them at a hotel under the

Simpson Group's name.

By the time he finished his tasks, the day was growing dark. He drove

back to Franklin Bay, where Camille was dozing off in the living room.

Seeing him return, she squinted her eyes and asked, "Why are you so

late? I'm starving."

Ayan walked over, embraced her, and gazed at her with a gentle smile.

He said, "Why didn't you eat first? Do you love me so much that you

have to wait for me to eat together?"

He smiled gently, his deep eyes never leaving her.

Camille responded indifferently, “Well, you're right. I love you so much

that I have to wait for you to eat together. Starting tomorrow, I won't

wait anymore. We'll eat separately. I don't want to put too much

pressure on you, you know?"

She spoke considerately, and her eyes blinked at Ayan as if teasingly,

making him itch with frustration.

Ayan continued to gaze at her, his eyes slightly soft, and his voice

gently subdued as he asked, "Are you deliberately trying to infuriate

me?"

"Who knows? I'm just doing it for your own good, so you won't feel that

I love you too much and be pressured.”

Ayan let out a soft snort and pulled her closer, then kissed her lips.

Camille reacted strongly, her body tensing as if still feeling the pain

from earlier in the day.

Camille pushed him away and said flatly, "Did you eat or not? I'm

starving."

Holding her hand, Ayan stood up and led her towards the dining room.

He replied, “I had to deal with something in the afternoon and forgot to

tell you to eat first. In the future, you don't have to wait for me. If you're

hungry, just eat. We can have our meals together when I return, okay?"

Camille replied, "No, that way, I'll become overweight. Don't you want

me to?"

Ayan looked pleased and said, "A little extra weight is good."

He smiled, and Camille instantly understood what he meant. She

snorted and asked, "So, you like it when I'm a bit plump?"

Ayan's brow furrowed slightly, and his deep gaze turned towards

Camille. He replied softly, “I prefer you a bit plumper. Being too thin isn't

good for your health.”

"Hmph," Camille turned her gaze away from him, no longer engaging in

this conversation for now.