Chapter 231

Chapter 231 Are You Sure?

“Yes, | agree that her fan base is important, but ultimately as an actress her acting abilities and work are what’s most important.

Hope can’t stay single forever, and she has never promised that she wouldn't date or get married.

“She’s only human. If her fans decided to leave just because she’s dating someone, then those aren’t her true fans. Besides, there are other superstars in the industry who are dating as well. So, why worry?”

Buck nodded. “Ms. Maia, there’s still another problem.”

“You're worried about your family?” Maia asked directly.

Buck was taken aback by her candor before nodding slowly.

“I'm grateful to you for providing me with a job. | love this job and I’ve worked hard to be able to afford a small apartment on my own. However, how could | ask Hope to live in such a small space with me? There’s nothing that | could give her.

“Moreover, my foster parents have never stopped trying to extort money from me. If they find out that my girlfriend is a well—

known actress, they will definitely ask for more money. I’d never allow them to tarnish Hope’s reputation in public.”

Buck knew that his foster parents would not hesitate to destroy Hope’s reputation if it meant that they would be able to obtain more money.

Maia only frowned as she listened to Buck.

“I'm not supposed to be involved in your affairs, but if you think that you will only hurt her, | suggest that you stay away from her.

However, let me warn you, if you choose to do so, there won’t be any turning back.”

“I've thought of confessing my love to her. You know it better than anyone else, as you've even encouraged me to go for it. My love for her has never changed, but every night, | couldn’t help but think to myself, would it be worse for Hope if she was with me?

“After much thought, I’ve finally realized that if she was with me, | would only bring her misfortune. At the end of the day, we’re from two different worlds.”

Buck confessed as his eyes turned red. It was not easy for him to have come to this conclusion.

“The reason why | haven’t told her about this was because | wanted to stay by her side for ast long as | could. You're right, |

should leave her if I’ve decided not to confess to her. | would only give her false hope if | stayed. | don’t want to hurt her.”

Buck took a deep breath and said decisively, “Ms. Maia, you don’t have to worry. | won’t be in Hope’s life anymore.”

+15 BONUS He would only continue to support her as a fan.

Mala bit her lip and addressed him seriously. “Buck, are you sure about this? There’s no turning back.”

Buck looked at her with his red eyes as he forced a grin and nodded.

“You can have the rest of the day off.”

Maia respected his will and had even given him time to recover and recollect himself.

Buck nodded gratefully and left her office.

Maia could only sigh deeply as she watched him walk away sadly. She was not sure if this was the best solution for them, but it was definitely unfair to Hope.

After a while, a knock came through the door as Maia’s secretary walked in and informed her that Nigel had arrived.

Maia nodded and her secretary left the room.

Nigel walked in and asked, “Are you okay?”

“Never better.”

“Did he try anything?”

Maia shook her head.

“| tried calling and sending you messages, but it kept telling me that | couldn't reach you. When | saw you posting on Twitter, |

could finally heave a sigh of relief.”

“That’s strange. | was at home the whole time and my phone wasn’t turned off either.”

Nigel nodded in confusion, “I know, which was why | was confused too.”

Maia took out her phone and checked. She noticed that Nigel’s contacts were all blocked and blacklisted. She frowned as she immediately knew who the culprit was.

Maia felt embarrassed to let Nigel know that Cedric had blocked him on her phone, so she made up an excuse. “Maybe there’s something wrong with my phone. I'll get a new one tomorrow.”

Nigel was a clever guy. He knew right away that Cedric was responsible for this, yet he chose not to expose her lie. “Since I’m free tomorrow, why don’t | come with you?”

Maia nodded awkwardly, “Sure. | know you’re quite good with cell phones. You could even give me some pointers.”

+15 BONUS “I'd be glad to help.”

Maia grinned in return and asked, “Is there something you're here for?”

“| wanted to inform you about the progress of the defaination lawsuit. Moreover, I’ve also found something interesting.”

“What is it?” Maia asked curiously.

Nigel took out an envelope and handed it to Maia. “You should look at this. | investigated the background of those three who tried to spread rumors about you. Seems like they’ve had some sort of deal with a staff member from HL corporation.”

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