Though Roy didn't know the full truth, he could still feel that something was weighing on her mind.
So he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Don't worry. Even if you don't believe in yourself, you should at least believe in me, right? I think the script is amazing—and isn't your idol Zhang of the same opinion? What are you still nervous about?"
Laila smiled. "That's actually very convincing. I feel so much better now."
When Roy saw her smile, the corners of his own lips lifted. "That's more like it! Go get ready—Janet's stylist will be here soon. We've got a big night ahead."
Laila's eyes dimmed slightly. Yes, Silent Whispers was coming.
Tonight was the film's premiere.
Hours before the event was even set to begin, fans were already waiting outside the theater where the premiere would be held. The slight Hollywood chill didn't dampen anyone's spirits. If anything, their eagerness seemed to warm the air itself.
The turnout wasn't surprising. After Avengers had shattered box office records, Silent Whispers had become one of the most anticipated follow-ups. Unless you'd experienced it yourself, it was hard to imagine how massive the impact of holding the all-time box office crown could be. If Avatar hadn't broken that record the year before, the buzz surrounding this premiere would've been even more intense.
As usual, the premiere was packed with celebrities and film critics. Everyone who received an invite expressed their enthusiasm—after all, maintaining a good relationship with a director like Laila Moran, who was destined to leave a lasting mark on Hollywood and global cinema, could only bring good fortune.
This time, Laila and Roy weren't walking the red carpet alone—they brought little Eli with them.
It's rare for celebrities to walk the red carpet with their children. Kids are unpredictable—one tantrum mid-carpet and it's chaos. If you can calm them down, great, you might even score points as a "perfect parent." But if not, you're guaranteed to make headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Roy, however, didn't hesitate at all. He carried himself with ease, as if this were completely natural.
Originally, Janet had planned to take care of little Eli during the red carpet walk, returning him to Roy once they were inside. But perhaps overwhelmed by the crowd for the first time, Eli had clung to his father's neck in the car and refused to let go. Laughing, Roy simply scooped him up and took him along.
Naturally, Eli's appearance on the red carpet caused a frenzy. The flash of cameras was relentless, like a barrage of twinkling starlight. Thankfully, Roy had come prepared—Eli was already wearing a pair of tiny sunglasses. Without them, the harsh flashes might've hurt his little eyes.
Just moments ago, the boy had been tightly wrapped around his father's neck. But the instant he found himself the center of attention, he didn't seem the least bit panicked. Instead, he looked around with the calm, surveying air of a little CEO.
Seeing how unshaken he was, Laila couldn't help but wonder—maybe he hadn't been scared in the car at all. Maybe he'd just wanted to walk the red carpet. How else could she explain how composed he was now?
God knew she could barely stand when she'd first stepped onto a red carpet herself. But this little guy? Not even a flicker of nervousness.
This kid! Laila silently resolved to pinch those chubby cheeks good when they got home.
The premiere was hosted by none other than Jimmy, a close friend of both Laila and Roy. This wasn't his first time emceeing one of their events.
Laila trusted him completely. With Jimmy on the mic, she knew there'd be no shortage of viral soundbites making headlines the next morning.
"Wow! Look who we have here!" Jimmy called out as the little family made their way forward. "Is that our little Eli?"
"Yes, that's my son!" Roy answered, flashing a brilliant white smile. Just seeing him grin made it obvious how genuinely happy he was.
Jimmy pretended to shield his eyes. "Good lord, Roy! That smile of yours is blinding. I think I'm the one who needs sunglasses!"
Roy's grin widened—but before he could respond, little Eli took off his sunglasses and held them out to Jimmy.
Jimmy looked at the tiny sunglasses in awe. "My God, is he an angel?" If he weren't holding a mic, he would've scooped the boy right up for a cuddle. This was the first time he'd ever received such a sweet gesture from a baby—he was so touched, he nearly teared up.
"Haha," Roy laughed and kissed his son on the cheek. "His mom's an angel, so of course my son is one too."
Bam. A heavy dose of PDA dropped right on everyone's heads. Complimenting his son while sneakily showing off his wife—how did he manage that?
Even Laila couldn't help but laugh and tug on Roy's sleeve. The second she realized his words had been broadcast live, she had the urge to cover her face and run offstage.
Jimmy laughed and shook Eli's tiny hand. "Thank you, my little gentleman. These glasses are great—but I think they look better sticking with you."
Eli, with a look of deep seriousness, nodded and slipped the glasses back on himself. After all, Daddy had said that in front of the cameras, he had to wear them—otherwise, his eyes might get hurt!
Seeing how sweet and well-behaved the little boy was, Jimmy's eyes lit up even more.
"I just have to know how you're raising this kid. How can he be this adorable?"
That was exactly what every viewer watching at home was wondering too. This was Eli's first formal appearance in front of the media. Before now, the most anyone had seen were a few photos Roy had posted on Facebook.
Photos didn't reveal personality. Back then, people had just marveled at how beautiful the child was—a perfect blend of Laila and Roy's best features.
But now, through the live broadcast, the public saw the real Eli. Not only was he adorable, but he was also kind and thoughtful. Just like Jimmy said—he was like a little angel, miles better than the wild kids you saw screaming their lungs out in public.
So while people had once simply admired how beautiful Laila and Roy's child was, now they were genuinely envious of their parenting.
How had they raised such a considerate child at such a young age?
No one expected that one tiny gesture from Eli on the red carpet would instantly win him legions of mom fans, older sister fans, even grandma and grandpa fans. Everyone has kids in their lives—and who wouldn't fall for a child like this? Beautiful, sweet, and full of heart.