Of course, Ellen was so shocked to read that statement that she almost accidentally screamed in front of her team members. All this time, she had always thought her parents' accident was just a normal accident. But in fact, there was someone else who wanted to harm her parents all this time. She was also not stupid enough to easily believe statements from someone she didn't know. She sent the message and the unknown number to Penelope to track first. Because she was worried that someone would deliberately share this shocking news while the news of her scandal was still trending on social media. Could it be that Harley was still trying to scare her even now? Because the only people who knew her parents died when she was a teenager were Harley, Lauren, Penelope, and Flint.
For now, she tried to remain calm until she found solid evidence. She smiled again at her team members as they resumed the delayed meeting.
"By the way, are you okay, Ellen?" Janice asked with a worried look.
Ellen smiled awkwardly, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Sorry if I startled you."
"But, did something happen to you earlier? We were so worried that the haters were attacking you again and wanted you dead." Janice clenched her fists tightly. "I really hate them."
"I'm completely immune now. They want me dead, and I won't care about any hurtful words. What's important is that it's been proven that I was not wrong." A weak sigh escaped her lips. "I also want to clarify with you that I was actually framed."
Nathan snapped his fingers enthusiastically. "I thought you were set up, since you've been so popular lately, Ellen."
"But, why do they all want to corner Ellen?" Raymond asked with an innocent look.
"Because they're jealous. Just imagine if you were a famous actor and then your position was suddenly taken by a new actor. Would you be jealous?" Nathan asked, looking at Raymond.
"I would be jealous, but that doesn't mean trapping Ellen like this!"
Ellen laughed awkwardly, folding her arms as she watched her team members worry so much about her. She hadn't expected there to be some people who actually cared so much about her.
"I'm so grateful to you all for standing up for me just now. So, in return, I'll treat you to lunch later."
Janice's eyes widened. "Really?"
"Actually, I wanted to ask you something important too. That's why I'm taking you to a restaurant I've been visiting with my manager."
*****
Meanwhile, Flint was still smiling happily after seeing his friend finally join him at the company. He continued to spin his chair enthusiastically until he nearly fell over.
Alfonso simply shook his head at the CEO's childish behavior when he saw his beloved woman. He placed several documents on the CEO's desk.
"Flint, I suggest you don't hide your identity for too long. If Ellen accidentally finds out one day, she'll be very disappointed in you."
Flint paused in his childish actions for a moment. He glared at his assistant, who wore a stern expression.
"Actually, I'm really jealous of you. I admit, you've won Ellen's heart. She always praises you like you're a real CEO."
Alfonso smiled a mischievous smile. "Really? She's been so enthusiastic about talking about me?"
"I even wanted to reveal your identity to her. But there was always something nagging at me that made me back off."
"If you keep backing out, will I be allowed to date Ellen?"
"What are you saying?"
Alfonso jumped at the CEO's reaction, finally becoming overly jealous after he deliberately asked a question to annoy him. "You've finally fallen for someone, Flint."
"Anyway, I won't let anyone dare bother her. I've got her working at my company now. No one should bother her again." His right fist clenched tightly. "I have to meet with Bastian about this matter."
"Will your brother really help you?"
"Even though our relationship is not very close, the important thing is that at least he is willing to help me in revealing the truth behind this hot scandal."
"I hope Ellen's problem is resolved quickly. I'm sick of seeing all the negative comments constantly attacking her."
"What's certain is that while Ellen is working, I want you to assist her directly. Especially during any meetings with the narrative designer team, I want you to be directly involved."
Alfonso furrowed his brows. "But is that okay? The whole team will be surprised by you, since you've always been the one involved in the meetings."
"Just tell them I won't show myself because she's new here. Besides, everyone on my team already knows why I've been hiding my identity all this time."
Alfonso could only sigh resignedly as he tidied up the pile of documents on the CEO's desk. "During my interview, she enthusiastically expressed her motivation for working at this company solely to meet you. Are you really not going to formally introduce yourself as the game's creator?"
"No. Seeing as she's so comfortable being friends with me because I'm a commoner, I don't want to flaunt my status as a company founder and game creator. She'd be uncomfortable if I were to outrank her."
"Okay, I won't force you now. I just suggested you be my assistant." He glanced at the watch on his left wrist for a moment. "I'll call Bastian's assistant first to remind him about today's lunch."
As lunchtime approached, Flint invited his adoptive brother, Bastian, to meet him at a fancy restaurant. He had, of course, reserved a VIP room so they could chat more freely.
However, as he was walking towards one of the VIP rooms he had booked, he suddenly ran into a group of narrative designers who were also enjoying lunch at the restaurant. His eyes widened as he stared at Ellen, who was chatting enthusiastically with her team members while also walking towards a VIP room. They were now very close, and he suddenly appeared in an expensive suit. Would Ellen even notice his presence now?