Chapter 47: No Blemishes

Chloe was gone for a long time, and only Daniel and Ryan were there when Tyler returned to the ward.

"Mr. White, Mr. Bruce," Tyler said politely, handing Daniel a folder. "This is Marlene Sandra's recent spending records. She used to work for a small company, but now there's money from unknown sources in her account."

Daniel carefully examined the papers before handing them to Ryan, "Take a look."

Ryan scanned them and put them aside. "It's all from a private account, but not a domestic one. They were done overseas? And who's Marlene Sandra?"

"She and Mrs. Bruce went to the same high school. Because of some rumors of Mrs. Bruce, Lisa had an argument with Marlene that resulted in threats and humiliation."

"So just best friends defending each other," Ryan said quietly.

"These records are not enough to prove Marlene Sandra is the person who indirectly harmed Chloe and Lisa. We need to get more evidence."

"Our people didn't find out about last night?" Ryan raised his eyebrows.

Daniel just nodded.

The "flirting" conversation Chloe had with the mysterious man on the phone suddenly came to mind, making him a bit sour.

Sensing Daniel's sudden mood change, Ryan gave him a long look. "Are you okay?"

Daniel glanced at him, yanked the file from his hand, and started going through it again, blocking his word.

"By the way, why didn't you ask Alex for help?" Ryan continued.

"He is currently investigating the person who hit Chloe in front of the hotel." Daniel found a pen on a nearby cabinet and began marking the papers.

Ryan leaned in to get a closer look, "You are marking the transactions with unknown sources, and then going to the bank to check the owner's information?"

"Yeah," Daniel said faintly, handing Ryan the marked papers, "I'll leave this matter to you. Marley Sandra may not have a direct motive for displaying the photo, but she definitely helped to make it happen."

"Her name is Marlene, boss" Ryan put the papers back and got up. "Alright, I'll leave you alone. Take care."

"Wait, how's the recruitment going?" Daniel looked up, his eyes fixed on him.

A cold shiver ran down Ryan's back and he hesitated, "I… haven't found the right person yet."

Daniel kept his glare.

"Oh come on, you know how busy I am lately. And influencers are all over the place now, I can't just bring anyone to you, can I?"

"Chloe."

Daniel's voice was cool and determined. For a moment, no one said anything.

"Are you serious? Daniel Bruce is pulling strings?" Ryan stared at Daniel with his mouth wide open.

"I'm not. She did a magazine cover the other day. It was good."

Daniel probably didn't even realize it, but now he knew everything that went on in Chloe's life.

Ryan took a final, secret look at Daniel and left before getting killed by his eyes.

***

On the other side, Chloe was urging Lisa to take her to Evan's studio after dinner.

When they arrived, the front desk lady told them Evan had been waiting for them upstairs.

"Oh my God, so Evan has already wanted to see you?" Lisa hissed to Chole as they walk down the hall.

Chloe shook her head, "I'm not sure. Do you think I'll be asked to pay for the damage?"

"If anything happens before publication, the defaulting party is liable for 10% of the damages, depending on how the contract was originally signed."

"That sounds like a lot of money," Chloe nodded, stopping before Evan's office.

"Come in, please."

Chloe and Lisa walked in together. For some reason, Lisa seemed even more nervous.

Distantly, Evan looked at his visitors and pointed to the sofa across from him. "Sit."

As Chloe sat down, she almost got the impression that Evan was… gentle.

"You know you ruined the cover of ECOO magazine, right?" Evan's steady voice was like a stone dropped into a calm lake. The air became filled with tension.

"Miss Johnson, Lisa brought you here as a last-minute solution. It's our fault that we didn't do background check on you. But I believe we need an explanation for what happened last night."

Chloe was stunned speechless until Lisa pinched her.

"Mr. Gerrard rarely talks this much. I think you're gonna be a hit, Chloe." Lisa gave Evan a wry smile.

Evan was known in the industry for being cold-blooded and ruthless. Everyone was scared of him.

Chloe could feel it more or less after the last photoshoot. Suddenly, she remembered something, "But I thought you said the magazine..."

"At first, there was a lot of disagreement at the magazine about you," Evan explained, "but I think you're the only one who brought the clothes to life. And I value talent like that."

Chloe stared at Evan for a moment.

"Mr. Gerrard, I swear on my family's reputation that I would never do something like that. In fact, I've been investigating this matter myself recently."

"Yes. I saw that the Bruce family has been doing PR for you. I thought you broke off your engagement to Mr. Bruce?"

Chloe felt uneasy at the mention of the engagement party that tarnished Daniel's reputation. She smiled faintly, "Well, we still have the freedom of marriage, don't we?"

"You are at the age to work hard and build a career. When you find the evidence, let me know. If you want to be on the cover of a magazine, there must be no blemishes on your record."