Chapter 696

The venue was packed.

The roar of the crowd was deafening.

Evelyn Ross stood at the entrance, her gaze sweeping over the sea of people.

She immediately locked onto her target.

Amidst the boiling crowd, one person remained silent.

He stood in a corner, hands in his pockets, but his eyes were sharply scanning the entire room.

Evelyn's eyes narrowed slightly.

She turned her head and gave Alexander Vance a meaningful look.

Alexander understood instantly.

He moved swiftly, slipping away silently from the side.

Evelyn approached from the front.

They moved in a pincer formation.

The reporter sensed something was wrong and tried to turn and flee.

But it was too late.

Alexander's hand landed on his shoulder.

Evelyn simultaneously gripped his wrist.

"What are you doing?"

The reporter cried out in panic.

His shout instantly drew everyone's attention.

"Miss Ross is here!"

The reporter added another sentence.

The entire hall fell silent.

In the next second, all cameras swiveled toward Evelyn.

Camera flashes erupted like crazy.

Reporters surged forward like a tidal wave.

"Miss Ross, why are you protecting that traitor?"

"I heard you grew up abroad. Were you bribed?"

"The Ashcroft Group's stock price has plummeted. Do you have any comment?"

Amidst the rational questions were sharp, insulting shouts.

"Spy! Traitor!"

"Why don't you just die?"

"Having an entrepreneur like you is a disgrace to the country!"

"Mr. Valentine has been absent. Is he covering for you?"

Each accusation was worse than the last.

Evelyn pressed her lips together.

She knew these people were being misled.

Explaining now would only make things worse.

"Step aside."

She tried to push through the crowd.

"I'm not Miss Ross. I have business to attend to..."

Before she could finish, she was interrupted.

"You are Miss Ross!"

A reporter pointed at her eyes.

"Those peach blossom eyes—there isn't a second pair like them in all of San Francisco!"

"So beautiful, yet so black-hearted?"

The insults grew louder.

Evelyn looked at the reporter being restrained by Alexander.

She lowered her voice.

"Take him out first."

"Find out who's behind this."

Alexander nodded.

He understood the priorities.

Evelyn was here, and at least she wouldn't be in physical danger.

But the mastermind had to be uncovered.

Evelyn handed the reporter over to Alexander.

She turned and strode toward the stage.

"Since you want answers, I'll give them to you."

Her movement drew the reporters after her.

Alexander seized the chance to withdraw with the man.

Evelyn stepped onto the stage.

She saw Alexander leave smoothly and breathed a sigh of relief.

This subtle expression was captured by the cameras.

"Miss Ross, you seem relaxed?"

"Are you planning to give up completely?"

"The Ashcroft Group has always claimed patriotism. Who do you think you're fooling now?"

"Apologize!"

The barrage of questions was overwhelming.

Evelyn narrowed her eyes.

She was about to speak.

A steady, powerful voice rang out.

"This press conference today was called by me."

"What's the point of bullying my daughter?"

Evelyn froze.

Mr. Valentine strode onto the stage.

He stood beside Evelyn, shielding her with his body.

His gaze swept across the room.

His powerful presence instantly silenced everyone.

But the quiet lasted only a second.

"Mr. Valentine, you were here all along?"

"Why did you make us wait half an hour?"

"Was it to intimidate us?"

"You just said 'my daughter'? Didn't you disown her?"

"Kicking her out before was just an act, wasn't it?"

"The Ashcroft Group used that trick to stabilize the stock price!"

"Can't keep up the act now?"

"Mr. Valentine, please explain. What were you doing during that half hour?"

"Give us an answer today, or we won't let this go!"

The reporters were furious.

Evelyn spoke up immediately.

"Everything will be revealed in twenty-five minutes."

"For now, no comment."

The reporters erupted.

"Why can't you say it now?"

"What shady things have you been doing?"

"Are you stalling to destroy evidence?"

Evelyn clenched her fists.

But Mr. Valentine patted her shoulder.

He took a step forward, facing the cameras.

"Twenty-five minutes."

"I, Mr. Valentine, give you my word. In twenty-five minutes, the whole truth will come out."

"For now, please remain calm."

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried undeniable authority.

The hall gradually quieted down.

But everyone's eyes remained fixed on the stage.

Time ticked by, second by second.

Evelyn looked at Mr. Valentine.

Mr. Valentine gave her a slight nod.

His eyes held silent reassurance.

Evelyn took a deep breath.

She looked toward the entrance.

Alexander should be back soon.

The truth was about to be revealed.

But her heart inexplicably tightened.

Would these twenty-five minutes pass peacefully?

She had a feeling something was brewing in the shadows.