Chapter 108
The night was still.
After Louis fell asleep, Juliette went to the hospital with Patrick to visit Stuart.
“Mr. Conner woke up in the middle of the procedure, but because of the anesthesia, he fell asleep quickly. He’s not in the best of mental health. He is in a state of fear,” the doctor said.
Patrick nodded, indicating that he understood.
He still remembers clearly what Stuart was like when he found Stuart.
He knew Stuart’s fear too well; Stuart almost couldn’t come back.
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“If you are free, Mr. Clarke, you can spend more time in the ward. If Mr. Conner sees someone familiar when he wakes up, it will help his situation,” the doctor said.
“Okay,” Patrick replied, “I’ll stay and look after him.”
The ward was spacious and filled with the smell of disinfectant.
It was still on holiday, and the bustle outside only served to accentuate the coldness of the ward.
Juliette stood behind Patrick. “This won’t last forever,” she said, “as long as he pulls through, things will get better. I’ll take good care of Louis at home until you get Stuart out of the hospital.”
Patrick held her hand, and they looked at each other in silence.
Patrick’s production crew resumed filming on the second day.
By this time, Stuart had woken up, but his condition remained unstable, both physically and mentally.
So Patrick postponed his return to the set for another three days.
When he finally arrived, he noticed that everyone was looking at him strangely.
Finally, he was informed that his role had been replaced.
‘Replaced?‘ Patrick’s first reaction was to laugh.
This drama was invested by Macroft Group.
He was the lead actor and the investor. Who could replace him?
The producer, director, and others in the crew all respected him, so the director told him the truth.
“The Montgomery family bought the project, and their request was that you withdraw from filming. Macroft Group was forced to withdraw its investment.”
The director patted him on the shoulder sympathetically.
Macroft Group was indeed a rising star in AI intelligence, but it was no match for the Montgomery family’s financial
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resources. They directly replaced the original investment.
“Macroft Group’s investment has been returned to their account. Patrick, it’s going to be hard for you. We all wish you the best of luck.”
That was all the director could say.
It would be easy for a powerful family like the Montgomerys to destroy a movie star’s career.
Patrick pursed his lips, his face expressionless, his demeanor as lofty as ever. “Thank you,” he said, and nothing more.
A moment later, Henry called. He told Patrick what had happened and tried to comfort him.
Patrick could hear the frustration in Henry’s voice, but there was nothing he could do.
Patrick looked out at the barren landscape. The trees were bare, spring had not yet arrived, and everything was still bleak.
The February wind ruffled his hair.
Patrick walked out of the studio and ducked into his car. He sat there for a long time, not moving.
“There’s no need for public relations on this,” he finally said into his phone.
Henry was taken aback. Then he thought about it and understood.
The Montgomery family wanted Patrick to have nowhere to go. What could their public relations do?
The internet was already flooded with the news of Patrick being kicked out of the production crew.
He was accused of acting like a big shot, arriving three days late and delaying the filming schedule of the crew, which caused serious losses to the crew.
Of course, no one dared to reveal the real reason.
[Patrick has always been very dedicated. He would never do such a thing. Someone must have deliberately smeared Patrick
[The news has been reported. Stop whitewashing it.]
[You said before that Patrick is aloof, but didn’t he steal someone’s wife at the wedding?]
[Is Mr. Clarke so addicted to his love that he delayed joining the set for three days? Is his wife so charming? Why does Mr. Clarke look like a virgin? Mr. Montgomery is tired of her, but he still treats her like a treasure.]
[You are such a hater. Why are you so malicious?]
[I’m Patrick’s fan. According to reliable sources, Patrick was unable to go to the production crew on time because his relative was hospitalized, and Patrick asked for leave! Don’t be misled, everyone. I will always support Patrick!]
[Patrick, please say something! I’ll believe whatever you say!]
Even with interference from numerous paid posters online, Patrick’s fans were still a force to be reckoned with.
**
Juliette had been following the news about Patrick.
- 09.
Pae, 11 Feb
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A hint of anger flashed across her beautiful eyes.
But when she took out her phone to call Patrick, her expression had softened.
Patrick answered the phone and spoke first, “I was just about to call you.”
“Really? What’s up?” Juliette’s tone was light, as if she didn’t know what had happened to him.
“I’m quitting showbiz. I’m holding a press conference this afternoon and I need you to be there.”
Surprise flickered in Juliette’s eyes. ‘He is giving up so easily? That doesn’t sound like Patrick. But since he said so, he must have his plan.‘
So Juliette said, “Okay, what do you need me to do? I will fully cooperate.”
“Just stand by my side,” Patrick said concisely.
Juliette didn’t say much and just answered, “Okay.”
After hanging up the phone, she began to work on clothes to wear in the afternoon. Even if Patrick was going to quit the entertainment industry, he couldn’t lose his style.
The receptionist knocked on the door and said that Finn was here, asking if she wanted to see him. There was a slight tremble in her voice.
Juliette walked to the window and looked out, understanding the receptionist’s tremble.
Finn hadn’t come alone. He had brought at least twenty bodyguards with him. He probably knew that he would be stopped this time, so he brought a large number of bodyguards to clear the way for him, making it impossible to stop him.
However, Finn, with his sanctimonious demeanor, brought so many people but still pretended to wait for the receptionist’s notification. He was in no hurry to come directly to her office.
Juliette sneered and went downstairs.
Today she was wearing a black suit with a strong and capable aura. Her high heels clicked on the floor.
She was very cold and aloof.
Finn looked at her slowly, his eyes full of appreciation and a hint of a smile.
“This is our first meeting of the new year, Juliette? I should say Happy New Year first, shouldn’t I?”
Finn’s voice was so gentle.
“Do you expect me to believe you went all this way just to wish me a Happy New Year, Mr. Montgomery?” Juliette’s eyes were
cold.
“What’s wrong with that? I just wanted to say Happy New Year to you in person.”
Finn’s expression was genuine as if it were more important than a billion–dollar deal.
“But you may not believe it. So, shall we change the subject? For example, have you seen the news about Patrick being forced to leave the cast?”
