People started chatting. “Mr. and Mrs. Russell look amazing!”
Look at him, so protective! They’re definitely in love!”
“But I heard that he’s into that college student he sponsors…”
Seeing this scene, Tamsin, not far away with red eyes, felt an indescribable bitterness.
The crowd continued to chatter, and some of their words reached Cecilia and Julian’s ears. Julian unconsciously tightened his grip on Cecilia’s hand as he led her into the venue.
Owen was outside the venue, greeting guests. The crowd was so large that security had to step in to maintain order.
Tamsin ran over and weakly asked, “Owen, can I go in?”
“Ms. Brooks.” Owen hesitated. Julian hadn’t mentioned inviting Tamsin, so he could only change the subject. “Don’t you have classes today?‘
Tamsin pressed her lips together. She did have classes in the morning, but as soon as she saw the news about the Russell Group’s press conference, she rushed over.
Since the incident on her birthday, Julian had been gradually distancing himself from her. Although Julian said he wasn’t angry, he hadn’t even informed her about such an important
event.
‘The teacher rescheduled the class. Tamsin lowered her head, her voice muffled. “Owen, I really want to go in. Maybe I can learn something. Please, let me in. I promise I won’t draw any
attention.”
Owen let out a sigh. With so many people around, it wouldn’t be good if someone saw Tamsin lingering at the entrance.
“Alright, you can go in. There should be some empty seats in the back row,” Owen said.
‘Thank you, Owen.” Tamsin thanked him, but her heart was still unsettled.
The person standing next to Julian, wearing that white dress, should have been her!
Thinking of this, she clenched her fists, her knuckles turning white from the pressure.
Soon, the press conference began. The host skillfully controlled the scene, articulately introducing the Russell Group’s new hotel project. “Our hotel aims to provide a tranquil place away from the hustle and bustle of the city, returning to the embrace of nature. The buildings mostly use local materials and traditional craftsmanship, striving for green and environmentally friendly practices to reduce pollution. Each room is equipped with large floor–to–ceiling windows and branded beds, allowing guests to enjoy a comfortable stay while taking in the magnificent views of the surrounding valleys.”
Cecilia and Julian sat to the right behind the host, with cameras constantly filming them. Cecilia listened to the host while maintaining a perfect smile.
In her past life, she had practiced her smile in front of a mirror for months to attend such events with Julian without embarrassing him, to the point where she even felt nauseous at her own fake smile. Now, she could control her facial expressions well. Beside her, Julian whispered, “You’re surprisingly good at this.”
‘Thanks for the compliment, Cecilia replied indifferently.
After a brief introduction of the new wine products by another expert, the final interview segment began.
The media reporters were enthusiastic, rushing forward to ask questions. “Mr. Russell, there are rumors of trouble in your marriage. Is there any truth to them?”
“Mr. Russell, we hear Mrs. Russell had a secret rendezvous yesterday. Care to comment?”
*Mr. Russell, what’s the nature of your relationship with your sponsored student? Some are suggesting it’s more than platonic.”
When the last question was asked, Cecilia noticed Julian frown slightly, though it was so subtle and quick.
The rumors about my relationship with my wife being strained are completely false, Julian spoke up as he turned to Cecilia, his tone carrying a hint of gentleness. ‘I love my wife very much and trust her. I know she would never do anything to compromise her position as Mrs. Russell.”
Cecilia met his affectionate gaze and smiled knowingly.
To the onlookers, their actions were a display of affection. Any further inappropriate questions from the reporters would be seen as lacking tact.
As for the female student I sponsor, Julian continued while turning to the questioning reporter, his tone cold. “There is nothing between us beyond a sponsorship relationship.”
With that, he chuckled slightly and interlocked his fingers with Cecilia’s, the tenderness in his eyes pausing Cecilia for a moment.
In her memory, Julian’s gaze upon her was always cold, disdainful, and annoyed.
Chapter 23 Tarnsin Falls Out of Favor–2
Julian continued, “My love is for one person only, and Mrs. Russell is the only one.”
Hearing Julian’s magnetic and gentle voice, Cecilia’s heart couldn’t help but skip a beat.
In the audience, Tamsin’s mind went blank, jealousy nearly consuming her. Just at the moment Julian said those words, she felt like something shattered within her.
