Chapter 1058 Two Childish Men
Chapter 1058 Two Childish Men
Sydney possessed great intelligence, making it impossible for her to overlook this matter.
Julien shared the same level of intellect.
However, by some stroke of fate, neither Sydney nor Julien had any intention of stepping forward to clear the air.
They didn't even attempt to suppress the frenzy online that had ensued.
The only plausible explanation that came to mind was that these two individuals must be plotting something.
Why else would they prolong a situation like this?
Julien couldn't just sit by.
He loved Sydney so much that he would never see her subject to cyber abuse. Yet, he had done nothing.
There were definitely underlying issues at play.
Ruminating on the situation, Luke speculated that his mother had foreseen this and prevented him from stepping forward to clarify. Instead, she had instructed him to ask Sydney about it, so as not to disrupt Sydney's plans.
"Other plans..." Sydney murmured to herself.
Luke nodded quickly and remarked, "Yes, otherwise, why wouldn't you guys clarify and resolve it?"
Sydney chuckled, a complex mix of emotions evident in her laughter. "There are indeed other plans, but it all depends on what Julien does. This is also a test that I've set for him."NôvelDrama.Org owns © this.
If it weren't for the fact that the person behind the scenes was Mr. McDaniel's granddaughter, Sydney wouldn't have allowed the situation to drag on for so long.
The reason for her silence was to observe how Julien would handle the issue once he delved into the identity of the mastermind.
In essence, her future actions would be determined by Julien's conduct this time.
"A test for Julien?" Luke was dumbfounded. "Why must Julien be tested?"
Sydney pinched the bridge of her nose. "I won't reveal it now. You'll understand on your own later. Anyway, I have my reasons."
Luke fell silent, his gaze fixed on her.
After observing her for a while, he sighed. "Well, since you put it that way, what else can I say? But I still believe it's better to resolve it sooner. I can't bear to see you being criticized all the time. It's strange, though."
"What's strange?" Sydney looked up at him.
Luke stroked his chin. "It's odd how everyone on the internet fails to recognize that I am the man involved in the scandal. We're both clearly implicated, yet they seem oblivious to my presence. It's quite peculiar."
Sydney cast her gaze downward. "That's just how the world works. Women often face greater malice than men, even for the same mistakes. They bear a heavier burden."
"You're right. Maybe I should step forward and clarify things. Even if people don't believe it, I can share some of the blame. I can't let you shoulder it all alone, can I?" Luke looked at her earnestly.
Sydney chuckled and sighed. "Seeking criticism—I've never seen that before. It's actually a good thing that people haven't recognized you. Why subject yourself to scolding? It's not beneficial for you or your company."
"I know, but this matter concerns both of us. I can't let you bear it alone." Luke frowned.
Sydney smiled but insisted. "I appreciate your kindness, but it's really unnecessary. If we can spare one person from being scolded, why not? Don't worry about it. I know you're trying to protect me, but I also want you to be well. So, just stay out of it. I'll handle it myself."
"But..."
Luke still wanted to say something when the office door swung open.
Julien then strode into the office.
When Sydney saw him, she froze for a moment and instinctively stood up from her chair. "Why are you here?"
Luke turned to look at him and snorted.
He still didn't like Julien.
But Sydney liked this guy, and he couldn't ignore Julien in the same way as before.
At the very least, out of respect for Sydney, he couldn't do that.
He could refrain from arguing with Julien, and it would be better if he didn't speak at all.
Julien took a cursory look at Luke and strode toward Sydney.
He was initially surprised to find Luke there.
But then he remembered what had transpired online and understood the reason behind Luke's presence.
This man taunted him whenever they met, but completely ignoring Luke would be a stronger counterstrike.
So, Julien merely glanced at Luke and disregarded him, as if he didn't exist.
"I gave you a video call, but you didn't answer. I was worried and came over," Julien replied softly, stopping at Sydney's side.
Sydney understood the situation.
Sydney's heart fluttered with a touch of sweetness, and her concern about Julien's choice diminished slightly.
After all, that would be addressed later. For the time being, he still considered her to be someone important.
That brought her joy.
"Have a seat," Sydney offered her chair to Julien and fetched another chair from the side for herself.
Julien didn't decline and settled into the chair.
"What were you working on just now? Why didn't you answer my call?" Julien inquired, looking at the woman beside him.
Sydney lowered her gaze, concealing the emotions in her eyes. Her voice was gentle as she replied, "I was too occupied to notice it."
Julien pressed his lips together. No one knew if he had bought it or not.
After a while, he spoke again. "I've learned about what happened online. I'm sorry for making you face this alone for so long."
Sydney felt a twinge of bitterness at the tip of her nose and shook her head slightly. "No, but I want to know if you believe the rumor."
Her words caused Luke to freeze. "What do you mean? It turns out you don't know if he believes it or not. Why did you..."
"I don't believe it," Julien interrupted Luke's rant, answering Sydney's question with a serious expression. "People online are foolish, so they believe anything. But I'm not foolish. I know exactly what you're capable of. Besides, with a man as exceptional as me, why would you even look at anyone else?"
As he said that, he looked at Luke with a meaningful gaze.
Luke immediately became furious, slamming the table and standing up. He pointed at Julien's nose and shouted, "Who are you calling 'anyone else'? Are you looking for a fight?"
He was ready to roll up his sleeves and throw a punch.
Fu Jingting's eyelids fluttered open, and he coolly retorted, "Do you really believe you can defeat me?"
It wasn't that he looked down on Luke.
For starters, Luke was not only shorter but also lacked the robust physique that he possessed.
Then it was the art of combat he had acquired. Few people could pose a challenge to him.
As for Luke, his frame didn't give off the impression that he had ever learned such skills.
As expected, once the words were out of Julien's mouth, Luke deflated like a punctured balloon. His entire being seemed to wither as he clenched his fists, hesitated a few times, and sat back down dejectedly. "Fine, I can't beat you. You're a brute."
He huffed and turned away from the eyesore.
Their confrontation amused Sydney.
A laugh escaped her mouth. She hastily covered it and intervened. "Alright, you two, stop bickering."
They were both grown men in their thirties, yet they were bickering like three-year-old children. It was childish and hilarious.
Julien's brow unknitted at Sydney's smile.
Even Luke, who was fuming, felt his anger subside.
Sydney cast a sheepish glance at Luke and said, "I'm sorry for lying to you earlier. I indeed didn't ask him, but I knew he would not believe that rumor. That's why I gave you the answer in advance."