Love’s New Bloom By Simone Hastings - Season 2 Episode 3

Erin was torn at Matthew’s suggestion. “Are you kidding? Even the apartment you don’t stay at is being mobbed. There must be even more paparazzi over at your villa!”

For a moment, Matthew didn’t know what to say. He felt a strong sense of self–castigation. He said, “I’m sorry… It’s my fault for not handling the issue better.”

Erin turned to look at him. Seeing how glum Matthew looked, she finally realized how mean she sounded.

“Matthew, I should be the one to apologize! If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t be hounded by reporters.”

“It’s alright. It’s because of who I am that so much trouble was brought here. Sometimes I wonder if it’s better being a civilian.

The slight admiration in Matthew’s voice made Erin’s heart ache. Although being a star meant that Matthew shone brightly in the eyes of others, each word and move he made was put under the spotlight. The more famous he was, the less privacy he was afforded.

“Don’t overthink it. All that you have right now is the result of your hard work! You should cherish it!”

Matthew looked at her warmly. “Thanks for saying that. So, where do we go now?”

After pondering for a moment, Erin said, “Drop me off at a chain hotel. I’ll stay there for a few days first. Besides, most places now are handled through property agencies, so there are a lot of listings online. I think I’ll probably be renting.”

Before Matthew could say anything, Erin’s phone rang, and he indicated for her to answer it first.

Looking at the phone screen, she saw that it was Holly calling and answered immediately.

“Where are you right now, Erin? I was messing around online earlier and saw that you’ve gone viral! Matthew’s really hot stuff right now. All you did was stand near him and gossip’s flying already!” Holly was currently sitting at a cafe, her expression overtaken by excitement.

On the contrary, this news put Erin in a tough spot. She hadn’t forgotten the warning lan had given her before. Who would have thought her break–up with Chandler would end up with her ending up in the headlines with Matthew?

“Erin, why aren’t you responding? The news online says that you’re going to be living with him too!”

Erin wanted to desperately get Holly to stop poking her nose into this, so she said coldly, “Don’t believe all the rubbish you. read online, Holly. Nothing is going on between Matthew and me; we’re just friends.”

Hearing that, a trace of sadness manifested in Matthew’s eyes as he drove. Although Erin was right in saying that, bearing witness to Erin denying any relationship with him pained him.

“I know it’s rubbish, that’s why I called to ask you about it…

”

“Holly, I’m not free to talk right now. Can I call you back?” After all, Matthew was right next to her. This wasn’t the best time for a leisurely chat.

“Alright, you do you. Just give me a call if you need anything! Later you should have a good talk with Chandler. Don’t let him. believe the rumors people are spreading online! You never know what those people might come up with.”

In the end, Erin didn’t manage to tell Holly about having split up with Chandler. After hanging up the call, she remained silent for a long while.

Her phone, switched to vibration mode, juddered with an incoming call from Ian.

Matthew glanced at her. “Aren’t you answering that?”

“I can miss his calls.”

Forty minutes later, Matthew dropped Erin off at a chain hotel. He wanted to help with moving her luggage, but Erin asked

him to help keep the dozen black suitcases at his home for now. Since she was staying at a hotel temporarily, her own luggage was enough.

Erin insisted that Matthew didn’t need to get out of the car. After all, it would be a hassle if they stumbled into some more

reporters.

Just like that, Erin bade Matthew goodbye, dragging her luggage off as she went.

Once she left, Matthew drove away from the hotel. In the car, he made a phone call.

The second the call went through, Matthew said solemnly, “I’ll be sending you some photographs tonight. By tomorrow, you must send me a photo that makes it look like I spent the night at a hotel. Craft a headline that’s something like ‘Matthew Burgess‘ Hotel Stay With Rumored Girlfriend.‘ If my manager contacts you, delete it immediately. Once I make a statement, you need to expose more photos …”

“Matthew, I believe in your rumor–crafting skills! Just like your music, your skill in faking news is exemplary! The thing is, I’m a bit confused. Why are you taking the initiative to create a scandal when you’ve had nothing before? Is that woman really your secret girlfriend?”

Matthew barked a laugh. “Don’t stick your nose into what’s not your business. Just do as I say.”

The other person chuckled. “Alright, alright; I won’t! I never thought you’d dig such a huge hole for your manager. Whenever there’s any gossip about you, he has to rush to handle the PR risks-”

Matthew hung up before the other could finish speaking.

Matthew’s amber eyes hid a deep consideration. He’d been in the entertainment industry for a long time. When he’d just started out, he’d naturally been framed in some scandal or the other before. However, he now had a team of his own in charge of helping him influence his own narrative. Even his manager didn’t know about this.

When it came to the entertainment industry, one had to keep some aces up one’s sleeve. After all, if for some reason Matthew got into a tiff with his manager, the guy might have it out for him and ruin his career.

Matthew looked straightforward. He had greater confidence now. At least Chandler wasn’t a threat now. As such, he now had the chance to really get closer to Erin.

At the Frost residence that night at ten, Quentin sat on the couch with a cigar in hand. He was listening to his secretary, Archie Reynolds, make a report.

“Erin’s father, Steven Lane, has recently gotten into some financial trouble. Based on the numbers, the circumstances will change within a month.” Archie stood before Quentin with a document in hand.

“The fifty million. Erin didn’t transfer it from the bank, did she?”

Archie indeed. “That’s right; she didn’t.”

Quentin took a drag from his cigar and said, “Since she doesn’t need it, we’ll make Steven require it in an ‘emergency‘.”

“Noted, sir. I’ll handle it immediately.”

Quentin added, “Has Erin really moved out of the villa?”

Archie replied, “That’s correct, based on what the maids at the villa say.”

“Hmph. A divorcée like her should have gotten out a long time ago. Chandler really behaved out of the ordinary this time!” Quentin was annoyed the second he thought of Erin’s family background and what she’d gone through.

“Sir, Erin seems to be involved with other men… ” Archie passed the document on Erin over to Quentin.

Quentin’s brows knitted together, his voice turning icy. “Is that so?”

“This report is based on the latest information from an hour ago.”

Quentin accepted the document and looked through it. Before twenty minutes had passed, he angrily got up and flung the file onto the carpet.

“Chandler’s really messed up this time! How could he be interested in such an improper woman!” He stubbed out the cigar in a crystal ashtray. Darkly, he told Archie, “Make sure to get Alana Wood of Soaring Electronics Corporation to meet with Chandler immediately!”

“Yes, sir.”

Quentin waved a hand. “Leave now.” But, seeing that his secretary wasn’t leaving, Quentin asked, “What is it?”

“Sir, George called from abroad saying that the madam will be taking a flight home tomorrow.”

Quentin was visibly displeased for a second. “What’s she coming back for?”

Archie replied expressionlessly, “It must be for Channing…”