Ashlyn could sense a hint of anger in Lucasâ tone.
Lucas was always cold, but his emotions would change drastically if the matters concerned her.
Ashlyn hesitated for a moment before replying, âItâs fine. Shooting this cover was actually a task arranged by the higher-ups. Itâs an opportunity and a coincidence. Iâm fine with the public opinion being against me if I donât do it. But at the end of the day, I genuinely want to spread that kindness.â
After hanging up the phone, Cassandra asked, âBoss, what should we do now?â
A gust of icy wind blew past, chilling Ashlyn to the bone.
Ashlyn shivered, her face stiff from the cold.
But still she walked toward the nearby lake.
She walked naturally and casually as if she was strolling in her backyard.
Even as the freezing wind whipped around her, she seemed unaffected.
She reached the edge of the lake and stepped in, instantly causing ripples to form in the water.
The north wind howled, blowing fallen leaves around her. She was like a fairy in the woods, leisurely walking despite the bone-chilling cold.
Sharon stood not far away, holding a thermos cup with a mocking expression on her face.
In the end, arenât you still continuing the shoot obediently? You can only learn the hard way.
Standing in the icy water, Ashlyn alternated between dipping her feet in the water, walking, and lifting her skirt to jump around.
A hint of determination flashed in her bright eyes.
Meanwhile, the photographer continuously clicked the shutter.
Lucas stood on the opposite side of the lake, watching the woman who insisted on entering the water in such cold weather.
Which magazine requires such a shoot? Is it because my beloved isnât part of the entertainment industry, yet she managed to snatch such a great opportunity that they are deliberately bullying her?
He strode quickly toward Ashlyn.
Within minutes, he reached her, scooping up the shivering, purple-faced woman in his arms. âThe shoot ends here!â
âEven if youâre Mr. Nolan, you canât do whatever you want here.â Sharon rushed over and saw Lucas holding Ashlyn tightly in his arms. She was furious when she saw that scene.
Why do all the good men in the world belong to other women?
âWe signed a contract. If you donât do the shoot, itâs a breach of contract. What gives you the right not to shoot? Youâre just an internet celebrity whoâs done a few good deeds, and itâs all because Mr. Nolan is protecting youâ¦â
Slap! Before Sharon could finish speaking, a slap landed harshly on her face.
Ashlyn broke free from Lucasâ embrace and walked up to Sharon with her chin slightly raised. She still looked like a haughty queen.
âWhoâs protecting me is none of your business. Take a good look. This is your ugly face.â Ashlyn took the phone from Cassandra and held up all the footage that Cassandra had recorded earlier in front of Sharon.
âIf you canât survive in LX Corporation, do you think you can continue to stand in the fashion industry?
You will definitely leave Lille Magazine the way you left LX Corporation back then.â
âYou! Ashlyn! Youâre going too far! Do you think you can bully a small editor like me just because the Nolan Group is wealthy?â Sharon yelled furiously, not expecting Ashlyn to be so tough.
âMe? Bullying you? Letâs post this on Twitter and let everyone decide whoâs the real bully here. What do you say?â
âAshlyn, are you out of your mind? Do you want me to post your ugly photos? I donât believe you look good in every single one! Weâll see what you can do then!â Sharon covered her burning cheek, furious like a mad stray dog.
She was infuriated to the point of insanity, almost losing her rationality.
She snatched the camera from the photographerâs hands, her fingers frantically pressing buttons.
She was stunned when she saw the photos.
Every photo captured was incredibly ethereal and beautiful. Ashlyn, who was already stunning, had an impeccable face that shone brightly in the cold winter wind, exuding a mesmerizing charm like a winter elf.