He Waited She Wilted (Ottilie and Yorath) novel Chapter 201

Lachlan Schmidt took one look at her and let out a low whistle.

"A radiant complexion, a flawless glow, natural beauty at its finest. The title of the industry's ultimate eye candy definitely belongs to you."

That was the label they’d slapped on Ottilie before she was admitted to St. Dymphna's Psychiatric Facility.

It had nailed her to the pillar of shame.

All style, no substance.

"I don't like that title."

Lachlan's smile faded. Tucking away his teasing tone, he said seriously, "My apologies."

"It's fine. I'm getting older, and coasting on my looks won't cut it anymore. I need to transition into a serious actress. I planned to give it my all on our wilderness survival show..."

Remembering that Yorath Fordham had bought the rights to the show, Ottilie frowned and fell silent.

Lachlan's expression darkened as well, clearly recalling the unpleasant reality.

The rest of the drive was silent until they arrived at the press conference.

It was packed.

"Is there another celebrity hosting an event here?"

Ottilie knew herself well enough to realize she didn't have the star power to draw such a massive crowd of fans.

Even before her scandal, her fanbase had been modest.

On the surface, she had returned to the industry.

In reality, she hadn't found her footing at all. Without Yorath's backing, it was uncertain if the public would even accept her.

"I had Hayden Hadley come to support you," Lachlan said.

Hayden was the pillar of Aegis Media, an A-list superstar at the very top of his game.

"Mr. Schmidt, are you trying to send me to the guillotine?"

If Hayden's fans found out Lachlan was using him to prop her up, she'd be chased out of the industry.

"Hayden asked to come himself."

Lachlan drove into the underground parking. "He's our cash cow. Nobody orders him around."

Ottilie pressed her lips together, choosing not to speak.

In the garage, a group of bodyguards in black suits stood waiting.

This only deepened her suspicions.

"Did I somehow get my hands on some blackmail material against you?"

Hayden laughed, leaning in to whisper in her ear. "Actually, there is a small favor I'd like to ask of you..."

Before he could finish, her phone rang.

It was Yorath Fordham.

After taking Jevon Crawford's call last night, she knew blocking Yorath was useless.

If he wanted to reach her, he had his ways.

"Yorath."

She was in a good mood today, so her voice dripped with sweetness.

"Mhm." His voice carried a hint of a smile. "You haven't said my name like that in a while."

She played along, keeping her tone sugary.

"Yorath, I can't make it to the hospital right now. I'm doing a live stream at eight-thirty on my personal account. Will you tune in?"