Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 554

Evelina's eyes drifted over to Jasper's phone screen.

She had assumed he was busy with company affairs, but she was surprised to find him deeply engaged in a group chat.

It seemed he was actively sending and receiving money transfers.

Jasper's intense focus on his phone meant he barely acknowledged Evelina's presence.

Evelina lowered her gaze and spoke softly, "Jasper, there's a lot of negative chatter about me online. Can you help? Those are just rumors. There's no way I could be involved in something like that."

Her voice was barely audible, and Jasper, still engrossed in his phone, didn't hear her.

Zelena's team had a reputation for stirring up online controversies.

Years ago, they had orchestrated a smear campaign against Tracy, alleging her acting skills were subpar.

Now, it seemed they were targeting Evelina, and the persistent negativity was harming her reputation.

"Jasper!"

When her voice grew louder, Jasper finally looked up from his phone.

He set it aside and, with a deliberate motion, brushed a strand of Evelina's hair away from her forehead. His dark eyes betrayed no emotion.

"If your manager can't handle this situation, what good is she?" he asked.

Evelina was caught off guard and quickly retorted, "No, it's not Winona's fault. Zelena hired online trolls to spread these rumors."

Jasper picked up a slice of apple. "If I remember correctly, Tracy faced similar issues but managed to rise above them."

Evelina had no response.

Jasper took a bite of the apple, found it too sour, and placed it back on the platter.

"If you can't handle a bit of criticism, how can you call yourself a star? You only accept praise but can't deal with criticism?"

Evelina attempted to argue, "But the things being said online—"

Jasper interrupted her. "If you can't sort this out yourself, let the company handle it. What do you think Tracy's team would do in your place?

"Tracy used her work to prove her critics wrong over the years. Why can't you follow her example? Or is it that you lack confidence in your own abilities?"

Jasper's words left Evelina speechless.

Despite this, she tried to defend herself. "But Jasper, I didn't do any of these things. People are accusing me of actions I didn't commit, and it feels so unjust."

Jasper patted her gently on the head. "Rumors don't just appear out of nowhere. If you're truly innocent, why worry about what people are saying online?"