Third Person's POV
Harley didn't expect the conversation to take such a sharp turn.
His expression shifted slightly. Then, another reporter pressed on. "Harley, you and Catherine were childhood sweethearts. Do you still keep in touch?"
At the mention of Catherine's name, both Jessica and Harley froze.
Harley's demeanor instantly turned cold. He abruptly handed the microphone back to the host, refusing to respond.
Jessica's eyes widened in surprise—Harley and Catherine had been childhood friends?
This was explosive news!
Harley narrowed his eyes in irritation, sensing this was a deliberate attempt to corner him.
It was likely Samuel's doing. After several failed attempts to poach him, Samuel had evidently resorted to public opinion to pressure him—a common underhanded tactic in the entertainment industry.
"Want to know about Catherine? Ask me—I'm her BFF," Jessica stepped in to break the ice when the atmosphere grew awkward.
The reporters, having achieved their goal, let the matter drop. But Harley's silence was all they needed to spin the story.
"Jess, how about your love life? Do you like guys like Harley?" the reporters persisted.
"Harley is great, but we're really just friends. I'll share any good news when there is," Jessica maintained her smile.
"Rumors had it you were close to Cedrick from the Lawrence family. Care to comment on him?" came another question.
It was the same group of reporters! Jessica's face fell instantly.
The organizers had promised only film-related questions, but this was clearly a premeditated gossip ambush. Even the most seasoned actor would struggle to handle this.
"Any more film-related questions? If not, this concludes today's session," she declared, cutting the interview short.
"Unwilling to talk about Cedrick—did he hurt you?" the reporters pressed on relentlessly.
"These questions are too personal. I'll have to pass," Jessica managed to say politely.
Once the press conference ended, the two were ushered back to the green room, both looking grim.
"What's going on? We agreed to stick to the film! These reporters are way out of line!" Jessica fumed.
"It's definitely Nebula trying to sabotage us," Harley said with a gloomy expression.
"Again?! They're just bullying us because we won't cooperate!" Jessica was furious at the mention of Nebula.
"These things happen. Just need to be more careful in the future," Harley frowned.
"This isn't something you can just be careful about! The live broadcast just now—our expressions were probably all caught on camera. Who knows how this will be spun!" Jessica grew more agitated by the minute. Suddenly, she realized something. "Wait—You and Catherine knew each other before? Why didn't you tell me?"
Harley, caught off guard like a child with a secret, averted his gaze. "We knew each other before, but we haven't been in touch for a long time."
"Just knew each other?" Jessica saw right through his hesitation.
Harley sighed. "Alright, we grew up together."
"Come on—do you have feelings for Catherine?" Jessica's bold question even surprised herself.
Harley's face flushed instantly, and he bit his lip. "Yes, I do. For a long time now."
"So when you asked me to invite her to dinner... you were using me?" Jessica gasped.
"I'm sorry. If you don't want to go through with it, we can cancel the dinner," Harley said guiltily, bowing his head.
Harley's apology instantly disarmed Jessica's anger. She couldn't help but sympathize. "You've liked Catherine for a long time, haven't you? Did you ever try to pursue her?"
"Never got the chance to confess—it was already too late," Harley gave a self-mocking smile, his eyes filled with deep sorrow.
Jessica hesitated, feeling that each question was like peeling back the scab of his wound.
"Is she doing well now?" Harley looked up, his eyes brimming with concern.
"Quite well. Blake dotes on her, and they have two lovely kids," Jessica nodded.
"The Royal Wolf Pack has accepted her..." Harley murmured, recalling Patricia's past objections to Catherine.
Not adept at consoling, Jessica could only offer a compassionate glance.
Before leaving, Harley asked her to confirm Catherine's attendance again, "If she doesn't want to come, just let me know directly."
Jessica immediately called Catherine: "Catherine, I just found out you and Harley know each other from way back. Dinner tonight—is it okay?"
Catherine sighed on the other end. "We've known each other for a long time. Actually... I've also wanted to talk to him. If you're there, I'd feel more comfortable."
"Got it! Don't worry!" Jessica joked.
Both shared a laugh. "See you tonight then!"
After hanging up, Catherine briefed Blake on her plans.
"Stay safe. I don't care who you dine with," Blake's voice held affection, but underlying worry was unmistakable.
"Are you really not bothered?" Catherine felt a pang of guilt.
"We're married. Where could you possibly run off to? But you better come home early after you're done," he put on a casual tone, yet the thought of her returning late made him anxious.
"Don't worry, I'll be back soon."
After ending the call, Catherine felt warmth in her heart.
Once, she thought Blake was domineering and hard to get along with, like an icy mountain keeping everyone at bay.
But upon truly entering his world, she realized those were just his defenses. The real him always made her feel at ease.
In the evening, Catherine finished work.
Blake had arranged bodyguards to escort her to the car. Three black sedans formed a convoy, driving toward the restaurant.
Nowadays, every time she went out, there was dedicated protection—Blake just couldn't let go of his worries.