Chapter 459: Chapter 459: Addressing the Symptoms, Not the Root Cause
Yara Reagan paused her finger that was flicking ash, then smiled indifferently: "Why suddenly bring this up? Don’t scare me, it feels like you’re about to send me off on some big mission."
Evelyn Clayton couldn’t quite understand what she was thinking, hearing this, she just smiled bitterly, lowered her eyes, and said nothing more.
Franklin Ford and Rhys Jacobs soon came out.
The group seriously discussed the matter from before, Franklin Ford’s expression was heavy.
"Those people are indeed all netizens, but they seem very organized. The police station has already detained them, but their testimonies are surprisingly consistent, none admitting to being directed by anyone; they just say they acted out of extreme anger and thus spontaneously started following you."
Evelyn Clayton let out a cold sneer, "That seems to indicate that someone is indeed orchestrating this from behind."
Yara Reagan said indignantly: "Last time at the factory, it was just the same! Initially, I thought they were ordinary people and didn’t want to bother with them, but this is getting more outrageous!"
"Don’t worry, this time, we won’t let them off easily." Franklin Ford said slowly, "But this only treats the symptoms, not the root cause. There must be a source of the online public opinion."
Evelyn Clayton pondered for a long time, and finally told Franklin Ford about Julia Lawrence.
Then, she handed Julia Lawrence’s phone to Franklin Ford to look at.
Franklin Ford’s face grew increasingly grim. After setting down the phone, his eyes were icy: "If that’s the case, finding Julia Lawrence might clear this whole thing up. Here’s the plan, you all get in touch with that online influencer, and I’ll find a way to locate Julia Lawrence. Maybe the crux of the matter lies with her."
However, Evelyn Clayton didn’t quite agree.
"The fact that Julia Lawrence dared to run implies she has a place to hide, and we probably won’t find her in the short term. And I’ve already told Lynn Yates that in three days, we need to restore Gem’s reputation. Otherwise, the collaboration this time will fall apart."
Franklin Ford seemed unfazed: "Even without the Yates-owned stores, I can find other venues for the new launch."
Evelyn Clayton shook her head: "Whether or not we can find stores isn’t important. After all, in the future, we’ll open our own stores, build our own brand. So working with Lynn Yates is just a way to establish credibility. If we can’t maintain this collaboration, it will give those with ill intentions even more of a reason to tarnish Gem."
So no matter what, the most urgent thing now is to preserve the collaboration.
"Director Ford, there’s no need to find Julia Lawrence for now. Once everything is settled, I’ll handle her personally. We’ll go investigate that online influencer and get to the bottom of this. As for Julia Lawrence... if she wants to hide, let her hide."
Evelyn Clayton understood clearly now; considering Julia Lawrence’s capabilities and nerve, even if you handed her a knife, she wouldn’t commit a murder. Most likely, she was partly seduced and partly coerced into doing such things.
Since it wasn’t her true intention, Evelyn didn’t want to deal harshly with her for now.
And three days are simply not enough time for them to find her.
Franklin Ford quietly observed Evelyn for a moment, then withdrew his gaze and said lightly: "Since you have a plan, I won’t interfere. If you need any help in the coming days, feel free to contact me."
Franklin Ford soon took his leave.
Evelyn Clayton didn’t hesitate and instructed Rhys Jacobs: "Go to the company and tell the publicity department to minimize the impact of public opinion as much as possible. Yara, you’re coming with me to find that online influencer."