Chapter 57
At that moment, Samuel slowly turned his head, eyes scanning his surroundings with precision. His breath was still heavy from the outburst, but his instincts kicked in—he needed to regain composure fast. His chest rose and fell as he exhaled, forcing his anger deep down. That little tantrum could cost him everything if anyone had caught it.
He straightened his jacket, adjusted his wristwatch, and took a slow, calculated step away from the overturned trash can. With one final glance over his shoulder, he carefully set the trash upright again, making it seem as though nothing had happened.
Samuel had always maintained a spotless image in the public eye—charming, well-mannered, controlled. That persona had earned him countless deals, fan admiration, and corporate trust. The last thing he needed was footage of him shouting and kicking things like a madman in a dark parking lot. No. That could never get out.
He took a few deep breaths and rubbed his hands together to calm his nerves. "Keep it together," he muttered under his breath. "Stay clean. Stay perfect."
Just then, a voice echoed behind him. "Sir... um..."
Samuel turned quickly. It was one of his men—a lanky photographer wearing a hoodie and carrying a compact camera, now lowered to his side.
The man looked hesitant as he spoke. "I... I wasn’t able to get a clean shot, sir. Not a good one. The angle was off, and the guy—he blocked you most of the time. I got a video, but... honestly, it kind of looks like you were forcing yourself into her space."
Samuel’s face twitched.
The man quickly added, "It’s not what really happened, of course! But the way it looks on video... it could be taken the wrong way, sir."
Samuel clenched his fists slightly but didn’t explode this time. He shut his eyes for a second, then reopened them with a calm, icy stare.