The Mysterious Billionaire and His Substitute Bride (Ethan and Janet)

Chapter 1342 I'm Here To Back You Up_______________________

"Fine. I'll sit properly," Derek grumbled as he reluctantly adjusted his posture and assumed a more serious sitting position.

Janet chuckled in disbelief, never imagining the day would come when Derek, the notorious troublemaker, would be tamed. She shook her head and teasingly asked, "Shouldn't you be working today? How come you have time to come here?"

Derek placed his hands on his hips and proudly said, "I'm here to back you up!"

Amused, Janet raised an eyebrow at him. "Back me up? What do you mean?"

"Well, I just want to say that don't worry about what others say. I believe in you no matter what happened and that I'll always be on your side," Derek replied with a proud snort.

With a smile gracing her lips, Gilda explained further, "Upon hearing about your predicament, he rushed back from abroad as he was worried you were struggling with the public backlash. He said himself he wanted to provide you with encouragement and support."

With his chin raised high like a proud rooster, Derek declared, "Don't worry, Janet. I'll support you forever!"

Janet was taken aback by his enthusiasm but, at the same time, moved. "With your unwavering trust, I'm not scared even if those Internet users would eat me alive. But... does your agent know you're here?" The news of Vivi's tragic death in a car accident had stirred up a whirlwind of attention on the Internet. Despite Brandon's influential sway over the majority

of public comments online and the police issuing official report, numerous conspiracy theorists continued to believe that Janet was somehow involved in Vivi's untimely demise.

Some even claimed that she exploited her family's influence to manipulate the police and silence the public's outcry.

Despite the abundance of evidence presented by the police, a faction of users stubbornly clung to their belief that Janet was the culprit.

The incident dealt a severe blow to her reputation, leading to a significant decline in the studio's orders and the loss of numerous previously scheduled clients.

Given that many of these clients were individuals of wealth and influence who placed utmost importance on the designers' reputation, it comes as no surprise that they were hesitant to continue their collaborations with Janet, especially after being caught up in a PR storm.

Janet understood their motives but still could not help feeling disappointed. Nobody wants to be suspected and abandoned, after all.

Amidst such trying circumstances, Derek's visit and unwavering support provided Janet with much- needed encouragement.

At the same time, it was very likely that someone harboring malicious intentions would seize upon Derek's visit as a chance to fabricate a scandal.

Being a popular model, Derek had garnered a substantial following on his social media, which inevitably brought forth many rivals. It was not impossible that someone would provoke the users and, in turn, attack Derek. Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

In light of this situation, Derek's agent would most probably not allow him to visit Janet.

And from the looks of it, he must have come here without his agent's knowledge.

As Janet weighed the advantages and disadvantages of the situation, Derek nonchalantly waved his hand and said, "Don't stress about it. I don't care about those rumors."

With genuine concern etched on her face, Janet earnestly advised, "Regardless, I don't want you to be attacked by them. As a public figure, you should be mindful of your image. Since not many people have noticed that you're away, you should go back now."

Derek slouched onto the sofa and stubbornly refused, "What's wrong with me supporting my friend? Whoever dares to curse me shall face the consequences, as I will counter their curses with my own."

Janet could not help but be amused by his childish response. "I'm just looking out for your best interests here. Besides, if you end up getting attacked by the public and your manager blames me for it, I won't be able to bear the guilt."

Derek crossed his arms, unmoved.

"I've been surrounded by negative news and subjected to various insults even before my debut. Fear does not reside within me. Besides, even if I can't do modeling anymore, I always have the option of returning home to take over the family business. Don't worry about me, okay? I'll handle everything on my own. And even if something worse happens, I won't let my agent blame you."