Billionaire's Regret: Losing Me And Our Son - Chapter 246: Chapter 246

Clarissa's appearance took me by surprise. At the last wrap party, Clarissa made quite a scene, where everyone saw her with their own eyes being rushed to the hospital by ambulance.
She had been resting at home ever since, so honestly, I did not think she would show up at today's press conference. It looked like I had underestimated her.
"Hi Quinn, Natalia." Clarissa quickly walked over to us, her smile as gentle as ever, greeting us openly and graciously. As crew members passed by, they glanced at us with curious, gossip-filled eyes.
My temples throbbed as I wondered how many times the gossip about the three of us had been discussed behind our backs. Clarissa acted as if nothing had happened, and of course, I was not to be outdone.
"Hi Clarissa," I called out in a deliberately affectionate tone, then immediately wrapped my arm possessively around Quinn's, pressing half my body against his.
With a radiant smile, I continued, "I'm so relieved to see you're in good health. The incident previously was entirely my fault. Quinn has always treated you like a sister. I do hope you'll accept my apology, won't you?"
As I finished speaking, Quinn's deep brown eyes glanced at me, and the corners of his lips curled up without saying a word.
Clarissa's smile stiffened for a moment before she replied softly, "Natalia, you're overthinking it. That incident was just a misunderstanding. I won't take it to heart."
Hearing that, I laughed even more heartily. I turned around, looked at Quinn, and said, "Quinn, Clarissa is so gracious, and her acting is amazing! I'm seriously thinking about signing her as an artist under Maple Media."
A strong arm suddenly wrapped around my waist and secretly squeezed my butt.
I jolted and saw Quinn raise his eyebrows. He said in a deep and sexy voice, "I'm afraid you won't get that chance. Clarissa will be returning to Nordia in a few months."
I put on a show of regret, sighing, "Oh really! What a shame!"
Honestly, I was pretty pleased that Quinn was willing to play along with my little act. Clarissa was left hanging, momentarily at a loss for words. Quinn's attitude had caught her off guard.
Raelynn came over to inform us that the press conference would start in three minutes. As one of the cast members of "Starry River," Clarissa needed to join the production team beforehand.
Raelynn escorted Quinn to the Madden Group's VIP section, while I, representing Maple Media, took my seat beside York.
"Why are you so late?" York frowned as I barely settled into my seat.
He dressed in a custom-tailored suit, a contrast to his usual casual style. The black suit he wore today highlighted his noble and commanding presence. He looked every bit the domineering CEO.
The camera flashes lit up the room. I noticed the female photographers all around, relentlessly snapping pictures of York and Quinn.
I murmured, "I got here early, but just chatted with Raelynn for a bit." He did not say anything else. The host then announced the official commencement of the press conference.
As the "Starry River" trailer ended, the cast and crew stepped onto the stage for their remarks. The director, Wayne, was the first to take the microphone, sharing his vision and artistic aspirations for the film.
The reporters asked a few routine questions. Just then, the crowd erupted in excitement as someone shouted, "Look, it's Miss June Vance!"
In the next moment, a woman dressed in a silver strapless evening gown, with meticulous makeup, stepped onto the stage.
As the celebrity made her entrance, the reporters immediately swarmed around with their cameras and microphones.
I could not help but recall the conversation I had overheard in the dressing room before the press conference.
Instinctively, I glanced at York, who remained expressionless. Then, my eyes shifted to June on stage, her heavy makeup concealing the traces of earlier tears.
June handled the reporters' questions with grace and confidence. As she spoke eloquently, I could not shake the feeling that beneath her composed demeanor, there was a hint of weariness in her eyes.
At that moment, a reporter on the stage suddenly asked, "Miss Vance, I'm a loyal fan of yours. I've watched all your exclusive interviews.
"Back when you first debuted, you mentioned your dream was to explore diverse roles. May I ask what genre you plan to tackle in your next film?"
Hearing the question, June suddenly froze. Her gaze turned distant as if lost in thought.
"Miss Vance?" the reporter asked, puzzled. June snapped back to reality and forced a practiced, signature smile.
June stood up and bowed to the audience. Then, she declared through the microphone, "I'm incredibly grateful for all your love and support. Today, I have an important announcement. 'Starry River' will be my final acting role. From now on, I will quit the entertainment industry."
"What?"
"You've got to be kidding me!"
"Wait, did I just hear that right? June has just said she's quitting showbiz?"
The room instantly erupted in a wave of shocked murmurs and discussions. I was stunned too. I never expected that June would announce her retirement from the industry at the "Starry River" press conference.
Even June's manager was dumbfounded. June's decision to quit showbiz seemed to be a last-minute decision. Without a doubt, it was headline-grabbing news.
Some sharp-eyed reporters were the first to react, firing off all sorts of questions. "Miss Vance, care to share why you're leaving showbiz?"
"Miss Vance, rumors say you're secretly dating Mr. Smith from Maple Media. Is your retirement from showbiz preparation for marrying into a wealthy family?"
"Miss Vance! Miss Vance!" the reporters clamored noisily. June offered no further response. With her manager and bodyguards flanking her, she made a swift exit from the stage
The scene erupted into chaos. Still feeling the shock, I could not help but glance at York. Did June quit because of him?
Just as I turned my head, York happened to glance over at the same time. His expression remained calm as if he had expected June's retirement from the industry.
"Aren't you worried?" I could not help but ask York. No matter what, they dated for some time.
"What's there to worry? It's great for Maple Media. 'Starry River' will be the screen queen's final film before retirement. Once the headlines break, it's guaranteed to draw even more attention," York said, analyzing calmly, a faint smile playing on his lips.
His ex-girlfriend was quitting showbiz, yet all he thought about was how it would benefit him and Maple Media.
I suddenly felt sorry for June and turned to ask York, "Don't you even care about her?" Only then did York realize I was referring to June.
He looked at me intently as if he had spotted something amusing, then chuckled softly. "Natalia, don't you think you're such a hypocrite?
"You were the one who wanted to uncover the truth, the one who insisted that June had caused Grandma's death. And now, you're starting to feel sorry for her?"
His words left me speechless, completely at a loss for a response.
"Don't forget to come home tomorrow night for Christmas Eve with Mom," York said and did not bother to say anything else. He stood up and walked away.
I frowned, remaining motionless in my seat for a while until Quinn found me in the crowd and asked, "Why are you feeling sad?"