My Great Escape Led Me to You novel Chapter 367

Jackson had been involved in the whole ordeal between Ms. Austin and Ms. Blair from the very start. He was the one who coordinated with major media outlets, orchestrated the publicity campaign for Ms. Austin, and personally reached out to social media companies to buy trending spots, forcibly turning the tide of public opinion. Every positive headline was left for Ms. Austin, while the blame and negativity were all heaped onto Ms. Blair.

Being at the center of it all, Jackson understood better than anyone the tangled web of interests at play, which only made him feel more sympathetic—almost sorry—for Ms. Blair.

He knew, without a doubt, that Ms. Blair was truly innocent in all this.

But there was nothing he could do. It was simple: whichever side Mr. Lane supported, that side was the “right” one.

Ms. Austin had Mr. Lane’s backing, and Jackson answered to Mr. Lane. No matter how much he pitied Ms. Blair, there was nothing he could do to change things.

So when he read the drafted apology statement, even Jackson thought it was too much—cruel, even—dragging the innocent Ms. Blair’s name through the mud.

He’d thought Ms. Austin would at least find the statement a bit harsh, but she simply glanced at it and said it was fine.

It was only then, after hearing Ms. Austin’s approval, that Jackson finally saw her true colors.

Ms. Austin wasn’t at all the gentle, gracious, and poised woman she pretended to be—or that everyone believed her to be.

Now, as he looked at Mr. Lane, a complicated emotion stirred in Jackson’s eyes.

He couldn’t believe that the woman Mr. Lane adored so deeply was really like this. It was almost hard to accept.

But maybe that’s what love was: loving not just the good parts, but the bad as well.

Jackson could guess that once Mr. Lane saw the apology statement, he’d be furious. Even though Mr. Lane never said anything outright, it was clear he cared about Ms. Blair. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have asked Jackson to secure her a spot in the Starlight Piano Competition.

Everyone said Mr. Lane decided to sponsor the Starlight Piano Competition because Ms. Austin was competing.

But Jackson couldn’t shake the feeling that, just maybe, there was a small—tiny, even—part of the reason that was for Ms. Blair’s sake.

He remembered approaching the competition organizers to request an extra entry spot. The organizers were evasive, implying that only sponsors could secure an additional slot. Jackson didn’t dare delay and immediately reported back to Mr. Lane.

The very next day, Mr. Lane sponsored the competition. Jackson even witnessed Ms. Austin, overjoyed, throwing herself into Mr. Lane’s arms.

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