On the other side, at the Fairbank Building.Heath was flipping through documents, signing them. He paused to ask, “How is Silas doing?”“Following your order, every time he woke up and tried to leave the hospital, we sent him back in. So, Silas hasn’t been discharged yet, and he refuses any visitors. With bodyguards watching him, he’s probably terrified,” Kieran reported the situation.Heath scoffed, “With such little courage, he dared to have Aurora kidnapped? Be harder on him, find out who helped him with those deeds.”“Yes, President,” Kieran replied.Every day, Silas hid in his hospital room, too scared to leave. He knew the moment he stepped out, a group of men would appear out of nowhere and beat him up. Once, they even nearly drowned him in a lake, pulling him up only when he was about to suffocate. The fear was overwhelming; he didn’t want to die.But as long as he stayed in the hospital room, with bodyguards at the door, no one would hit him, and he could sleep peacefully.T
The following day.Early that morning, a swarm of media journalists had already gathered outside the hotel, buzzing with anticipation for Sophia's press conference. The event was the talk of the entertainment industry, centering around a scandal involving a popular actor's harassment of a rising starlet, all captured on camera with undeniable clarity. Even the extensive influence of the Strider family seemed insufficient to brush this under the rug.The story had not only captured the attention of journalists but also riveted countless viewers to the live broadcast, all eager to see Sophia's response. Speculations were rife that Sophia, cornered by the Strider family's towering influence and resources, was left with no choice but to publicly confront the issue for justice.Promptly at 10 o'clock, Sophia emerged at the entrance of the hotel. Clad in a white dress and devoid of sunglasses, her fatigue was palpable despite her makeup. Cameras clicked relentlessly as she, flanked by her a
Sophia, her face shrouded in her hands, was the embodiment of panic and distress. She insisted with a plea in her voice, "This was the truth, an apology was what I rightfully deserved."Zane, with a sardonic smirk, questioned, "Have we come to a point where artists themselves are the ones managing their PR in showbiz? Sophia, are you devoid of acting roles, or are advertisements eluding you now?"The room, initially shocked by Zane's unexpected appearance on the live broadcast, now simmered with critical murmurs."Could Zane truly be devoid of shame, trying to vindicate himself in such a predicament?""His audacity to smash a reporter's camera. The power behind him must be formidable!""To commit acts so reprehensible and yet to intimidate others? It’s the arrogance born of wealth and power.""Zane dares to face the public and asserts he will unveil the
Sophia, facing Aurora's unwavering confidence, felt a surge of anxiety. The situation had reached a point of no return.Pointing to the displayed screen, Sophia's voice quivered, "During the Film and Drama Festival, Zane... he intruded into my room and attempted to... to..."Struggling to continue, she covered her mouth, tears streaming down. The reporters and audience, witnessing her distress, sympathized deeply.Aurora, maintaining a stoic expression, clarified, "So, what you're suggesting is that Zane entered your room uninvited, engaged in inappropriate behavior, inflicting both physical and emotional trauma, correct?"Sophianodded, her voice lost in the gravity of the moment.Aurora proceeded, "This is indeed a grave accusation. Fortunately, I have secured a surveillance video that comprehensively captures the event." Stressing the word "comprehensively," she handed a
The room was enveloped in a grave silence.They had convened initially to demand justice for Sophia, eager to witness the downfall of Zane and Skyline. Yet, the entire narrative shifted with Aurora's unforeseen appearance.Sophia, once perceived as the aggrieved party, was now exposed as the puppeteer orchestrating the events. Zane's image underwent a radical transformation from a questionable character to a figure of valor. Aurora, seated composedly on the stage, subtly shifted the narrative with her judiciously chosen words.Aurora, surveying the assembly of journalists, articulated, "My presence here extends beyond the incident at Zane's dinner party. It's also about addressing a personal vendetta against Sophia."The large screen came to life, displaying a series of evidences: Aurora's initial pregnancy test report, a confession from a yellow-haired thug acknowledging Sophia's involvement in orchestrating Aurora's downfall, and posts from The Imperial University's forums unmasking
Heath guided her inside the dark, unlit house. Aurora suggested, "Alaric and the others haven't left yet, should we invite them?"Heath pulled her into the house without a word. As they neared the living room, Aurora heard a rustling noise. In another life, her assassin instincts would have triggered a defensive response.But with Heath by her side, she felt a sense of security.Reaching out for Heath, she realized he was no longer beside her.Suddenly, the living room burst into light, adorned with a myriad of colorful fairy lights, small lamps, and a dazzling chandelier.Before she could react, a crowd emerged, exclaiming, "Happy Birthday!"Aurora was engulfed in a sea of familiar faces – Alaric, Zane, Lysander, Daxton, Cheryl, Jay, Kieran, and even Vespera, a rare sight. They brandished sparklers and streamers, showering her with birthday wishes.
Cheryl and Daxton's aide whisked them away, while Lysander took his leave. Zane, having been aided to his quarters by the servants, was already enveloped in slumber.On the staircase, Alaric lay sprawled, muttering drowsily, "Heath, what truly ails me?"Vespera, happening upon the scene, shook her head in a mix of resignation and empathy, seated herself beside him, and queried, "Who declared you insufficient?"Alaric, briefly opening his eyes before letting them fall shut once more, lounged there, lazily humming, "If I'm so commendable, why does she not harbor affection for me?"Vespera, resting against the steps with her gaze lost in the celestial tapestry above, murmured, "He harbors no affection for me because of my perceived inadequacies..."Alaric, with a squint and a struggle, propped himself slightly, patted Vespera's head, and offered, "Perhaps it's he who lacks the merit for you!"Vespera, with a hint of a smile, suggested, "Perhaps that girl lacks the worthiness for you as w
Aurora’s back pressed against Heath’s chest, the heat between them almost overwhelming. She coughed lightly, stammering, “I… need to use the bathroom…”Before she could finish, Heath gently adjusted her position, flipping over to be above her. Not pressing down on her, but his hands planted beside her ears, sending a wave of inexplicable nervousness through her.“You awake now?” Heath asked, locking eyes with her.Aurora closed her eyes in resignation, saying with a mix of frustration and sarcasm, “So, it turns out you were the one I slept with. It’s not like you lost anything in the process!”Heath was momentarily speechless.'Slept with me?' he thought, his pride slightly wounded. Did Aurora really believe she had somehow taken the upper hand in this situation?“So, you think you’re the one who slept with me?” Heath asked, his gaze becoming slightly dangerous as his hand slid to her waist, speaking through clenched teeth, “And you don’t feel like taking responsibility for that, do y