Alex had just learned about Rebecca's disappearance in the past week.He trained abroad last month for a competition. His team conducted closed training since the finals were approaching. Apart from Alex's weekly calls with his family, he barely had time for himself. He was either reviewing past matches or training all the time. So, he and his teammates didn't even know what was trending online, much less this news that got suppressed.Alex only discovered Rebecca had gone missing after the competition ended. He checked his cousins' group chat and learned what had happened. Alex didn't care that his team secured a brand collaboration after winning the championship. He left the celebration dinner that night and booked an overnight flight home.The photo he had sent to Sam and Albert was what he found after he and Caleb scoured the internet.One had to admit the content of the photo was jarring.Rebecca was in the photo, but she wasn't wearing anything. The photo also had a blac
A group of men exited the private plane like they were investigating the space. Then, they ran toward Mr. Zabel Senior's home.Stanley was dumbstruck.He couldn't figure out why the group had come here. They donned formal suits like those fancy businessmen on television. Why would such people show up here? Not to mention, they had a private plane. Stanley had never seen a plane in his life. Now that he witnessed it, he was in awe of how amazing it looked. Then, he wondered if his four cousins had married some wealthy figures. Could this be the backup the cousins hired? But that didn't make sense. Why would the four want this house back if they had married businessmen with private planes? Then again, it wasn't entirely impossible.After all, the house belonged to Stanley's uncle, who was also the four's dad. It was reasonable that the four were brave enough to take the house back by force. That was because they now had their wealthy husbands' support. At that thought, Stanley f
The arrival of the Johnson brothers had garnered quite a bit of attention.Still, to the people, the Zabel family's affairs were much more intriguing. After all, who didn't love a bit of gossip? As for the group of people who had arrived in an airplane, there was speculation that they might be here to shoot a movie. In the past, they used to come here for filming without paying a dollar, and they would even leave behind a heap of garbage for the local community. Frankly, that hadn't been very intriguing to watch. Hence, people would rather watch the drama unfolding within the Zabel family, as they might even witness Stanley getting a good beating. This was unquestionably more intriguing than watching the filmmakers. But surprisingly, these filmmakers were quite good-looking. However, just as everyone was about to take out their phones to snap a few photos, their phones were intercepted by the black-suited bodyguards. "Why are they confiscating our phones? It's against th
"What ... what photo are you talking about? I don't understand what you're referring to!"Stanley, who was being held by the black-suited bodyguards, vehemently denied the allegations. He was well aware of what he had done just yesterday. Still, given the current situation, he had no intention of admitting to anything. Furthermore, there were countless other people who had posted inappropriate photos of women online and had done far worse things. Why were they singling him out? Despite his refusal, Sam remained unfazed. They had come here with a different objective in mind, and the photos were only incidental. Their primary goal was to find Rebecca. However, when Sam witnessed Stanley desperately denying his heinous actions despite being clearly guilty, he found it rather amusing. Sam looked at Stanley’s twisted expression and grinned. "If you can't understand me, that's alright. But if you're still clueless about what's about to happen next, then ..." He didn't finish h
"So, you're admitting that you took that photo," Nate said as his sharp gaze locked onto Stanley.It wasn't just Nate; the others also directed their intense gazes towards Stanley. They were all aware of the truth behind the photo; they simply needed a clear acknowledgment to proceed. At this point, Stanley had no choice but to confess. He couldn't muster the courage to meet the gazes of the Johnson brothers. He hung his head in shame. After a long silence, Stanley finally spoke in a defeated tone. "Yes, I did take the photo. But I never intended any harm towards that lady. I simply found her attractive and took a few photos. As for those videos and photos you've come across, they were all created by the tech-savvy individuals within the group. It truly has nothing to do with me!" Stanley admitted to taking the photos, but he vehemently denied any malicious intent. He emphasized that he was simply capturing images of an attractive lady he had spotted passing by, and he h
Stanley had already provided all the necessary information. Caleb and the others also felt that there was little more they could extract from him.On their way to this location, Caleb had already investigated the person responsible for posting the photos and videos. It was evident that Stanley was just an ordinary person with no hidden agenda. The online publication of the photos and videos appeared to be driven by personal motives, rather than any broader scheme. As for the issues related to David and Randy, they believed that Stanley had limited knowledge about them. Caleb wasn't very acquainted with David and hadn't interacted with him much. However, the intense confrontation they had just witnessed and the use of lethal force against Daniel indicated that David wasn't someone who casually roamed in different places. Hence, it wasn't difficult to conclude that Stanley was speaking truthfully in his account. During this period, it appeared that David and Rebecca had been l
Before Albert and the others had a chance to ponder further, Sam, who had just returned from outside, interrupted their contemplations.Fearing that Sam might have used excessive force that could lead to further complications, Albert leaned in and asked, "You didn't get too rough with him, did you?" The previous commotion had resonated throughout the house, and Albert was concerned that Sam might have been overly aggressive, potentially escalating the situation. Despite the dynamics of this small community, the locals were closely-knit. While they might engage in daily squabbles and disputes, they would band together when significant issues arose, especially against outsiders. Albert was apprehensive that if the situation escalated, they might be the ones unable to leave unscathed. "Don't worry, Albert. I held back," Sam replied nonchalantly. He had probably been a bit rough outside, as his knuckles were a little red. Even in the dim light, the marks were clearly visible.
Fairport, located in Seabound Southwest, was a renowned tourist destination with excellent and convenient transportation. The city's large and ever-increasing population meant that even A-list celebrities could go unnoticed by regular travelers.On busy holidays, some celebrities were compelled to purchase regular tickets for public transportation. Their fans often hesitated to approach them, fearing they might have to give up their seats.Rebecca, accompanied by David, arrived in Fairport the following day. The city's scenic beauty was enchanting. They decided to take a break and stay overnight, allowing them to explore the area briefly.Of course, this opportunity was hard-earned, and mainly through Rebecca's insistence.She had spent nearly a month in that house and rarely ventured out, except for the day she went out to investigate David's altercation.At last, with the picturesque scenery before her and David's assurance that they could catch a flight out whenever they wished
Penny didn't have much free time over the past three years.As she had envisioned, during the first year, she honed her acting skills amidst criticism while also working as a translator.Later on, she felt that acting didn't hold much appeal anymore. Moreover, realizing that there weren't any roles left for her, she gradually gave up and moved toward working behind the scenes.She had some work during this period.It seemed that a daring reality show, not caring about potential risks, decided to capitalize on her controversial popularity and invited her to participate in one of their programs.The reason Penny agreed to participate was because the show's first season had a good reputation, and the payment offered was reasonable.Continuously doing translations could be quite tiring. After discussing with Cecilia and weighing the pros and cons, she eventually signed up for this TV show.Unfortunately, she had underestimated the darker side of human nature.The show's production
"Really?" Zane blurted out, staring incredulously at Sam, who nodded calmly. His unruly and carefree demeanor was restrained, and his composed attitude showed that he wasn't joking.Zane fell silent again, furrowing his brow as he intently observed Sam.It was as if he thought everything through in an instant, giving up without hesitation. He didn't even remind Zane of the request from years ago to take care of Penny. Instead, he said this would be the last time he would help out.Logically speaking, this should be a satisfactory outcome for Zane. After all, from any perspective, the Lowe family's scion would only be a burden to Sam.Looking again at Sam's attitude, it seemed he didn't want Penny to know he was the one quietly spending money to handle things behind the scenes.Since there was no plan to meet her, he didn't need to worry about anything after that. If that was the case, it would be better to just end it early.That way, if Sam saw Penny falling in love, getting mar
All those old scoundrels from the Lowe family undoubtedly ranked the highest. Then there was Jessica, the entertainment industry's national goddess, who also played a significant role.Besides them, there were a few minor celebrities who didn't really make the cut.However, as Sam's partner and someone who watched him grow up, Zane privately hoped Sam could find a better girl.So, he advised, "There are plenty of socialites in Riverwood, and Amdale has no shortage of beautiful young ladies, either, and Rookfort isn't much different."You and the Lowe family's daughter haven't even officially met…""Who said I haven't met her?" Sam interrupted him without a second thought.He had even seen her twice. How could Zane say they hadn't even met yet?The first time, she gave him all the money she had. The second time, he spoke up to help her get that role.After these interactions, they could be considered acquaintances.Zane choked up and couldn't find the words to refute.He was s
Because Penny declined his offer, Zane didn't insist. After a bit of small talk, he ended the call.He politely mentioned that if she needed any help, she could call this number again. If he could assist in any way, he certainly would.However, Zanw knew very well that, given Penny's temperament, she would rather give up what she had than actively seek help from a stranger.Yes, to Penny, Zane was just a stranger. He was a person she had met once but didn't really know.This time, Penny didn't respond as coldly as she did when she was 18. Instead, she exchanged a couple of polite pleasantries, mentioned that she would reach out if needed, and then hung up the phone.After that, she let out a long sigh of relief and lay on the lounge chair on the balcony, gazing at the view outside the window.There were fluffy white clouds in the azure sky and the greenery visible in the neighborhood. Sparrows were chirping persistently as they darted through the forest, and the cicadas loudly bu
Although the other person said only one word, Penny could still tell he didn't have any ill intentions.Because of that faint sense of familiarity, Penny didn't hang up the phone immediately. "Hello? May I ask what this is about?"The unfamiliar and distant tone probably made the man on the other end of the phone pause for a moment. It was only after a brief silence that he responded."Young lady, don't you remember me? It's Zane Moran."His voice carried a laugh, with a hint of teasing.Only then did Penny remember who he was, but she wasn't happy at all.Zane meant no harm when that incident happened back then. But despite that, over the years that had passed, he became one of the people and things Penny would rather not recall.Whether it was the exam she missed, the incident where Spencer took her to the hotel against her will, or Zane, who gave her 30 dollars for a taxi ride.She just wanted to hide all of them deep in her memories.The recent events had particularly made
"I'm fine. You all don't have to look so worried. You're making it seem as if something bad is going to happen to me."Penny looked at the two people at the door who were showing a range of expressions, feeling speechless.Cecilia was provoked by her words, and her eyes turned red."We're worried about you. You have no idea what you look like right now. You're almost like one of those disheartened protagonists in novels who hated the world."Penny clicked her tongue twice and said, "Aren't you exaggerating?"She didn't believe it. She was just worried about money. It wasn't like she had become disillusioned with life.Besides, she didn't dislike this world at all. On the contrary, she really liked it.Whenever Penny came across posts online suggesting that all humans should just die, she always felt like rolling her eyes. If they wanted to die, they shouldn't drag others with them.When searching for her own role in movies, TV dramas, and novels, Penny particularly preferred re
Penny's way of clarifying things was to simply tell the truth.Sometimes, trying to cover things up would just lead to needing 100 more lies to continue the cover-up. That would often end up making things worse and more ridiculous.It was better to tell the truth about the situation.To answer the question of why she lashed out at the Lowe family, she briefly explained her experiences over the years.Why didn't she attend the final paper of the college entrance examinations? She personally reopened that old wound.As for that man in the hotel, Penny didn't have much of an impression of him anymore. She only remembered not taking his business card and accepting 30 dollars from him.Why did she show up at that man's hotel room? She wrote it down truthfully—it was her father who personally took her and left her at the hotel, wanting to trade her like a commodity.Every single word was carefully considered and written by Penny.She didn't share much of these things with Cecilia. Th
Once the official statements were released, Penny's career being ruined became a certainty.The only surprising thing was probably that after the film crew issued their statement, the largest investor also requested to withdraw.The film crew was completely shocked, but there was nothing they could do. The scion was willing to lose money just to withdraw his investment, so what could they do?The amount of money in the compensation was nothing compared to the amount that the scion planned to invest. The production team would incur a significant loss.With one less investor, the project's status was essentially downgraded. They had much less room to manipulate their gains now, too.One would understand why the scion was doing this if they used their brain a little.However, the protests from the audience couldn't be ignored, and compared to the investors, it was clearly more important to keep the show going.After all, they could always attract more sponsors, even if the amount o
In addition to the widespread backlash caused by the phone recording, Penny's academic credentials were also scrutinized and exposed.Before the college entrance exam, she had always been the top student in her school and had never ranked anything else.However, in the college entrance exam, she barely passed the minimum mark for key institutions, far below her usual performance.Some people speculated that she had been cheating during regular exams and that her actual abilities were much worse.However, the exam results could be checked online, and the fact that Penny scored zero on the last exam was surprising.It was even more shocking that she was admitted to a top-tier university despite missing an exam. It was truly exceptional.But few people paid attention to this information.After all, the achievements attained through hard work couldn't be faked. Even if the results weren't as expected, it was undeniable that she was stronger than many others.Regarding this topic, t