Drowning Him In Regret novel Chapter 42

Chapter 42

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“So this mysterious other man you’re referring to would that be my legal husband?” I asked, standing up and fixing the reporter with a level gaze.

I’d seen her before–on Vivian’s social media.

A screenshot had made the rounds in our gossip group. It was her and this same woman, clinking glasses at some upscale restaurant.

I glanced down at her press badge and questioned, “Bethany, is it? You’re Vivian’s best friend, the same Vivian who’s been sleeping with my husband?”

The entire restaurant turned their heads toward her.

Her face flushed scarlet, but she didn’t back down. Chin lifted, she snapped defensively, “So what if I am? That doesn’t change the fact that I’m a serious journalist.”

Now that the cameras were pointed at her, she took a moment to smooth down her hair and square her shoulders, then declared, “It’s because I’m

Vivian’s friend that I know the truth.

“Ada here clawed her way into Jude’s life, manipulated him into marriage even though he never loved her.

“And now that he wants a divorce, she’s clinging to him for money. The public deserves to know what kind of woman she really is.

“How can a home–wrecker, someone who gets involved in other people’s relationships, have the nerve to show up in public so brazenly?”

“Right.” I laughed, no longer bothering to hide my disdain. “So I forced him to marry me?

“Maybe do your homework before coming in here with your amateur dramatics. He was the one chasing me.”

“And the divorce? That was my idea. If you’re so sure about his feelings, why don’t you go tell him to finally sign the damn papers?” I retorted, turning away, done wasting my time.

Security was already weaving through the crowd, steering the reporters out.

Dorian’s team had started to return from the buffet, drawn by the commotion.

Ellen looked about ready to explode and shouted, “Are you serious? It’s a team dinner! Why aren’t your cameras pointed at the rest of us?”

Dorian’s team quickly rallied around.

“We’re here for work. We finally get one decent meal, and you vultures show up?” one of them exclaimed.

“Calling him a boy toy? That’s our CEO, you idiots. Get your eyes checked!” another chimed in.

“Oh, so we’re praising mistresses now? What, are you all trying to be one?” a third one sneered.

The Elitara Group team didn’t hold back, and within minutes, the so called press had packed up and slunk off.

I offered the others an apologetic smile.

We exchanged a few amused glances and then the laughter started

Dinner turned out to be surprisingly fun. But later that night, the mood soured again.

Sure, the reporters might’ve figured out the real story, but no one was interested in printing the truth.

That’s not what the internet wanted. The internet wanted scandal.

So once again, Jude and I were trending

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17:02 Thu, 8 May GO

Chapter 42

[Carson couple rumored to divorce; Journalists are scolded for interviewing; Mrs. Carson walks away with Carson Group shares.]

The headlines got wilder by the hour.

I even found a few fanfics.

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Some of them were creatively accurate. One writer came close to the actual story–if you ignored the part where I sobbed into a male model’s chest like some jilted heiress.

In reality, I was the one hugging a heating pad and planning my next round of chemo.

The next morning, Jude called.

Of course he did. I knew the Carsons wouldn’t let this blow over.

Sure enough, Ewan had seen the news. And he was furious. He summoned us both back to the family estate, immediately.

“I’ll pick you up.” Jude sighed, sounding exhausted–probably had a sleepless night dealing with PR damage control.

I noticed several trending tags had already vanished. Clearly, the family’s PR team had started cleaning up the mess.

This time, I didn’t argue. If we showed up separately, Ewan might just keel over from the stress.

Ewan swung it at him twice before anyone could stop him.

Jude took it without a word.

Bodhi and Juno’s families were there, too, watching in silence like spectators at a circus.

Have you two lost your minds?” Ewan bellowed, his voice booming through the room, “Do you have any idea what those articles are saying? Look at the stock! It’s tanking!”

Even though Jude ran a branch of the business, the scandal affected the entire Carson Group. Of course, Ewan was furious.

Then Mireille stepped in, all elegant concern and thinly veiled judgment, and commented, “Ada, really… out at dinner with another man? You should’ve

been more discreet.”

gave her a polite nod and replied, “You’re right, Mireille. Seven people at dinner is the perfect setup for an affair.”

Only a handful had known Dorian and I were dining together. And since Vivian’s bestie just happened to be there, too, it wasn’t hard to guess who leaked