He Cheated I Rose Making Him Regret Everything (Chloe and Arthur) novel Chapter 180

**Chapter 180: The Empty Podium**

The atmosphere at the Cosmos News Center was electric, buzzing with anticipation. The moment news broke that Chloe would be addressing the press, a wave of reporters surged through the doors, eager to capture every word she might say. Following closely behind were enthusiastic fans and onlookers, their curiosity piqued by the unfolding drama.

Landon stood by the expansive window, his gaze fixed on the throng of media personnel gathered below. He felt a knot tightening in his stomach as he glanced at his watch yet again.

Less than three minutes remained until the scheduled start of the conference.

“Mr. Voss,” a voice broke through his thoughts. It was Darin, standing anxiously behind him. “Still no word from Bruce. And Mr. Rosewood and Ms. Lewis haven’t arrived yet.” The worry in Darin’s tone was palpable, echoing Landon’s own unease.

Eugene was unreachable, and Chloe wasn’t answering her phone. The clock was ticking down to the moment when the conference was supposed to commence.

The media setup was flawless. The live stream had been active for some time, and the viewer count was rapidly approaching one million.

With so many eyes glued to their screens, Landon knew that if Chloe failed to appear, the internet would erupt with speculation. Those unaware of the truth would latch onto every rumor, transforming whispers into accusations.

Just then, a staff member opened the door, his voice steady yet urgent. “It’s time.”

Darin turned to Landon, his expression taut with tension. The weight of the moment was heavy; investors and high-ranking executives were all watching intently. A misstep here could tarnish Cosmos Group’s reputation irreparably.

LOVE had just embarked on its independent journey. A scandal at this juncture could spell disaster for its future.

“Prepare yourselves. I’ll handle the release of Chloe’s original drafts personally,” Landon declared, determination surging within him as he turned to leave.

As the head of Cosmos Group, he couldn’t allow Chloe to bear the brunt of the blame alone.

Meanwhile, in the venue, half the cameras were trained on the vacant stage, while the others focused on the opposing side of the narrative—Tranquil Vision’s manager, Lonny, and their lead designer, Linda, who had also made an appearance.

Linda stood confidently before the cameras, her demeanor cool and composed. In stark contrast, Lonny played the victim, pleading with his supporters for sympathy. Linda, however, exuded an air of self-assuredness, as if she were ready to dismantle both Cosmos Group and the Four Seasons collection in that very moment.

Every hardship she had endured in the past fueled her resolve today. She was here not just to defend her work but to exact revenge.

Linda observed the scene with a smug smile, reveling in the unfolding drama. Chloe’s absence only served to bolster her confidence. The more Chloe hid, the more complete Linda’s own work appeared. She was convinced that Chloe lacked the courage to confront her.

Lonny caught Linda’s eye, and with a fierce determination, he turned to the crowd, his voice booming. “Listen, everyone! Plagiarists hurt every dedicated designer out there! Do you really think money can manipulate the narrative and treat us all like fools?”

His gaze locked onto Landon, a challenge simmering in his voice.

His words ignited the crowd, and shouts erupted in support of the “original artist.” They demanded that the plagiarist be brought forth to apologize, seeking public humiliation for her actions.

To them, Landon was nothing more than Chloe’s “protector.” His defense of her only invited more trouble. They viewed Chloe as a thief, hidden behind the shield of powerful allies. Such deceit betrayed all those who had supported Four Seasons and Cosmos Group.

As the face of the company in this moment, Landon’s role in shielding her felt like a betrayal. They clamored for him to step down and offer an apology. The crowd insisted that Cosmos Group investigate the matter thoroughly and make amends.

“We’ve waited long enough! Are you just toying with us? Did you even consider what will happen next?”

“Exactly! Over two million people are watching online. Cosmos Group is a giant, but if you disregard the public, your stocks will plummet when the market opens. I hope you go bankrupt!”