Me And My Billionaire Husband (Aurora and Heath) novel Chapter 148

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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 truth. Perhaps there’s an untold side to this narrative?”

*Cease defending him. Should Zane manage to overturn this situation, I shall perform the most unthinkable act on live stream!”

As Sophia turned towards the camera, her tears resurfaced: “Now that Mr. Zane Strider has graced this press conference with his presence,

I implore an apology for myself and my family. And I trust Skyline Media will demand public apologies from Cheryl and Daxton.”

The reporters, sensing a new angle, swarmed towards Zane with inquiries.

“Mr. Zane Strider, are you poised to offer a public apology to Miss Sophia Pendleton?”

“Cheryl and Daxton are ensnared due to your actions. Does this evoke guilt within you?”

*The leaked images from the hotel paint a narrative of a tumultuous personal life. What is the reality of your private existence?”

“Are you maintaining several inappropriate liaisons?”

“Would you be willing to divulge specifics regarding your personal life?”

Zane, with an eye roll and a tone of exasperation, countered, “Are you visually impaired? That photograph captures merely half a face, Is that truly me? Engage your intellect before casting aspersions!”

Sophia, barely concealing her amusement at Zane’s visible irritation, provocatively asked, “Can you categorically refute these allegations? Your reputation precedes you in the industry. If you’re not the individual in that image, then who might it be?”

Suddenly, a relaxed voice echoed from the entrance, “It’s me!”

The reporters, along with Sophia, pivoted to see a man in a suit, emanating an air of weariness mixed with impatience, removing his sunglasses as he strode into the room and settled next to Zane. His gaze fixated on Sophia as he challenged, “The individual in that photograph is me. Would you like a closer comparison?”

The room was engulfed in astonishment, Sophia included, and likewise the live broadcast viewers. Alaric’s presence raised questions.

17:17 Fri, Oct 24

Chapter 148

They were half–brothers, so why this mutual cover–up? And why his admission to a turbulent life?

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Alaric, now seated, scanned the roomful of reporters and reiterated, “The person depicted in that photo is me, not Zane. Do you have any further inquiries?”

“Mr. Alaric Strider, has your life always been characterized by such disarray…” a reporter began.

“What concern is my private life to you? I’m unattached, uncommitted. My nightclub visits are personal and inconsequential to anyone else,” Alaric retorted with a glare.

Zane reflected to himself, “In comparison to Alaric, my demeanor is far too gentle…”

The live broadcast audience pondered, “That seems logical. He’s an unbound aristocrat, a solitary magnate. Nightclub outings aren’t inherently objectionable.”

Alaric, clearly vexed, had hurried back from England, summoned by Sophia’s chaos, and now faced a barrage of questions. He massaged his temples, calling for water to soothe his frazzled nerves.

Sophia, seizing the moment, interjected, “While Mr. Alaric Strider’s clarification about the photo is noted, the issue of the dinner party remains unresolved. I await Skyline Media’s response. No recompense is necessary, only an apology is sought.”

After hydrating and gathering his thoughts, Alaric gazed at Sophia, his expression one of fresh awakening. With a cleared throat, he stated, “Skyline’s stance for you is: no apology.”

Zane couldn’t help but chuckle, considering Alaric’s potential as a comedian.

Sophia’s expression shifted to shock and mounting frustration, and she responded, “Mr. Alaric Strider, this issue is outside your purview. I request that you exhibit respect in this matter.”

Alaric, visibly exhausted, queried, “And how is this matter not of my concern?”

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