“It’s not your fault!”
Her godmother’s gaze was unwavering.
“If you want to blame someone, blame those heartless monsters who think having a bit of money
and power means they can trample over lives like weeds!”
It was her godmother who had introduced her to Northon Shea, someone who shared the same
scars.
She was the one who pulled the strings behind it all–bribing the housekeeper to spike Diana Schuyler’s food with hallucinogens, coaxing her into prodding at the darkness Diana had tried to bury, hiring fake accounts to steer public opinion after the scandal broke…
She once said:
“If Charles won’t hand you justice, then carve it out yourself.”
And the day that ivory tower crumbled–it was coming fast.
In the days that followed, public outrage demanding Diana’s death penalty only grew stronger.
Charles’s company took the biggest blow.
His social media accounts were flooded with furious comments:
“Covering for a murderer? Why don’t you go die with that witch too?”
“No way Diana acted alone. You think people sharing a bed would be that different?”
“Boycott Foster Corp. Boycott the upper Elites. It starts with you and me!”
And yet–Charles didn’t seem to care.
He blew off board meetings, ignored calls from partners, and even his assistant Mr. Chambers had no idea what he was up to.
Eventually, under mounting pressure from the shareholders, Mr. Chambers intercepted him in the underground parking lot.
He stood firm in front of the car door, his voice laced with panic.
Chapter 24
50.79%
“Mr. Foster, if you keep turning a blind eye, the company’s going down!”
“It’s just a company. It’s not as important as Vivian.”
Charles‘ face darkened, and there was a trace of restrained fury in his voice.
“If you want to keep your job, move.”
But Mr. Chambers didn’t budge.
“Please be rational! Sir… Ms. Bennett already has a new boyfriend. This company is your life’s
work! You can’t torch everything you’ve built just because she’s gone!”
Charles‘ eyes softened, something rare and distant flickering in his expression.
He lowered his head, voice hoarse.
“If it weren’t for Vivian… I would’ve given up on myself six years ago.
Mr. Chambers stood stunned.
“But sir… you’re divorced…”
“Shut up. Say another word and I swear I’ll kill you.”
Charles looked up suddenly, and Mr. Chambers froze in shock.
This wasn’t the man he knew. The poised, untouchable executive was gone. What stood before him now was a pale, bloodshot wreck–someone shattered and ruined, an idol toppled and left in pieces at the foot of his own pedestal.
Charles didn’t even seem to notice.
His Adam’s apple bobbed faintly as he fixated on the wedding band still wrapped around his ring
finger.
His voice was quiet, almost dreamy, but tinged with a smile.
“She loves me. That man? Just a needle she’s pressing into my skin.”
“I’ll win her back. Doesn’t matter if it takes a day… or ten years.”
“As for the company–whatever. Without Vivian by my side, what’s the point of success or glory?”
As the car pulled away, Mr. Chambers remained standing in place, sighing helplessly.
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