Chapter 272 The Decision
Alexander’s voice drifted in faintly from outside.
He was leaving
Maybe that was for the best
Elena couldn’t quite describe what she was feeling. She turned back to the bed and lay down again. As she listened to the sound of the door closing outside, she slowly shut her eyes, exhaustion settling in.
The next day, she returned to the office.
The materials on Landon and Nicole had already been organized.
Today was the day she would report to headquarters. Elena had already decided that during the meeting. she would bring up the release of this story to Alexander.
She arrived at the conference room with Matteo.
After sitting down, she focused on preparing her presentation, going over the materials in front of her
Matteo glanced at her from time to time, then asked carefully, “Ms. Sterling, aren’t you going to Mr. Kingsley’s office first?”
He couldn’t help adding, “You two really keep things strictly professional at work.”
They had arrived so early that he assumed Elena would go see Alexander first.
“I’m busy.” Elena said without looking up.
Matteo wanted to say more, but before he could, the conference room door opened and a group of people walked in.
At the front was Alexander.
He was dressed in a tailored suit, wearing gold–rimmed glasses. He looked restrained and composed, almost distant. Only Elena knew just how infuriating he could be.
She closed her laptop, her expression blank, and didn’t let her gaze linger on him at all.
The others in the room seemed to sense that something was off. Combined with the news of Fiona’s dismissal spreading around, everyone understood without needing to say it out loud.
The atmosphere grew tense, and even the earlier reports were delivered with extra caution.
Soon, it was Elena’s turn.
She walked up to the front and opened her presentation.
“Here’s Velmora Media’s report for this month,” Elena said.
After going through the overview, she opened another file.
L
14:22 Tue, May 19 Md
Chapte
The Decis
“This is the key interview we’re planning to release this month. The subject is Nicole, and the conte involves Landon”
She clicked play, and the interview footage began.
The clips showed her conversation with Nicole. Although edited for clarity, the content remained largely the same as what Nicole had originally said.
As the video played, the expressions around the room began to change.
“Wait.” Trenton said, frowning slightly. “I need to make sure I understand this correctly. Are you planning to release this?”
His tone was still polite, but the shock and confusion in his eyes were obvious.
“With all due respect.” Trenton added, “are you aware of who Landon is?”
“Yes.” Elena replied calmly. “I am.”
“And you still want to publish this?”
“Yes.”
Trenton looked at her as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
Dickson was also present. He had the most direct dealings with Landon, and if this story were released, Apex Pictures would be the most affected.
“Ms. Sterling.” Dickson said, “I think this needs more consideration. Apex Pictures is currently working with Landon. If this gets released, the impact on our company will be significant. I don’t support this proposal.”
The Sterling family and the Kingsley family had worked together for years. Even though the Sterlings didn’t hold quite the same level of power as the Kingsleys, their long–standing relationship made it hard to imagine that anyone would risk offending the Sterlings over an unknown young woman.
“I don’t agree either,” someone else added. “Sterling Group and Pinnacle Group have worked together for years. If Velmora Media breaks this story, the impact will be too great.”
“Exactly. Ms. Sterling, I understand you want results, but Landon’s situation really isn’t suitable…”
“Ms. Sterling, let’s put this on hold for now.”
Voices began overlapping as people tried to persuade her.
“To be blunt,” Trenton said, spreading his hands, “what does Nicole’s situation have to do with us? Her family has already taken plenty from Landon. For all we know, she’s only coming forward now because he’s done with her, and she’s unhappy about it. Maybe she told you all this just to pressure him.”
Elena stood at the front, looking at everyone in the room.
Their reactions were exactly what she had expected.
They didn’t care about the interview itself. They cared about how it would affect their interests.
2/3
14:22 Tue, May 19
Mc
Chapter 272 The Decision
Because she understood that, she hadn’t released the story on her own. She didnt want to pur Alexander in a difficult position.
“Lunderstand everyone’s concerns. Elena said.
She turned to look at Dickson.
“Regarding Apex Pictures,” Elena continued. “I’m aware of your agreement with Landon. But if this is made public. Landon is the one at fault. It wouldn’t be considered a breach on your side, so there’s no need to worry about liability.”
She paused slightly, then added. “And someone like him will eventually face consequences. Since filming hasn’t officially started yet, cutting losses now may actually benefit Apex Pictures.”
Then she shifted her gaze. “As for his background,” Elena said, “it’s true that Landon is backed by both the Sterling and Hawke families. But have you considered this? If his behavior is already this problematic, are we certain those families are completely clean? If there are underlying issues, continuing to work with them may not necessarily be a good thing.”
5.2K
O
3/3
Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy novels. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Sham Marriage Quit Real Heiress Strikes Back
both Elena and Alexander are stupid, they already knew and agreed to be open, honest and trust each other, but instead they repeated the same mistakes which made them suspicious of each other....