The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 365

After watching the video, Judith placed the phone on the table and looked at Lavinia.

Today, Lavinia's only accessory was the single jadeite toggle clasp at her collar, and she certainly wasn't wearing any bracelet. The water-red dress she wore was her mother's old clothing.

The older woman turned to Julian. "What is the meaning of this?"

Julian cast a casual glance at Garnett, quickly pulling his gaze back.

"Obviously, someone got the news in advance but didn't know Lavinia had changed into a different outfit. This blogger had the script pre-written." Julian paused. "Grandpa, Judith, I will definitely get to the bottom of this."

Lavinia poured Judith a cup of tea, saying gently, "Don't let it bother you. Rumors like this aren't even worth responding to."

Garnett had no idea what they were talking about. But the look Julian gave him while discussing the matter made him incredibly uncomfortable.

He pulled out his phone, opened the local channel on his social media app, typed in "Gilmore heiress Ancestor Recognition Ceremony," and hit search.

A highly-liked video sat at the very top of the results. The likes were still climbing.

Garnett watched it for a few seconds before closing it. It was absolute nonsense. The blogger didn't even get Lavinia's outfit right; the script had clearly been prepared ahead of time.

But the fact that the blogger knew the Gilmore family had ordered the Stardust Gown meant the leak came from someone they knew.

No wonder Julian and Judith suspected him. At this massive table, he was the only one with a "motive." And worse, he was one of the very few people who even knew about that Stardust Gown.

Garnett stood up and stepped between Lavinia and Judith, lowering his head. "Judith, Lavinia, I..."

Before he could finish, Charley's voice cut in: "Someone is spreading rumors online and maliciously buying trending spots."

Charley stood behind Julian, leaning forward slightly as he spoke to him. "We all know it's fake, but the public doesn't. We need to shut the rumor down before public opinion really spirals."

"What do you suggest?" Julian asked.

He glanced back and saw that Charley's seat was empty. He figured Charley must have gone out to help Lavinia greet the neighbors.

Garnett thought for a moment, muttered, "I'll go see if there's anything I can help with," and then got up and left.

Still, no one paid him any attention.

***

Reaching the entrance of the ancestral hall, Garnett saw a large decorative archway. Lavinia stood beneath it, raising a teacup to toast the neighbors enjoying the open banquet.

A crowd of independent media bloggers surrounded the archway, their live-streaming phones aimed right at Lavinia and Julian. Charley stood just out of the frame, watching her with visible concern.

Lavinia finished her speech of gratitude and took a moment to introduce The Judith Gilmore Charitable Foundation. Many of the neighbors nodded in approval as they listened to her explanation.