The CEO Gets What He Wants novel Chapter 477

Avery glanced at the photos on Yulissa's phone and suddenly grinned.

“Oh, I thought this was something far more serious than just a few pictures. Ms. Yantz, this matter hasn't been thoroughly investigated, so how can you just assume that the person in the photo is me? In this day and age, it is extremely easy to use photo editing apps to place someone's head on another person's body. Furthermore, all of the supposed evidence in the article is full of loopholes. Do you honestly think that you can believe it? Are you really so naive as to think that this is true?”

Yulissa was taken aback, unsure of how to retort her words. Nonchalantly, Avery continued, “Ms. Yantz, do you not realize that all the public accounts that shared the article have been banned? Surely you must have noticed that the link no longer works. The article was filled with lies and defamatory content that Mr. Moore ordered to have it investigated. Everyone who was involved in disseminating the article will be held legally responsible for their actions.”

Nina shot Yulissa a fierce look of contempt before swiveling her head to deliver a steely gaze of animosity at the male colleague.

Hearing that, Yulissa felt her heart sink as a chill traveled down her spine.

Upon learning from Wisteria that Avery had publicly humiliated Cayden by calling off the engagement party during the reception itself, Yulissa was convinced that Cayden would immediately end his relationship with Avery, leaving Wisteria to take over his position. Consequently, she felt completely justified in her scathing remarks toward Avery.

Yulissa had no idea how deeply in love Cayden was with Avery and would continue defending her even after she became embroiled in the scandal. In the heat of the moment, she had chosen to come over and insult Avery but soon realized that it was an enormous mistake.

The male colleague was sweating profusely, too.

He was an attractive man and a gifted designer, which caused a few of his female colleagues to develop a romantic interest in him. Despite the attention, he was dismissive towards any woman who tried to make advances toward him.

He had always assumed that Avery was a virtuous and unsullied woman. The discovery that the goddess he had considered to be so graceful and dignified was actually immoral and promiscuous made him feel that he had the right to take advantage of her. He even considered offering her money in exchange for her services.

To his shock, Cayden was still coming to Avery's defense despite her promiscuous tendencies. Thus, a feeling of dread suddenly overwhelmed the male colleague as he promptly regretted insulting her.

I have worked hard to get to where I am today, so I cannot allow a few careless words to jeopardize my career!

The other colleagues who were enjoying the show from the side felt fortunate that they didn't say anything unnecessary.

Regardless of the outcome, Cayden remained supportive of Avery, so it would be wise for them both to remain silent until the situation was clarified.

Otherwise, they would be left in the dark about the reason they met their doom.

Fear filled Yulissa's heart, but she refused to give up just yet. Instead, she spoke in a low voice, taunting Avery. “You hypocrite. I know you come from a poor family, so it's no surprise you'd do that overseas. Have you ever considered continuing your part-time job? I can introduce you to some wealthy clients.”

Her gaze then landed on the male colleagues in the office. “If you have any needs, there's no need to hire a hooker outside. We have one in our department who can offer her services. She's gorgeous and voluptuous, and I guarantee she's cleaner and cheaper than those you can find out there!”

As soon as her words fell, the female colleagues who were jealous of Avery burst into giggles.

Some of Avery's coworkers had been at the company for longer than her, but she had a certain edge over them. She was not only more attractive than them, but also more competent and efficient in the workplace. As a result, they considered Avery a formidable rival in the workplace. Hence, they couldn't help but gloat at her misfortune.

The male colleagues had the audacity to send Avery lecherous looks, but not one of them had the courage to say anything for fear of the consequences.

Trevor was the only one who stood up to challenge Yulissa. “Ms. Yantz, are you certain this article is reporting the facts accurately? If it is, why was it suppressed in the first place? Everyone is at least somewhat familiar with Avery's reputation, even if they are not particularly close to her. How can you be so confident that it was Yulissa depicted in those doctored images? Could it be that you are being overly gullible?”

Yulissa's fury intensified when she heard Trevor defending Avery. She sneered icily, “What's gotten into you, Trevor? Why are you suddenly defending Avery? I had no idea you two were this close. Don't tell me you've been holding back on me and you're actually her—”

Avery slammed her designs onto the table coldly, cutting her off effectively. “That's enough! Yulissa, don't push your luck. How could you spread rumors about others when you don't even know what they have gone through? Do you know defamation is a punishable offense? According to Article 246 of the Criminal Law, defamation is a punishable offense, and those found guilty of it will be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than three years, criminal detention, public surveillance, or deprivation of political rights. It is now working hours, and I would rather not waste my time discussing this matter with you any further. However, if you decide to stir up more trouble, I will take immediate action and contact a lawyer to pursue a legal case against you.”

Her firm response and intimidating aura reminded Yulissa of Cayden, and she shut up immediately.

She gave an icy snort and insisted, “I didn't say that! It was Rita. I had no part in it!” She glowered at Avery before turning to the colleagues who were watching the debacle. Her voice raised as she demanded, “What are you all still doing here? Are you just gonna stand there? Stop gawking at us! Go back to your desks and get to work!”

With that, she scurried back to her office.

After Yulissa departed, no one dared to gossip anymore and instead returned to their tasks.

Avery's head pounded with fury, but she was aware that getting angry while she was pregnant could have negative effects on her developing baby.

Cecelia and Nina did their best to comfort her. Eventually, she was able to relax and began researching the requirements for becoming a Certified Professional Constructor.

Avery didn't try to apply to be a Certified Professional Constructor previously. After completing her undergraduate degree, she immediately began pursuing her master's studies. Despite obtaining a Master's degree in Engineering Economics, she worked for less than two years and had less than one year of experience in managing construction projects. As such, she did not meet the requirements for the certification and was not eligible to apply.

Now, she had worked at Trident Group for almost a year where she was primarily involved in architectural designs, but her job scope included managing construction projects. In two months' time, she would be eligible to apply for certification as a Professional Constructor.

Obtaining the Certified Professional Constructor credential was a highly esteemed accomplishment in the architecture profession. There were millions of architects around the country, but only approximately four hundred thousand of them were Certified Professional Constructors, making it a challenging achievement.

Avery knew she would have to become a Certified Professional Constructor in order to develop her career further in Trident Group.

After getting off work, Cayden gave Avery a ride home. He pressed a kiss to her cheek and apologized, “I'm sorry, but I have to head out. Don't worry though, I'll be back soon. Why don't you go have dinner with the kids first?”

Avery knew he was going on a “date” with Nicole. Despite feeling bitter, she smoothened his suit and forced a smile. “Okay. Don't come home too late.”