On the way back to Coral Villa, Nicholas‘ expression remained unpleasant. It wasn’t just because we both had been attacked by latte, but also that he had offered to help me, and I didn’t want him to get involved.
Although this wasn’t the first case I had encountered in my career, it was definitely the quickest way for me to gain recognition.
In the legal circle, it wasn’t about the so–called three fundamental
views or values of a person. It was about results–who could win a case under immense pressure?
I had no intention of paying attention to the rumors outside. I just needed to focus on doing my job well as this would undoubtedly be my first step toward success. If Nicholas intervened, he would be the biggest obstacle in my path.
When we arrived home, Claudia was waiting for him with reddened eyes, holding a dolphin plushie that was as tall as she was.
Nicholas was genuinely angry with me. After getting out of the car, he strode off without stopping and carried Claudia to the bedroom.
I was relieved to have some peace and quiet. After returning to the guest room, I took a shower and began searching for information online.
I discovered that after Zachary was released from jail, he posted a series of statements on the internet detailing how much he loved his wife.
He only casually mentioned at the end, saying, “No matter what my wife’s lawyer says to me, I won’t believe it. Our relationship hasn’t
broken down, and I absolutely refuse to agree to divorce.”
The influence of the newly crowned Best Actor was indeed formidable. While Cindy had her fanbase to protect her, I became the one coming under intense scrutiny.
In just a few short hours, my name was no longer just a label–it was a person with a photo attached and turned into a target for online harassment. I had been thoroughly exposed.
However, since I was good–looking and genuinely talented with an impressive resume, in addition to having a distinguished family background, the netizens had little to criticize.
They could only say that I was a machine raised in the lap of luxury, incapable of understanding the hardships of the world and devoid of
emotions.
This case wasn’t particularly difficult. Zachary and Cindy had been. separated for so long that all I needed to do was wait for the court date.
Just as I was about to go to bed, there was a knock on the door. It was Nicholas. He squinted his eyes and leaned coldly against the doorframe.
“Come out,” he ordered.
It was then that I noticed he was holding a phone, seemingly on speaker.
“Ari, it’s Frances.”
Frances‘ voice came through the phone, full of concern for me. Her tone was anxious as she said, “Ari, have you seen what’s happening online? How about letting Nick handle the online comments first?”
Nicholas exhaled deeply, impatience evident in his eyes and tone. Mom, I’ve told you many times. It’s not that I don’t want to handle it. She just won’t let me.”
I quickly spoke up, “I’m sorry, Frances, for ma 3 you worry about me at this hour. It’ll be fine once the court hearing is over.”
After a brief pause, I added, “It’s almost over.”
She replied, “I understand, but your personal information has been exposed online, including your marriage to the Hawk family. If we don’t step in, what will people think?
“Won’t it make us a laughingstock? Besides, it won’t be good for Nick’s company either, right? What if it affects the stock price…”
Before Frances could finish, Nicholas turned off the speakerphone. He glanced at me, then turned to leave.
“Mom, don’t worry about the company. How much of a problem could she cause? Affecting the stock price? You’re overthinking it. Just leave her be.”
Ah, so she was actually worried I’d bring trouble to the Hawk family.
Frances had always treated me well. But after everything that had happened before, it was hard for us to remain close. Whenever anything stirred, her priority was always the Hawk family and Nicholas.
But there was nothing wrong with that. I was just a woman who married into their family. I would never truly be one of them.
Besides, after losing my mom, I didn’t want to look for a mother’s shadow in anyone else. That would be too pitiful, wouldn’t it?
24 BONUS
I followed behind Nicholas, and after he ended the call, I said, “I didn’t think things through earlier. As long as it doesn’t affect the court hearing, do whatever you need to control the online narrative.”
He looked back at me coldly, a hint of harshness flashing in his eyes. “Do you think I have that much free time?”
