Chapter 962
No.1
He…
Back in her room, Victoria’s expression contorted into pure malice.
She finally held sixty percent of the company’s shares.
She was now the director of the Montgomery Group.
The thought of her new status clashed violently with the humiliation she had endured.
A powerful urge to flee the country surged within her.
Not yet.
She had to endure a little longer.
The Montgomery Group shares were valuable, but not enough.
No.2
Accessing the company’s main official accounts, she logged into Twitter.
Her post was calculated and precise.
(After a thorough investigation, it has been confirmed that Victoria Kensington and Harrison Caldwell were drugged with a substance known as Nightshade. Its scent induces unconsciousness and vivid hallucinations. The perpetrator remains unidentified, but the Montgomery Group is committed to uncovering the truth! Furthermore, the Montgomery Group pledges ten billion dollars to the Phoenix Initiative. This project will combat illegal narcotics and underground syndicates, aiming to protect innocent women from harm! Victoria Kensington will lead this project and serve as its ambassador to raise societal awareness!)
She attached a photo of a fabricated medical certificate.
Its caption stated, (Victoria Kensington’s poor fetal development was directly caused by exposure to illegal drugs!)
The post went live.
Victoria immediately paid a swarm of online commentators to flood the replies.
(OMG! Nightshade causes unconsciousness? That's terrifying!)
(I didn’t notice anything in the video! I thought she was conscious! I had no idea it was such a sophisticated drug.)
No.3
(The world is truly a dangerous place. Poor Victoria’s reputation was destroyed because of this! It’s so unfair.)
(It’s heartbreaking. Her wedding was ruined, her reputation shattered. She’s suffered so much.)
(Is it just me, or does this seem suspicious? Victoria was the top supermodel, then her nudes were leaked, a media storm followed, other top models were targeted, and now she was drugged!)
(It’s clearly a targeted attack! The modeling industry is vicious!)
(Even if Victoria was involved with Harrison, that’s her private business! Who released that video? It’s a gross invasion of privacy!)
(Exactly! She should sue whoever did this!)
(I feel so sorry for Victoria. She doesn’t deserve this.)
The paid comments dominated the section, suppressing any dissenting voices.
To solidify her narrative, Victoria posted a carefully crafted video statement.
No.4
“To be completely honest, I wanted to contact the authorities when this happened. But I was paralyzed with fear. I was terrified of losing Alexander. I was utterly terrified. And now…” She paused, her eyes welling with manufactured tears. “The truth is, I was drugged. Because of that, I was forced into actions against my will. Now, everyone mocks me. The man I love has abandoned me…”
She took a shaky, dramatic breath before continuing.
“But I don’t blame him. I can’t even accept myself right now. From this moment forward, I will dedicate myself entirely to my work. I will strive to become a better person. Through the Phoenix Initiative, I hope every woman will join me. We will stand united. We will fight against the manufacturers of these illegal drugs. We will fight for every victimized woman. If you are brave enough to share your story, I will personally oversee the investigation and resolution of each case. I will also provide comfort funds from the initiative.”
The video successfully重塑 her image.
Public perception began to shift in her favor once again.
Isabella woke to complete darkness.
Moonlight streamed through the window, casting silver patterns across the room.
A distinct masculine scent filled her senses.
She blinked away the sleep, realizing she was in Nathaniel's arms.
No.5
They lay facing each other, bodies intertwined beneath the sheets.
Nathaniel slept soundly beside her.
His white shirt was wrinkled and torn, stained with her lipstick.
What happened?
She rubbed her temples, the hangover pounding in her head.
Had she done this to his shirt while drunk?
Guilt washed over her as she tried to slip away.
A strong arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her back.
She met Nathaniel's darkened gaze.
No.6
Their faces were inches apart.
Her lips nearly brushed against his chin.
"Let me go," she whispered, not moving.
"You held me all night, Ms. Montgomery. Don't I deserve compensation?" His voice was deep and rough.
Isabella flushed. Held him? Touched him?
Impossible.
"I sleep like the dead when drunk. I wouldn't do that—stop making things up!"
"Seems I need to refresh your memory. How you used my arm as your pillow..." Each word made her feel guiltier.
Despite her protests, the evidence was on his clothes.
No.7
"Enough! Just tell me what you want!"
Nathaniel's lips curved. "Kiss me."
Kiss him?
Her eyelids twitched. "Nathaniel, that's too much!"
I owe him for touching him, but...a kiss?
"Do you know how much trouble you caused today? Or should I show you?" His voice dropped lower.
She understood his meaning.
"Fine. But you forget this ever happened. Tell no one."
"Agreed." He smirked, waiting patiently.