Chapter 38:
Monica picked up the phone and saw that someone had exposed the divorce between Alicia and Joshua.
She read through numerous comments filled with negativity. People were accusing Alicia of using underhanded methods to save the marriage and framing Lilliana.
Baseless rumors began to circulate. These rumors claimed that Lilliana purchased songs because Alicia manipulated her into doing so.
Chat logs were released to the public. In these logs, Alicia portrayed herself as a pitiful and helpless housewife. She seemed to be trying to gain sympathy from Lilliana and convince her to buy songs.
Lilliana agreed to pay Alicia and promised to support her in her career.
However, Alicia refused the offer.
At first, it appeared that Alicia wanted to stay out of the public eye. In reality, she was setting up Lilliana.
With this so-called evidence, netizens became furious. They hurled harsh insults at Alicia, calling her a scheming and manipulative woman. The language used was so vile that it was unbearable to read.
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Lennon let out a sigh and said, “Alicia is a good-hearted girl, but she’s far too impulsive. She focused on making a big splash without thinking about the fallout. Lilliana dares to have someone lip-sync because she has the Green family backing her. What was Alicia thinking, challenging Lilliana over a man?”
Monica’s eyes flashed with fury. “Challenging Lilliana over a man? That worthless piece of trash isn’t even worth mentioning. Alicia agreed to write songs to earn a living. If she wanted to compete, she’d choose someone who actually deserves it. What talents does Lilliana even have to her name?”
“Young ladies shouldn’t speak so crudely,” Lennon said.
Monica’s voice grew even louder. “I haven’t even started on Lilliana. She knew that jerk was already taken and still got herself pregnant before marriage. If I see her on the street, I’ll make sure she regrets it!”
Lennon swiftly placed a hand over her mouth. “Monica, please stop talking!”
He realized he couldn’t offer any help with the situation and was wary of getting involved. However, back when the Bennett family was flourishing, the Flynn and Bennett families had a strong relationship. Remembering this, he decided to prepare some financial assistance for Alicia.
Alicia managed to overhear most of their heated argument.
She declined the money that Lennon offered and apologized sincerely.
She realized she hadn’t been keeping up with entertainment news lately and hadn’t noticed how dangerous her situation had become.
Because of that, she figured she couldn’t bring trouble to others.
Anger surged within Monica as she walked with Alicia to the door. “We should call the police, Alicia. We can’t just ignore this,” she said.
Alicia pressed her lips together and gently shook her head.
“Involving the police won’t help,” she replied.
After all, no one would dare oppose the Green family for someone like her.
Alicia didn’t want Monica dragged into her problems. She was determined to keep Monica out of it.
For that to happen, she had to carefully consider her next move.
At the Green family estate, Lilliana rested during her pregnancy in the wake of the scandal.
She scrolled through her phone, taking pleasure in the spiteful comments aimed at Alicia. The harsher the words, the more satisfied she became.
Still not content, Lilliana turned to her assistant. “Didn’t Alicia’s parents die tragically? Get someone to spread that information. I want to see how my fans will react.”
The assistant hesitantly asked, “Isn’t it going too far to involve her deceased parents?”
Lilliana’s expression hardened. “Why should it matter if they’re gone? They raised a daughter like her, so they deserve every insult. Alicia brought this upon herself!”
The assistant remained uneasy. “But Mrs. Bennett did a lot of charity work. If people find out, it could backfire.”
Her attempt to caution Lilliana only seemed to fuel her anger even more.
“Who do you think you’re working for?” Lilliana snapped. She grabbed a cup and hurled it at the assistant, commanding, “Just follow my orders and stop arguing!”
The assistant cried out in pain. She clutched her chest and stepped back, her face flushing with humiliation. “I understand. I’ll inform Stacey,” she whispered.
Stacey Cullen acted as the agent managing Lilliana. She was orchestrating the online smear campaign.
The assistant opened the door and bumped into Joshua. He saw the tears on her face.
“Is everything alright?” he asked casually.
Lilliana overheard and looked over. Her eyes narrowed sharply.
The assistant knew how volatile Lilliana could be. She didn’t dare reveal the truth. “I’m fine, Mr. Yates,” she said before making her exit.
Joshua entered the room carrying a bowl of fruit.
“Lilliana, the doctor advised you to avoid stress during your pregnancy,” he reminded her.
Lilliana sneered. “Are you pitying her just because she cried?”
Joshua looked down, trying to stay calm. “Why must you be jealous about everything? I was simply asking.” He picked up a piece of fruit from the bowl and offered it to her.
Lilliana refused to accept it.
She clung to Joshua and pouted. “I’m tired of eating the same food every day. Honey, I want some dessert. Go and get it for me.”
Joshua felt utterly exhausted. He had no desire left to move.
“I’ll order delivery,” he suggested.
“No, I want you to get it yourself!” Lilliana shook his arm. “If you won’t, it means you don’t love me.”
Even after seeing her beautiful face, Joshua felt no affection for her.
He was completely drained. Right now, he felt like a machine operating without rest.
For some reason, he was starting to feel disgusted by this beautiful, scornful vixen of a woman.
“Fine, I’ll go get it,” he agreed, finally giving in. After investing so much in her, he felt he had no choice but to yield again. “Rest up. I’ll be back soon.”
Lilliana leaned in and kissed him.
He returned the kiss, then stood up to leave.
At the doorway, he wiped lipstick from his mouth and made a call.
“Has Alicia come to the office to see me?” he asked.