Her connections with Cathy, Mark, and Edwin had exploded across national headlines. The media showcased old campus photos of Mark and Cathy and delved into Mark’s previous relationship with Cecilia.
The reports were sensationalized, casting Laura in a harsh light as a malevolent mistress’ illegitimate daughter who managed to win Edwin’s affection.
Without hesitation, Alexis called Edwin, her voice filled with concern.
“What’s going on?”
Edwin’s tense voice came through, clearly in the midst of managing the crisis. Despite the strong backgrounds of the Fowler and Evans families, such a scandal was not easily suppressed.
His voice was low and hoarse, hinting at the weight of the crisis.
ninjanovel.com
“Alexis, I need to keep an eye on the Smiths.”
Alexis’ tone was direct and to the point.
“I’ll keep an eye on the media for you. Edwin, you need to think beyond just yourself and Laura. Get your father and mine involved. Our best bet is to persuade Vanessa to publicly retract her statements and apologize.
Claiming it was all fabricated is the only way to minimize the harm to Laura.”
Edwin’s bitter laughter was a tacit admission of her correct assessment.
Alexis, not one to mince words, bluntly remarked, “Of course, it had to be Vanessa Smith you have made upset! But there’s no use blaming you now. Just make sure Laura is comforted properly. She’s such a fragile soul.”
After Edwin acknowledged her advice, she ended the call and promptly assembled a formidable legal team of twelve lawyers.
They stood ready to take action against the Smiths and any media outlets that had spread the scandalous story.
Determined to mitigate the situation, Alexis reached out to Vanessa, but found her unyielding and unwilling to back down.
Lowering her voice, Alexis tried to reason with her.
“Vanessa, while Edwin bears some fault, the main responsibility is still yours. We have to think about our families’ reputations and futures. If you need to vent out your anger, confront Edwin directly. Our families won’t even intervene. But don’t take it out on Laura. She’s innocent in all of this. Why target her so viciously?”
Alexis knew the real victim in this escalating scandal was — Laura.
The reputations of the Evans and Fowler families might seem at stake, but ultimately, they wouldn’t suffer significant damage.
Vanessa’s goal seemed to be to break up Edwin and Laura so she could marry him herself, but she failed to understand Edwin’s true nature.
He cared little for public opinion, focusing only on his loved ones, which would only strengthen his resolve to protect Laura.
The influence of the Smith family was indeed considerable in Duefron, but against a united front from the Evans and Fowler families, they could still face significant opposition. The outcome hinged on the decisions of the elder family members.
After a lengthy silence, Vanessa finally responded in a low, defeated tone, “I can’t turn back now! I love him!”
And with those words, the call ended abruptly.