Chapter 5 - The Morning AfterThe next morning, news outlets were flooded with sensational headlines. Victoria had leaked a twisted version of the story to the tabloids, claiming she was assaulted by Hawthorne Mansion staff and wrongfully terminated over a minor misunderstanding.
Inside the mansion's breakfast room, Sarah looked anxiously at the morning newspaper. "Sir, they are writing horrible things about you and Mrs. Eleanor."
Alexander didn't even look up from his tablet. He took a slow sip of black coffee. "Lies burn brightly, Sarah, but they turn to ash just as fast. Let her play her hand."
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He set his cup down and looked at Sarah directly. "Starting today, your duties as a housemaid are officially over."
Sarah’s heart dropped. "Sir...? Am I being dismissed?"
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Chapter 6 - A New RoleEleanor chuckled softly from her wheelchair at the end of the table. "Oh, my dear child, no. You are being promoted."
Chapter 7 - The Poisoned PenVictoria’s media campaign reached a boiling point three days later. She held a live press conference in front of the city's main financial center, posing as a victim of corporate bullying.
Chapter 8 - The Unveiling of the TruthAt 2:00 PM that afternoon, the Hawthorne Corporation held its own emergency press conference. Hundreds of journalists crammed into the auditorium, expecting Alexander to offer a formal apology or a quiet settlement.
Chapter 9 - The ReversalThe atmosphere in the room flipped in a single second. The journalists gasped, their cameras flashing rapidly as they captured the undeniable proof of Victoria’s arrogance and cruelty.
Chapter 10 - Shadows at the GateDespite her public ruin, Victoria refused to accept defeat. Driven by humiliation and hatred, she sought out someone who shared her bitterness: Richard Hawthorne, Alexander’s estranged cousin who had been cast out of the family years ago for embezzlement.
Chapter 11 - The Gala InvitationA week later, the annual City Charity Gala was held at the Grand Hotel. It was an event where the city's most influential figures gathered.
