Chapter 338
I couldn’t care less about the criticisms and doubts of others. I was only concerned about my reputation in the business world.
If Chloe’s death had a negative impact on my company, I absolutely couldn’t accept that.
Today, everyone who should have been there was present. I just needed to publicly present the evidence and put those chaotic rumors on the internet to rest.
The day Chloe came to find me, there was surveillance throughout the company. Even the conversation was clear. It could have been proven that it was Chloe who insisted on inviting me to dinner, saying it was to thank me for saving her.
Once that was confirmed, the other rumors were just a bunch of hogwash.
“I’m sorry to take up everyone’s precious time today. But to prevent things from getting worse or the truth from being covered up, I have to do this,” With a signal from Jessica, I calmly explained to everyone, “Also to avoid some people maliciously framing me and deliberately using this incident to tarnish my reputation.”
I glanced at Kate, and everyone naturally understood. When I first arrived, I was loudly questioned by Kate; someone must have heard.
Kate looked bad but still stayed calm. She seemed not to care about what others thought of her.
In contrast, Bonnie next to her cared more about her dignity than Kate. Her eyes were somewhat evasive.
Then in Rosemont, I had gradually gained some standing. After all, I successfully maintained the family company, earning some
people’s praise. So, as soon as I finished speaking, people started clapping, showing their support for me.”
My goal tonight was simple, which was to not affect the company. Since the target had been achieved, I did not want to waste any more time. The cocktail party just ended and I was ready to leave.
“Irene Finch!” Just as I walked into the elevator, Kate stopped me. Gloria and Bonnie followed behind her. The three of them walked in together.
Suddenly being squeezed into a small space with three annoying people really sucked.
Frowning, I just quietly looked at the number display in the elevator. Thankfully, those three didn’t say anything in the elevator. Otherwise, I would have really been annoyed to death.
If it was only temporary discomfort, I could accept it. But Kate, in order to please Gloria and Bonnie and prove her loyalty, tripped me on purpose as I was leaving the elevator. My high heels got stuck in the gap of the elevator door, and I fell in the elevator.
Fortunately, the hotel staff reacted swiftly, came over to handle the situation, and helped me up. Otherwise if the elevator malfunctioned, it would have been a real headache.
Kate’s action made me lose the last bit of patience I had for her. I took off the broken high heels, threw them into the trash can, and chased after them barefoot.
“Slap!” I slapped Kate without hesitation. She was stunned on the spot.
“Irene, what are you doing? How dare you hit someone?!” Bonnie immediately stepped up to accuse me.
People coming in and out of the hotel couldn’t help but take a second look at us.
Gloria also shielded Kate behind her. For a moment, it seemed that a glint of joy flashed across Kate’s face.
“I’m calling the police.” Kate’s emotions were not as excited as Bonnie’s, but her words were sharper.
“Good, I’ll call the police right now. Let’s see how they handle you!” Bonnie took out her phone, her face full of anger. She was outraged at my hitting Kate.
I sneered, “Are you sure about that?”
Bonnie paused, “What’s there to be unsure about? She’s like my sister. You think I’ll let you treat her like this?”
The friendship between those two was really deep. If I didn’t see the content on the USB Malinda gave me, I would have really thought their relationship was good.
The file I sent to Neil earlier was still on my phone. I found an important part, played it with a smirk, and asked them, “Really?”
Soon, Kate’s voice came from inside, “My mom doesn’t even like me. I don’t understand why I, her own daughter, can’t even compare to that morally corrupt ‘substitute’. Karina has been dead for so many years. Now another annoying Bonnie shows up. She’s just disgusting! She’s just lucky that she looks like Karina; one day my mom will realize that her own daughter is better.”
Then it was Bonnie’s voice.
“Kate is just a poor thing. Sometimes I really feel sorry for her. Her own mom doesn’t even treat her as well as she treats me. That’s her fate.
Don’t tell her that I kind of hate her. My mom clearly doesn’t like her. Why doesn’t she just go work abroad?
Malinda, can you occasionally egg Kate on and get her to leave here?”
All those were voice recordings that Malinda secretly made. I watched with satisfaction as the three of them reacted. This feeling of them about to turn on each other made me feel really good.
The scene became very quiet. I chuckled and headed straight for the car nearby.
A clear slap sound came from behind, then Kate’s crying. I knew Gloria must have chosen to protect Bonnie.
Kate was indeed pitiful, but she shouldn’t have messed with me. Otherwise, she could have continued living her life.
I drove home in a good mood, then had my PR people directly publish the evidence, letting those netizens who don’t know the truth know what’s really going on. I’m very grateful that Chloe came to find me at the company that day; otherwise, there might not have been any evidence.
“Ms. Finch, are you alright?” Hannah hadn’t gone to sleep. She poured me a glass of water and asked me.
“I’m fine.” I took the glass of water and shook my head with a smile.
Then I saw the familiar smile on her face, “Ms. Finch, who lives next door? I think I saw the lights in the house next door on just now, but then they went out. It’s not a burglary, is it?”
I almost spat out my water. What did she mean?
Hannah continued worriedly, “Ms. Finch, what if the neighbor’s house really was burglarized? Shouldn’t we help them call the police?”
“No need. It should be fine.” I put down the glass of water, trying to hide my embarrassment.
Hannah still insisted, “Ms. Finch, you should go check it out. I have a bad feeling about this. Consider it helping a neighbor.”
I was pretty sure Neil was right next door, but Hannah kept insisting that I check on him, making me wonder if she knew something and was trying to play cupid.
“Got it, you go rest up. I’ll check on him if I get a moment,” I casually replied to Hannah.
Seeing my agreement, Hannah’s smile lit up even more. She nodded and then went upstairs to rest.
After finishing my water alone, I started to feel nervous. I thought, “Should I just go to bed or check if Neil is next door?”
The day’s events had me wanting to hash things out with him and hear his thoughts.
But I was somewhat resistant to making the first move. In theory, he should be the one chasing after me, hoping for a reconciliation. But I couldn’t seem to let go of my pride and take the initiative.
Just as I was in two minds, my phone started to ring. It was Neil calling.
