Chapter 6
+ 5 Points
Chapter 6
“Isn’t it a joke? My daughter, the heiress of the prestigious Riley Group would bow down for a mere twenty million?”
My father’s voice boomed from behind me.
“Sally, don’t worry; I’m here to back you up.”
“Dad, I want to handle this myself.”
As I spoke, I dialed the private investigator’s number.
In just half a month, the investigator had uncovered everything about Celia. It turned out that after her whirlwind marriage, she discovered her husband had bipolar disorder and often resorted to violence against her. She had sought help from Howard, but he
1/11
Chapter 6
+ 5 Points
didn’t respond.
Ultimately, she switched her ex–husband’s medication, forcing him to have an episode that led to him injuring himself, which landed him in jail. That was how she managed to escape back to her home country.
Upon returning, she was approached by the CEO of Howard’s competitor, who wanted to use her to take him down. Her supposed mental illness was nothing more than a forged medical record, fabricated after her return. She attempted to blame all her wrongdoings on her “condition.”
I decided I wouldn’t remain silent any longer. I quickly contacted the media; I was going to hold a press conference to reveal the whole truth.
At the conference, facing countless flashing
2/11
Chapter 6
+ 5 Points
cameras and the eager eyes of reporters, I took a deep breath and began my statement.
“First, I want to thank the media for being here today. Recently, there have been numerous false reports and rumors about me. I believe that facts speak louder than words, so please watch a few unedited video clips.”
The video began with my assistant changing the pages of the documents I had just signed and meticulously reapplying the seal.
I glanced at my assistant in the audience; he probably didn’t expect that I had captured evidence of his crime despite the surveillance being turned off.
“Alex, my desk computer has 24–hour monitoring!”
3/11
Chapter 6
+ 5 Points
His face drained of color.
“Ms. Riley, I was coerced! It was Celia who instructed me…”
I ignored his explanations, signaling for the security to take him away.
The crowd below erupted in a frenzy.
“So Salena was wronged all along.”
“Celia, Howard’s ex–girlfriend, was behind this!”
I smiled silently and continued to play the video.
The second clip showed Howard’s competitor meeting with Celia in a café booth.
4/11
Chapter 6
+ 5 Points
“Now Howard is done for. Just let that
twenty million transfer through that woman’s account, and it’s yours.”
Next, Celia snuggled against the man.
The reporters were already hooked.
“Ms. Riley, what are your thoughts on Celia’s allegations that she was manipulated to frame you?”
“Do you have any additional evidence?”
I nodded and was about to speak when a sharp female voice interrupted.
“She’s lying! The twenty million has already been transferred to her account; the screenshot evidence was released at the Caldwell Group’s press conference.”
5/11
Chapter 6
+5 Points
Everyone turned to see Celia herself had arrived.
“Listen up, everyone, don’t be fooled by this woman! She’s trying to slander me, and I’m going to sue her for defamation.””
After speaking, Celia provocatively glared at
- me.
“Ms. Riley, can you respond to Ms. Barnett’s accusations?”
The tense atmosphere had the journalists eagerly snapping photos.
I looked coldly at Celia.
“One can lack knowledge but one must have common sense.”
I displayed the transfer screenshot
6/11
Chapter 6
+ 5 Points
alongside the withdrawal notice from 23 hours later.
“As you all know, money transfers can be scheduled. Within 24 hours, they can be canceled without condition.”
“Ms. Barnett, can you explain why the screenshot you provided shows a successful transfer rather than a bank or payment platform’s receipt?”
The reporter’s microphone was aimed at Celia again.
“Ms. Barnett, please explain this.”
“Are you deliberately framing Ms. Riley?”
Celia’s face turned pale instantly, clutching her chest as if she might faint at any
moment.
7/11
Chapter 6
+ 5 Points
Howard rushed through the crowd, catching her.
“Salena, did you really have to make such a big scene?”
“Don’t you know Celia is a patient? Even if she’s wrong, do you really need to hold it against someone who’s already struggling?”
Clearly, despite knowing the truth, Howard still chose to defend her.
This decisive new business elite was being manipulated by such a woman.
This was the man I once loved, now so blind
and foolish.
I could only smile helplessly.
8/11
Chapter 6
+ 5 Points
“Howard, you keep insisting that Celia is a patient, but have you ever thought about the fact that I’m a victim too?”
“If I don’t stand up and clarify this, I’ll be burdened with these baseless accusations. My career and family will be destroyed. Have you considered the consequences for me?”
Howard fell silent for a moment.
“Sally, I admit I didn’t handle this matter properly. I didn’t investigate thoroughly and made a rash decision. I apologize.”
“But I implore you, for Celia’s sake, let’s put an end to this today, okay?”
I let out a cold laugh.
“Celia doesn’t have any mental illness. The doctor who helped her forge her medical
9/11
Chapter 6
+ 5 Points
records is right here”
With that, the doctor stepped forward, admitting he had falsified Celia’s mental health diagnosis.
“But they threatened my child’s life, and I had no choice.”
Flashes from cameras erupted around us.
“Howard, did you hear that?”
I locked eyes with him, devoid of any emotion.
Celia’s lies lay completely exposed, her body swaying as if she might collapse at any moment, still attempting to explain herself.
In a fit of rage, Howard seized her by the throat.
10/11
Chapter 6
* × 5 Painti
“Celia, I can’t believe I was so blind, choosing to trust you, a venomous viper, over my own wife.”
Celia’s face turned an ashen shade.
“No, Howie, you have to listen to me! I was forced into this. I-”
Before she could finish, the police arrived.
For spreading falsehoods, threatening lives, and inciting criminal activity… Celia, get ready to enjoy your time behind bars!
