Chapter 186 Scandal Breaks Out, Rebecca Embarrassed in Public
Cecilia sat in her office, watching the Starlight Group's press conference.
It was probably the biggest press event in years. Every media outlet in Serenovia City was there. The place was packed with staff, reporters, and countless fans drawn by Wendy's popularity.
The launch was outdoors, and the atmosphere was electric.
Wendy was on stage, singing and dancing energetically, making the scene even more lively.
Cecilia watched the live stream online, her face still somber.
The Starlight Group had gone all out for this launch, making a strong first impression. The person in charge gave a sincere and convincing speech, emphasizing that this was their first big move into the commercial market. They were investing heavily because they aimed for success.
Their determination made businesses more optimistic about the Starlight Group.
Even Cecilia had to admit she trusted them more now.
With such a big investment in creating a commercial district, the Starlight Group would find ways to make it work. Knowing Rebecca's competitive nature, Cecilia didn't doubt that Starlight Mall would outshine the Tower of Light.
The Tower of Light had missed its best chance. Regaining the upper hand now seemed nearly impossible.
Facing a strong competitor like the Starlight Group, even the most capable could end up defeated.
Cecilia focused intently on the press conference, staying calm.
Rose, on the other hand, was clearly unsettled.
"This launch is getting a lot of buzz," she reminded.
Cecilia nodded, still unmoved.
Rose continued, "Wendy's fans are rallying to support the opening of Starlight Mall. In no time, 5,000 people have joined in, and the number keeps growing."
Cecilia remained calm.
Rose watched Cecilia for a long time, finding her calmness strange.
But Cecilia always managed to surprise, like that night.
When Cecilia first said she wanted to sign Harmony Threads, Rose didn't think she'd succeed, especially not in the way she did. She had thought Cecilia was a bit too arrogant.
But today's situation was different.
Rose doubted anything could turn it around now.
'Could Cecilia possibly reveal some shocking identity to crush Rebecca?' she wondered.
Even if Cecilia did, it wouldn't help now.
The Starlight Group's press conference was a huge success.
Even securing Harmony Threads didn't mean they could compete with Starlight Mall.
Rose thought, 'Maybe the stronger a person is, the tougher their opponents become.'
She focused all her attention on the press conference on the tablet.
Rose stood in front of Cecilia, occasionally giving updates, even though Cecilia didn't react.
As the press conference was wrapping up, a reporter suddenly shouted, "There's news that Wendy's been having an affair with a married man, David. Is this true?"
The crowd was stunned. Everyone quickly checked their phones and saw the trending story. There were photos and a video of Wendy and David together, leaving no room for denial.
Rebecca, on-site, quickly checked her phone. Her face changed immediately when she saw the news. The media captured her reaction with high-definition cameras.
The reporters, eager to escalate the situation, fired more questions.
"Ms. Adams, what do you think about Wendy's scandal?"
"Wendy, are you really having an affair with David? Are the videos and photos real? How long has this been going on?"
"Previously, you denied being intimate with David, saying you were just employer and employee. Now it's proven you were lying. Wendy, as a top-tier actress, don't you feel ashamed?"
"Wendy, please answer directly."
"Ms. Adams, you spent $100 million to hire Wendy as your spokesperson. Now that her image is ruined, how will you handle it?"
"Ms. Adams, it's rumored you have a grudge against Cecilia from the Lockhart Group. Is your commercial district project aimed at competing with Cecilia's Tower of Light? Do you feel uncomfortable about this?"
The questions got sharper, and Rebecca's face grew darker. All she could think about was how Wendy's scandal would impact her project.
Spokespersons were crucial. The right one could make a brand, but the wrong one could break it.
Rebecca had been feeling overshadowed by Cecilia lately. Today had finally gone smoothly, but now this scandal ruined everything.
"Ms. Adams, I..." Wendy, sitting next to Rebecca, tried to speak. They had always appeared close, often whispering and smiling, which helped with publicity.
At that moment, Rebecca wanted to slap Wendy. She had spent $100 million, setting a record for the highest endorsement fee, only to become a joke.
Thinking about how many people were probably laughing at her, Rebecca's suppressed emotions exploded. She slapped Wendy hard in the face in front of everyone, her hideous and vicious expressions fully revealed as she lost control.