Chapter 317 Ruin Her Reputation
Adeline paused. "Mr. Foster, want some coffee?"
Jasper's voice was cold. "I'll pass. You made it clear you don't need my help with personal stuff."
"I'm here because Ryan's men tracked Thomas all day, and tonight was the result."
"From now on, I'm strictly professional."
Jasper hung up.
Adeline watched the black Maserati speed away from the balcony, feeling confused by his anger.
She'd revealed Stella's true identity as Evelyn that morning, but he didn't believe her and threatened to withdraw support if she kept defending Evelyn.
Her outburst to Ryan, saying she didn't need Jasper's help beyond work, clearly hit a nerve.
Adeline smiled bitterly as the car vanished.
Jasper had treated her poorly many times, yet she tolerated it for peace. One sharp retort from her, and he held a grudge, his help with Thomas now cold and distant.
She stayed on the balcony as the night grew colder, then wrapped herself in her arms and went back to her bedroom.
A message from Ryan awaited her, with a photo of Thomas, hands bound.
"Mr. Foster wants him committed to the same psychiatric hospital, replacing Mia."
Adeline's lips tightened. She sent Ryan a hundred dollars. "Buy him a coffee from me."
She refused to owe Jasper anything.
Meanwhile, on the road from Willowcrest Terrace, Ryan handed his phone to Jasper.
Jasper glanced at the screen, his expression hardening. "I deploy my best men for her, and she thinks a coffee settles it?"
He saw a coffee shop. "Pull over."
Ryan was puzzled. "Where to, sir?"
"To buy coffee," Jasper said.
Ryan realized and quickly parked, heading into the shop.
Ten minutes later, he returned with two coffees, handing one to Jasper, who was scrolling through messages.
"The city's buzzing about Ava's press conference tomorrow," Ryan said.
"Public sentiment is in her favor. Even business leaders support her..."
"Won't it be tough for Adeline to attend the press conference?"
Jasper sipped his coffee, expression unreadable. "I said I wouldn't involve myself in her affairs."
He paused, a slight smile. "But this coffee is good."
Early the next morning, Adeline's phone rang insistently. It was Violet.
"Adeline, are you crazy?" Violet's voice was frantic. "You can't go to that press conference!"
"Ava's story blew up. Everyone knows. I joined a support group for her, and people are talking about throwing rotten eggs and vegetables."
"You can't go, Adeline. It's too dangerous!"
Adeline, still groggy, yawned. "It's fine, Violet."
"This is serious, Adeline! You can't be impulsive!"
"I thought Jasper would intervene. I even called him."
"But he said this wasn't his concern, then hung up!"
"He can't expect you to focus on work with all this."
Adeline smiled at Violet's loyalty. "It's alright, Violet. I know you're worried."
"I have a plan."
After reassuring Violet, Adeline hung up and yawned, heading to the bathroom to brush her teeth.
While brushing her teeth, Adeline scrolled through the day's news on her phone. The Quinn family's media company had gone all out to amplify Ava's story. Almost every major news outlet in Radiance Springs was covering the dispute between her and Ava, two relatively unknown figures. Stella was determined to ruin her reputation.
Adeline's lips curled into a cold smile. She picked up her phone and dialed Sebastian's number.
At ten that morning, the sports arena in downtown Radiance Springs was buzzing. A large banner reading "Justice for Ava, Fight Against Evil Forces" hung above the entrance. Reporters jostled for position, typing furiously as they prepared their questions.
In a secluded corner, Adeline, wearing a mask and hat, sat beside Sebastian, who was similarly disguised. Both had press credentials, so no one questioned their presence. They took notes, their demeanor professional and discreet.
On stage, the host recounted Ava's harrowing experience over the past few days. The audience, a mix of reporters, volunteers, and concerned citizens, held signs that read "Support Ava, Fight Against Evil Forces."
"Now that everyone is up to speed," the host announced, "let's welcome today's guest of honor, the inspiring Ava Lopez!"
Ava, in a wheelchair, was wheeled onto the stage by a volunteer. Her face was pale, bruises still visible beneath her makeup. She leaned towards the microphone, her voice weak and trembling.
"Hello, everyone. Thank you for coming to my press conference. Although I may look presentable, I am not a celebrity or an influencer. The reason I am here today is to expose a woman who has used her connections and power to oppress others. Her name is Adeline Wilson."
"That's outrageous!" Sebastian muttered.
Adeline placed a calming hand on his arm, her expression unreadable.
The reporters, now fully engaged, began peppering Ava with questions.
"Ms. Lopez, can you describe the events of that night in detail?" one reporter asked.
Ava dabbed at her eyes with a tissue, her voice thick with emotion. "It was my first day working with my colleagues. Adeline didn't want to have dinner with us, but one of my colleagues, a young and naive girl, insisted she treat us. Reluctantly, she agreed. During dinner, she excused herself to use the restroom but didn't return for a long time. Concerned, I went to look for her and overheard her arguing with Mrs. Carter. Mrs. Carter was accusing her of sleeping around."
Ava broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. "I couldn't believe it at first. Adeline had always seemed so kind and gentle. But she became incredibly aggressive, threatening to silence Mrs. Carter permanently if she didn't stop talking. I was terrified," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I accidentally made a noise, and Adeline saw me. She grabbed me by the throat and told me I was fired. She threatened to kill me if I ever breathed a word of what I'd seen and heard that night."
A collective gasp rippled through the room. Reporters whispered amongst themselves, exchanging shocked glances. They couldn't believe that someone like Adeline, known for her beauty and talent, could be capable of such cruelty and intimidation.
Ava continued, her voice thick with tears. "She was powerful and influential, and I felt powerless to stop her. I confided in some colleagues in our work group chat, seeking solace and advice. That night, she sent people to my apartment. They beat me and forced me to eat garbage from the trash. I couldn't bear the humiliation and called the police. But even though they knew Adeline was behind it, they claimed they didn't have enough evidence to arrest her. Her arrogance only grew. I knew I couldn't win against her," she cried. "So the next day, I went to her office and begged for her forgiveness. But she refused to relent. She told me she had to get rid of me. I had no choice," she sobbed. "I had to jump."
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