Chapter 112
Viola played with her breakfast, showing no interest in finishing the meal. She had only eaten half and refused to continue, which made Clara and the other maids concerned.
“Viola,” Clara called softly.
Viola looked up, noticing the concerned expression on Clara’s face.
“Why aren’t you eating, dear?”
“I’m full.”
“Just try to eat a little more. Your father will be down soon, and he won’t be happy to see you haven’t finished,” Clara encouraged, unaware that Alexander had just entered the dining room.
“Leave her be, Clara,” Alexander’s voice broke the silence, causing Clara to look up quickly.
Clara and the other maids immediately bowed their heads in greeting. Alexander acknowledged them with a nod before approaching his daughter. He bent down to her level, gently touching her dark hair. “Good morning, my sweet princess.”
“Good morning, Daddy.”
He kissed her forehead and looked into her eyes. “What’s troubling you?”
“I miss Mommy,” she said with a pout.
“She’ll be back before you know it,” he reassured her.
“You promised I could talk to her.”
“And you will. But right now, Daddy has to go to work, and you need to get ready for your home lesson. Your teacher will be here soon.”
“When can I talk to Mommy?”
Alexander ran a hand through his hair, searching for a quick response. “You can talk to Mommy later this afternoon, okay?”
Viola’s face lit up with a smile. “Really?”
“Yes.”
“What time will she call?”
“Anytime between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.”
“Okay, Daddy. Now I can talk to Mommy,” she said happily and resumed eating her food.
Alexander watched her with a smile, pleased to see her eating again. After bidding her farewell, he left for work.
Upon arriving at the company, he noticed a crowd of reporters near the entrance. As soon as they spotted his car, they rushed toward it, trying to get his attention through the closed windows.
“Should I take the underground garage?” the driver asked.
“Yes,” Alexander responded.
The chauffeur drove into the underground garage, but the reporters chased after the car until security stopped them from entering the garage. The reporters waited outside, shouting his name as he exited the car.
“Mr. Kane!”
“Mr. Alexander Kane!”
“Could you tell us why you let your wife go to jail when you could have easily prevented it? Do you believe she’s guilty?”
Alexander walked toward the elevator without acknowledging the reporters. Once inside, he clenched his fists, frustrated. If Lilly had followed his plan, the public would have criticized them, but now, even with her plan, they still questioned his care for her.
“People are truly unpredictable,” he muttered to himself.
The reporters knew he wouldn’t respond, but they still hoped for a reaction.
“Though the public wanted her jailed for the demolition, they were shocked that the powerful Alexander Kane, who could have easily prevented it, allowed it to happen. People are starting to doubt his love for his wife,” a news reporter said during a live broadcast.
Ariana sipped her coffee as she watched the news, feeling pleased. Everything was going according to her plan, and she was eager to take the next step.
“Emily!” she called out to her assistant, who hurried into the office.
“Yes, ma’am?” Emily responded, her heart racing. She couldn’t understand why Ariana insisted on calling her loudly instead of using the phone.
Ariana looked her up and down. “Now that Lilly is in jail, I’m the only one left to handle the project with the Blakes. Call the media and arrange a press conference in three hours at the Blake headquarters. I’ll be addressing the situation with Lilly and our contract.”
Emily had no idea what her boss was planning, but she nodded obediently. “Right away, ma’am.”
Ariana dismissed her with a wave, and three hours later, a large crowd of reporters had gathered outside the Blake headquarters. Employees and security personnel were puzzled by the media presence, especially since both the CEO and Chairman were absent. While they were trying to figure out what was happening, a luxury BMW pulled up, and Ariana stepped out, exuding professionalism.
The reporters, knowing why they were there, immediately swarmed around her. Ariana acted surprised, as if she hadn’t expected them.
“Miss Martins!” they called out.
“Miss Ariana Martins!”
Several reporters tried to get her attention.
“What are your thoughts on Mrs. Kane’s current situation?”
Ariana placed a hand over her heart, feigning sadness. “First, let’s have a moment of silence for those who lost their lives in the demolition,” she said with a somber tone, bowing her head.
The reporters and even the viewers of the live broadcast followed suit, bowing their heads in silence. This simple act increased public sympathy for Ariana and fueled the anger against Lilly.
After a few moments, Ariana looked up, her eyes glistening with tears, which touched the reporters and viewers alike.
“I’m sorry for being emotional,” she said, her voice breaking. “It’s heartbreaking to think of those innocent lives lost, buried under the rubble. Who could have done such a terrible thing?”
The employees were shocked by her words, realizing that she was subtly stoking the fire.
“She’s so manipulative,” one employee muttered angrily.
“Miss Martins, are you implying that Mrs. Kane is responsible for the demolition? Aren’t you two close?” another reporter asked.
Ariana wiped away her tears. “Lilly Blake and I are very close.”
Everyone, including the employees, was stunned to hear her use Lilly’s maiden name instead of her married name, knowing how fiercely Alexander defended his wife’s name.
“I have an ongoing project with the Blake company, so I’m also indirectly affected by what’s happening. The company’s stock is plummeting, and I just hope those responsible are brought to justice so things can return to normal.”
“Are you going to dissolve your contract with them or wait until this is over, given that many other companies have already pulled out?” a reporter asked.
Ariana shook her head. “As I said, Lilly and I are close, so I won’t jeopardize our relationship because of this. I value family and friendship deeply. Therefore, I, Ariana Martins III, will oversee our project with the Blake empire until my dear friend Lilly returns.”
This statement won her even more public approval, causing the stock of Martins’ company to surge.
In a high-end hotel, Sarah clenched her fists, seething with anger. “That vile woman, she’s such a fraud! I could kill her!” she shouted.
“Calm down, love. Think of the baby. The doctor said you shouldn’t get upset,” Anthony said, trying to soothe her with a gentle massage.
Instead of calming her, his words only fueled her rage. “Don’t tell me to calm down! Not when Lilly is in jail because of that lunatic!” Sarah pointed at Ariana’s image on the TV.
“I don’t understand why Lilly would choose to go to jail!” Sarah fumed, unable to comprehend her friend’s decision.
“Calm down. I’m sure Alexander and Lilly have a plan. You know them better than anyone.”
“What kind of plan involves her going to jail?!”
“Let’s wait and see,” Anthony suggested.
“But—”
“Enough! End of discussion,” Anthony said firmly. He was loving but could be strict when necessary.
Sarah fell silent, deciding to vent her frustration to Jacob later since Anthony was losing patience.
Meanwhile, Lilly watched Ariana’s interview from her cell with a smile. “Oh, Ariana, you’re such a good actress. Enjoy your moment in the spotlight while it lasts,” she thought to herself.
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