Chapter 08 Threat

The interview had been a resounding success because of the last-minute changes I made to the questions—revealing details even insiders hadn't known.

As the program wrapped up, the live audience numbers had shattered the ten-million mark.

It was the first time anyone had unearthed the hidden past of the power holder at Xavier Luxury Group. Excitement was palpable throughout the studio.

Backstage, Daisy clapped me on the shoulder, "Only a real journalist could come up with on-the-spot questions that sharp. They left no room for evasion."

I turned to respond, only to see Lucas and Nicole approaching.

Daisy's voice trailed off into silence.

With a nonchalant glance, Lucas asked, "Did you prepare today's questions?"

I nodded.

Nicole's comment was barbed with condescension, "Reporter Thompson, you have a knack for hitting sore spots.

But let me remind you to maintain some level of professional decency and not aspire to things beyond your reach."

I remained silent, turning back to Lucas.

His expression was stern as he simply stated, "You've proven yourself quite capable, Reporter Thompson. You'll continue to liaise with our company on media affairs."

Nicole's gaze snapped to me. Fear and animosity poorly concealed in her eyes.

In a secluded corner, with a look mixed with warning and disgust, she cornered me. " Madeline Thompson, aren't you insatiable?"

"You took money from me before. What are you doing back here?"

I met her gaze calmly and replied, "I've graduated. I came back to work." My response was measured and indifferent.

"Work? Madeline Thompson, do you think I'm an idiot?" Her demeanor suddenly erupted, and she hurled her bag at me, "Get out! Tell him you've decided to quit the media liaison job voluntarily or else forget about having any peace!"

Her Hermès hit the ground, flinging its contents everywhere.

I ignored her, turned, and walked away.

True to her word, Nicole made good on her threat.

I started encountering obstacles at every turn. Job opportunities that were mine were now being snatched away at the last moment.

On the eve of my departure from work, my superior summoned me to his office.

"There's a crucial annual development conference next month, and I want you to host it."

His words caught me for a split second until he added, "Mr. Xavier personally requested you."

Leaving work that evening, I noticed a familiar Rolls-Royce parked across the street.

The window rolled down, revealing Lucas' impassive face.

"If you're so curious about my past, Reporter Thompson," he said, "why not come and ask me directly?"

I bowed my head slightly, "It wasn't my intention to pry into Mr. Xavier's private affairs, it was purely professional curiosity."

"Even if it's for work," he replied, handing me his business card, "you should've reached out to me directly with your queries."

I pressed my lips together, holding back my thoughts, "There's... no need."

At that moment, the epiphany hit me—it had already been three years.

He was the influential Mr. Xavier.

Not the tempestuous youth who, like a scolded pup, would sulk and cling to me for comforting kisses after being chastised.

The Vanderbilt Group had lost its luster.

Without Lucas's silent endorsement and leniency, Nicole wouldn't have dared to target me so boldly.

Perhaps.

To him, that past was a disgrace, a chapter he preferred remained unmentioned.

Time to leave.

"Wait a moment," Lucas called out.

He stepped out of his car, his long legs intercepting my path.

"Miss Thompson, might we have a chat?" he asked.

Hugging my bag to my chest, my voice was hoarse as I asked, "What would Mr. Xavier like to discuss?"

A hint of a smile played on Lucas's lips as his eyes met mine, tinged with a touch of resignation, "About work, if you don't mind?"