CHAPTER 171
Arianna gave her parents a brief, enigmatic smile before turning her attention to the gathered reporters. “Ladies and gentlemen,” she said, her tone both warm and commanding, “if there are any questions you have, now is the time to ask.”
The reporters, who had been bristling with anticipation, immediately perked up. Their eyes brightened with excitement as they poised their notepads and cameras, ready to capture every word. The air in the room crackled with energy as the flood of questions began, each reporter eager to probe deeper into the unfolding drama.
One journalist quickly took the lead. “Ms. Johnson, do you acknowledge the three accusations your parents have made against you?”
The room instantly hushed, everyone waiting intently for Arianna’s response.
Simon and Margaret exchanged a glance, their smiles beginning to form.
According to their plan, Arianna was supposed to admit to everything, express her regret publicly, and apologize. After that, the issue would be considered resolved.
Arianna fixed her gaze on the largest camera in the room, which was broadcasting her every move live.
She parted her red lips and spoke with deliberate clarity,
“I. Deny. Everything!”
Those three simple words hit like a thunderbolt, creating shockwaves through the crowd.
The room erupted into chaos.
The reporters had all assumed that since Arianna had called a press conference with her parents by her side, she would follow the predictable path of admitting her faults and issuing a public apology. None of them had anticipated this twist, and her bold denial left everyone stunned.
For reporters, the lack of chaos was their worst nightmare. Chaos meant heightened news value and increased traffic, so everyone on the scene instinctively leaned forward, their eyes locked on the stage, eager for any sign of drama.
Simon and Margaret had not anticipated that Arianna would make a dramatic turn after stepping onto the stage. Simon's face darkened with fury, but with them all onstage, he could only resort to a harsh whisper,
“Arianna, don’t push your luck. You’re playing with fire.”
Arianna turned her gaze to him, offering a calm and warm smile as she replied softly,
“It’s not clear yet who will end up getting burned.”
Simon’s anger flared, and he felt the urge to slap Arianna, but he had to keep his composure.
Arianna, undeterred by his visible rage, turned her attention back to the live camera. Despite the growing buzz in the room, her voice remained calm and resolute.
“I’m here to address and clarify the three specific accusations my parents have levied against me,” Arianna announced, her voice steady and resolute. She took a deep breath before continuing,
“Each claim will be examined in detail to provide a clear and truthful account of the situation.”
The reporters fell into a hush, their anticipation palpable. They were eager to see whether Arianna would vindicate herself or if she would merely present another layer of deception.
“First, concerning my parents’ accusation that I married into wealth, lived a life of luxury, and neglected to provide for them,”
Arianna said with a slight smirk, “I will confirm that I am indeed married.”
This admission sparked another wave of excitement among the reporters.
Simon jumped on the opportunity, proclaiming, “Everyone, she has confessed to being married to a wealthy man and enjoying the perks of—”
Before he could finish, Arianna cut him off. “Yes, I am married, but I do not revel in any wealth or prestige.”
“Is this some kind of joke?” Simon snapped, visibly frustrated. “Do you think everyone’s blind? That luxury car you drove was worth a fortune, and yet you claim you're not living in luxury?”
His outburst seemed to resonate with the reporters, who had all seen the car and its opulence.
A reporter, possibly influenced by Simon, called out, “Ms. Johnson, you fled in that luxury car. How do you explain that?”
Arianna’s smile widened as if she had anticipated this question. She replied calmly, “Before I address that, I’d like to present some information first.”
There was a projector in the conference room, so Arianna turned to a hotel staff member standing by and asked with a polite smile, “Could you assist me with setting up the projector?”
The staff member nodded, “Certainly.”
Once the equipment was quickly arranged, Arianna held up a stack of documents and projected them onto the large screen.
The room fell silent as everyone turned their attention to the screen.
Displayed was a comprehensive billing statement for all the bank accounts under Arianna’s name, showing every expenditure from the day of her marriage to the present. The total revealed something startling—her financial situation was shockingly dire!
The shock was palpable. How could someone spend so little over such a long period? It was a stark contrast to the reporters’ expectations.
Next, Arianna displayed documents listing all assets under her name.
Before anyone could process the earlier revelation, the new documents hit them like a bombshell. Arianna had no assets and only a few thousand dollars left in her bank account.
So, was Arianna truly married to a wealthy family?
Arianna let the information sink in before she continued, “Regarding the luxury car, it’s not mine. It belongs to a family friend who kindly lent it to me temporarily.”
Arianna glanced at the reporter who had posed the question and smiled. “Does that explanation suffice?”
The reporter blinked, momentarily stunned, and couldn’t find the words.
Simon was taken aback by Arianna’s unexpected defense. He had previously demanded a large sum from her, which she managed to provide, and she had bragged about her husband’s generosity.
If that was the case, the billing statements must have been fabricated!
Simon clenched his teeth and shot back, “Don’t believe her. Arianna’s statements are all lies. She’s deceived her mother and me. This whole thing must be a sham!”
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