Chapter 700 Cyberbullying
Harold watched Desiree walk away, his heart aching. He wanted so badly to step in, to take her home. But what right did he have?
"Harold, as a woman, I know Miss Sandvik's game. She's got another guy but doesn't want to let you go, keeping you as a backup," Isolde said.
Harold clenched his fists. "I don't hit women, but don't push me. I'll say it one more time, shut your mouth."
"Harold..." Isolde felt frustrated.
Why was he so hung up on Desiree?
But she knew when to back off. If she kept pushing, Harold might really snap, and that wouldn't end well.
So she kept quiet and watched Harold walk away.
Right after, she called the marketing account she had lined up, "You got all the stuff I mentioned, right? Do what I told you, and I'll pay the rest once it's done."
She'd paid a lot, and for the money, the marketing account was all in.
Soon, rumors about Desiree were blowing up, with edited videos making the rounds.
The video showed her just leaving the courthouse, a guy handing her flowers.
With the photos Daryl had sent to Tessa, Isolde posted everything online and even laid out a timeline.
In no time, Desiree was getting slammed by netizens.
[So, Miss Sandvik was already with another guy before her divorce was final. They hit the beach together and then met outside the courthouse for flowers. Couldn't they wait?]
[That's so gross. Does she think getting flowers right after leaving the courthouse is something to brag about? It's just awkward. Even if it's a smooth transition, it shouldn't be like this.]
[What smooth transition? It's clearly cheating during the marriage. She was already with another guy before the divorce.]
[One affair exposed, who knows how many more there are. It's just sad for her husband.]
[But her husband is really patient, not saying a word and even going along with the divorce. If it weren't for the reporters catching the video and posting it online, this would have blown over.]
[It must be for the Sandvik family's money. After all, she's a rich girl. Put up with it for a while, and he can get a lot of money and support. If it were me, I'd put up with it too. It's not like you're spending your life with her. Just get the money and leave.]
Daryl was the first to see the comments.
He scrolled through them, watching as Desiree got trashed by netizens.
"Mr. Fields, should we try to suppress the trending topic?" The assistant, knowing Daryl had been after Desiree, asked.
Daryl shook his head. "Leave it."
He closed his laptop, already having a plan.
If he just suppressed the trending topic, Desiree would thank him. But then what? They'd still just be friends, and no matter how much he wanted more, Desiree wasn't interested.
Better to let things blow up.
When Desiree hit rock bottom, he'd swoop in to help. That way, she'd remember his kindness and totally despise Harold.
"Got it, Mr. Fields. I'll get back to the files," the assistant said, still puzzled.
He thought, 'If Mr. Fields really loves someone, he'd want her to be okay. Cyberbullying is brutal, yet he's just watching it happen.'
But he was paid to do his job, not to question his boss.
After the assistant left, Daryl kept working, checking the online buzz now and then.
Impatient with the slow rise in the trend, he spent more money to spread the rumors faster.
At the Sandvik house...
After finalizing the divorce, Desiree got into Daryl's car but got off halfway.
She went home and told Liam and Tessa, "Mom, Dad, I got divorced today. I'll be staying in the apartment outside from now on, so don't worry about me."
"Desiree, I don't mind you moving out, but you can't move all that stuff by yourself. Let us help," Tessa offered.
Desiree didn't want to trouble them.
They were getting older, and the company stuff was already a lot. She shouldn't ask them to help.
But they insisted and wouldn't take no for an answer.
Desiree, not wanting to hurt their feelings, nodded. "You don't have to carry anything. I've hired movers. Just come with me."
Liam and Tessa agreed.
The movers did the heavy lifting, while Tessa made Desiree's bed.
She layered it to make it soft. "You like soft beds. This will be comfy. I brought extra bedding for you. Remember to change it regularly."
"Mom, I'm grown up now. You don't have to worry so much. I should be the one taking care of you," Desiree said, holding her hand.
While they were talking, Liam got a call from the company, his face darkening.
After hanging up, he logged onto Twitter, and one look made him furious. "That Harold, he's outrageous!"
Their family had hurt Desiree so much, and he hadn't even gone after Harold. But Harold had made the first move against Desiree.
A girl's reputation was so important, and what Harold did was pushing Desiree to the edge.
Thank goodness the Sandvik family had money. If they were an ordinary family, they'd be ruined.
"Dad, what's wrong? Why did you mention his name?" Desiree asked, hearing the commotion.
For Liam to be this angry, something must have happened. But Harold wouldn't trouble him.
They were both adults, and their issues shouldn't involve their families or affect her parents.
"Nothing, just rest well. With your mom here, you don't have to worry about anything else," Liam said, putting away his phone.
He couldn't bear to see it, let alone let Desiree see it.
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