Chapter 565 Strong Alliance, the Alexander Family in Trouble (6)
The day of the press conference arrived in the blink of an eye.
Starting at 5 PM, media from all over gathered in the largest hall of the hotel, setting up their cameras and adjusting angles, ready with their laptops, waiting for Helen to appear.
"Honestly, I thought Elbert or Calvin would show up. Didn't expect it to be Helen. This woman's got guts. Her husband's in jail, and she can still sleep at night and have the energy to hold a press conference?"
"The Alexander men are smart. They're using Helen as a shield to bear the brunt of public opinion!"
"There's no humanity in these wealthy families. Helen's really got it rough."
"Rough? Zachary took bribes worth millions. He's going to rot in jail. You think none of that dirty money ended up in her pocket? Who'd believe that? It's just a case of every man for himself when disaster strikes."
Soon, it was 7 PM sharp.
Helen, with a bare face and a look of utter despair, walked onto the stage in a black suit, head bowed, standing before a forest of microphones.
Blinding flashes swallowed her haggard features as she bowed deeply to the countless cameras, her eyes red with tears.
Reporters fired sharp questions:
"Ms. Alexander! Zachary's sudden arrest shocked the nation! He was a frontrunner in the Mugden mayoral race. Did you know about his actions?"
"I didn't know..."
Helen, tears welling up, played the part of an innocent woman to perfection. "I'm just a clueless housewife, staying home to take care of the family. I never asked about his work..."
"I had no idea about his dealings or the bribes. Plus, I'm from the Alexander Group, one of the four major families. I had plenty of wealth before marriage. Why would I risk everything for a bit of money?"
"Are you really saying you knew nothing about Zachary's actions?"
A male reporter's loud voice drew everyone's attention. "Everyone knows Zachary climbed from an ordinary prosecutor to a mayoral candidate with the Alexander family's help. I've interviewed many who worked with you and Zachary. They all say you were the mastermind behind him, using the Alexander family's influence to pressure others. Are you really innocent?"
Helen glared at the reporter, tears streaming down as she shook her head in denial. "No... no... I don't know who you are, spreading baseless rumors to attack me and my family..."
"I said I didn't know about my husband's actions! But as his wife, I bear some responsibility for not supervising him. That's why I'm here to apologize to the public."
Before she could finish, the reporter played a recording.
It was a statement from one of Zachary's staff, confirming the reporter's claims!
Everyone turned to Helen, waiting for her explanation.
"He's lying! He's just trying to kick me when I'm down!"
Helen's legs trembled behind the table, her face drained of color. "He's smearing me! He must have been bribed to say this nonsense!
Who is this person? Show yourself! I'll sue..."
Before she could finish, a piercing sound filled the hall from all directions!
Then, a clear recording played for everyone to hear.
"Those girls you found recently were great. The big shots were very pleased. You know, these powerful people play hard. That's why your business is booming."
"My business thrives thanks to your patronage, Ms. Alexander! You've introduced many generous clients."
"Mutual benefit. Send more suitable girls my way. Money's no issue."
The recording shattered everyone's perception!
The crowd was in an uproar, their eyes on Helen filled with anger, piercing her like thorns!
Who would have thought that a high-society lady was secretly running such a sordid business!
The Alexander family, a nest of filth!
"No... it's not... it's not true!"
Helen's face turned beet red, almost hysterical. "The recording is fake! It's fake! I don't know any madam... That's not me! It's all fake! Someone's framing me!"
"Framing you? Then how do you explain this, Ms. Alexander?"
The reporter held up his phone.
At that moment, all the reporters' phones buzzed and rang!
Everyone looked down at their screens. Twitter was buzzing with news of Helen meeting someone in private, handing over money!
Though it was clearly a secret recording, her crimes were fully exposed!
"Ms. Alexander!"
A bodyguard rushed up, pulling the now-rigid Helen off the stage. "Mr. Alexander sent me. Things are bad. We need to go!"
Before he could finish, the hall doors burst open!
Peter led several plainclothes officers in, their stern expressions silencing the crowd!
"Police!"
Peter flashed his badge. "Helen, you're under arrest for bribery, forcing women into prostitution, and illegal detention! You have the right to remain silent, but anything you say can be used against you in court. Take her away!"
Two officers cuffed Helen, dragging the terrified woman towards the door.
The media, mostly live-streaming, saw their viewership skyrocket to millions!
"Oh my God! Such filth in high society? Helen, a madam? Unbelievable!"
"Is the Alexander family a fake elite? They dare to associate with the Taylor family?"
"Karma! Look at Helen, just like her husband when he was arrested!"
"Disgusting! They should thoroughly investigate the Alexander Group! Who knows what else they'll find!"
"Hey, did you notice that young officer leading the charge? He's so handsome! Anyone got his number?"
Peter put Helen in the police car, not covering her handcuffs, exposing her to the world.
No one is above the law.
Helen was brought to justice, but this was just the beginning.
The reporter who had grilled Helen stepped into a secluded spot, removing his glasses, wig, and beard.
Underneath was Bart's clear face.
Bart tossed the props into the trash, eagerly calling Edward, his excitement palpable:
"Mr. Wellington! Did you and Mrs. Wellington see the live broadcast? How did I do?"
"Mrs. Wellington says your performance was excellent. You'll get an extra drumstick tonight."
Bart blushed at the sound of kissing over the phone. "Th-thank you, Mrs. Wellington! Mr. Wellington, what about my reward?"
"Reward? Isn't this your job as my secretary?" Edward's voice was lazily amused, like a well-fed lion.
Bart, blushing furiously, stammered, "But Mrs. Wellington rewarded me. Aren't you afraid she'll call you stingy?"
Edward said, "Are you threatening me?"
"No, no! I wouldn't dare!" Bart straightened up, sweating.
"You haven't had a break in a while. I'll give you an extra ten days of vacation. Go anywhere you like."
"Mr. Wellington, I'm single. Even if you gave me maternity leave, I'd have nothing to do!"
Bart joked, "Mr. Wellington, how about a bonus instead? I'll work around the clock for you and Mrs. Wellington!"
"With your salary, you're not satisfied? Only a few in the Wellington Group earn more than you."
Edward chuckled.
"Mr. Wellington, I need to save up. I'm always running around for you, doing FBI-level work, with no time for a love life. I've given my youth to the Wellington Group!
Please, have mercy on this lonely old man."
Bart knew Edward and Evelyn were happily reunited, basking in love. Now was the perfect time to ask for a raise!
Before Edward could respond, Evelyn's sweet voice came through, close and clear:
"Mr. Wellington, don't be stingy. Bart rarely asks for anything. Just agree."
Was Mrs. Wellington being coy?
Edward's breath was heavy, his voice hoarse, "Whatever Evelyn says, I'll agree."
Suddenly, the call ended.
Bart stared at the screen, scratching his head. "So, is it a yes or no?"
In the police car, Peter sat in the front seat as they sped to the station.
Helen, away from cameras, dropped her act, screaming and thrashing like a madwoman.
"How dare you arrest me? Do you know who I am? I'm from the Alexander Group! My dad is Elbert! Do you know how much tax revenue we contribute to Mugden?
You ants dare arrest me! I'll have your badges!"
Peter scoffed, digging in his ear as if to clear out her nonsense.
The female officer holding Helen's arm warned angrily, "Behave! Or I'll charge you with assaulting an officer!"
"You think I'm scared?"
Helen, restrained, kicked the back of the front seat. "Which precinct are you from? Name yourself!
Arrest me... the Alexander family will ruin you!"
"Sure, tell Calvin and Elbert to hurry. I can't wait."
Peter turned, smirking. "I'm Peter Taylor."
Helen's eyes widened in shock, her hair standing on end.