Chapter 242 The Final Play
The young woman who posted the video was initially worried about not capturing a clear frontal shot and the possibility of trouble that might follow. But as the video's popularity exploded, her concerns were swept away by the overwhelming response.
As the tide of skepticism about Darwin reached its peak, she felt the timing was right and released another video, this time with a clear shot of the subject's face. The caption read: "Enough with the Darwin bashing. Didn't want to disturb the tycoon's lady with a frontal, but trolls know no limits. Here comes the truth!"
With the release of this new video, the level of discussion skyrocketed. Those who had previously shipped Secretary Woods with Mr. Solomon and had looked down on Darwin's supposed marriage were mostly staying out of it, preferring to turn a blind eye.
But this photo changed everything. Fans of Secretary Woods and Darwin, those rooting for Darwin's first love, and the latest tycoon and CEO's darling wife were all thrown into a frenzy.
Fiona's meeting today was a marathon session to finalize all the details of the plan. By the time it ended, it was nearly 8 p.m. When she finally saw the chaotic threads on the internet, it was already too late to do anything.
Laura walked into Fiona's office and saw her throw her phone onto the desk. The phone's screen was still displaying the series of photos taken from behind. Fiona was massaging her temples, visibly stressed.
"Chelsea, it's time to clock out." Laura had a mountain of gossip she wanted to ask her boss, but she chickened out at the last moment.
"Yeah, you guys go ahead," Fiona gestured dismissively, "I'm waiting for a friend."
Laura's ears perked up when Ashton called just then, saying he was on his way.
"Is Mr. Solomon coming to pick you up?" Laura blurted out without thinking.
Fiona looked up at her.
Laura immediately covered her mouth in panic.
Fiona sighed, tired and resigned, "Mr. Solomon can't make it, Miss Carey is coming."
"Oh..." Laura felt awkward.
Fiona waved her off again, "Just go home."
Laura quickly made her exit as the rest of the studio staff followed suit. Fiona sat there with a headache, but soon her phone buzzed with a notification. Thinking it was Ashton, she checked her phone but instead found a message from an unknown number.
"The shameless mistress, stealing someone else's husband, you'll get what's coming to you!"
Fiona's brow furrowed slightly.
Then, one after another, similar messages flooded in, filled with profanity and curses.
Shortly after, Burl called.
Fiona picked up, " Are you getting bombarded with messages?"
Fiona confirmed.
"Just wait," Burl said, typing furiously, "Done! They won't come through anymore."
"Thanks," Fiona said, rubbing her temples.
Her new local number wasn't widely known. Even her colleagues at the studio only Laura had it. Who could be sending these bizarre messages?
Fiona didn't ponder long, as the answer was obvious. At this critical juncture, the only person who would accuse her of being a home-wrecker could only be someone related to Darwin. In the past few years, Lilian was the only woman close to him.
"Sis, I told you not to go back. It hasn't been long, and you've stirred up such a storm!" Burl was anxious, "Darwin is a cunning old fox; you can't beat him. Just give up on the project and come back!"
"Do you think everything will go back to the way it was if I return now?" Fiona replied, exhausted, "Darwin is crazier than ever."
Burl was silent for a moment, then said deliberately, "I'll go to the black market, find the best hitman, and that'll be the end of the problem, right?"
"No!" Fiona rejected the idea without a second thought, "Burl, I won't allow you to get blood on your hands for me! Besides... that's Darwin. Do you think you're the only one who wants him dead? Look at him, still alive and well. How many of those who wanted him dead are still around?"
Burl's breathing grew heavy.
"Sis, are you trying to protect me from becoming a murderer, or can't you bear the thought of Darwin dying?"
Fiona paused before responding, "Burl, I don't want blood on your hands, nor do I want Darwin dead. He's Charles and Chicago's father."
"Do you want to kill their father?" Burl asked, discontent in his voice.
The clouds in Fiona's heart grew heavier.
"Anyway, this is my problem, and I'll handle it," she said firmly.
Burl hung up without another word. He hated to see his sister suffer. That bastard Darwin had nearly killed her; Burl had almost lost his sister!
Even after all these years, the thought filled him with fear. That scoundrel thinking of reconciling with his sister? He wasn't worthy!
After the call ended, Ashton's call came through.
"Are you here?" Fiona asked.
"Two minutes!" Ashton replied, "I just passed by your favorite cake shop and bought your favorite cake!"
Fiona's tense nerves relaxed a bit.
"Okay~"
"Wait for me, okay?"
Ashton's voice was cheerful. It seemed that Kenny, the sweet peacemaker, had eased the stress from Janna.
Fiona stood up and walked to the roadside outside the studio to wait for Ashton. As she reached the curb, Kenny's car pulled up in front of her.
Inside the car.
"You go ahead with your stuff, I'll head back with my treasure," Ashton said to Kenny while unbuckling his seatbelt, "Drive safely and let me know when you get there."
Kenny nodded with a smile.
Ashton waved, took the cake, and got out of the car.
Fiona smiled at Kenny, "Mr. Walker, your wife is in good hands with me."
"I have no doubts about that," Kenny replied like a true gentleman.
"Go on, go on!" Ashton, blushing, hurried Kenny along.
Kenny obliged, gave a couple more reminders to Ashton, and left.
"Hmm~ Getting along well, aren't we?" Fiona teased as she took the cake.
Ashton's cheeks were still flushed.
"Janna called me! I told her about the marriage, and she was so mad she almost blew up at me. He heard and took the phone, talked to Janna for a good fifteen minutes. When the phone came back to me, Janna was much calmer and told me to bring him to the island for dinner sometime."
If Ashton had wings or a tail, they would be fluttering or wagging uncontrollably at this moment.
"To win Janna over in just fifteen minutes, he's indeed reliable," Fiona said sincerely.
Ashton nodded, still with rosy cheeks, "I can't remember the last time I felt this happy."
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