Chapter 34 Does Antonio Still Want to Pursue Sarah?
Even though spreading that stuff was a no-go, the internet's got a mind of its own. No matter how many times those pics got yanked, they kept popping back up. So, Peter and those chicks ended up getting famous.
Lusa, being a hotshot internet celeb, had her pics plastered everywhere, always stealing the spotlight.
Sarah was scrolling through the news in the morning when she saw the headline and was like, "Whoa."
That's when she realized how big this online mess was. She spaced out for a bit, then her eyes lit up with a plan.
Sarah quickly set up a marketing account, riding the scandal wave, and started steering the convo to paint Lusa as a shady character. She then casually brought up the old rape case, hinting that maybe it wasn't true 'cause Lusa's rep was sketchy, and the truth needed more digging.
Lusa's posts blew up, pulling in a huge crowd. Sarah was deep into reading the comments when her door swung open.
She looked up and saw Antonio. She quickly shut off her phone and shoved it in her pocket.
Antonio walked over, looking serious but kinda helpless. "I know that marketing account is yours."
Sarah's heart skipped a beat. Antonio was quick; he figured it out fast.
But who cared? She wasn't gonna admit it!
She kept her cool. "Mr. Valencia, I'm lost. This may be your place, but you can't just storm into my room like that."
Antonio's eyes darkened.
Even if she didn't fess up, he knew Sarah was the only one who could clear Brady's name.
But he didn't push it. He said calmly, "This won't fly. To the cops, despite Lusa's bad rep, rape stands unless proven otherwise."
Sarah felt cornered!
She was pissed and kept playing dumb. "I don't get what you're saying."
She thought, 'I know you, Lisa, and Lusa are in on this together. Trying to make me back down? No chance!'
Antonio gave her a long look and finally said, "I've warned you. Think it over."
Then he turned and left.
Sarah glared at his back, her eyes burning with anger. She clenched her fists tight.
She was sure she could get the surveillance footage from Antonio!
That evening, Antonio was, as usual, alone in his study, lost in thought.
His phone buzzed, breaking the silence. He glanced at the screen and frowned.
As soon as the call connected, a cheerful dude's voice came through. "Antonio, I'm back!"
Antonio's face was all irritation, his voice dripping with impatience. "So what?"
The guy on the other end sounded miffed, whining, "Antonio, is this how you welcome me?"
Antonio's patience was wearing thin. "Ares Morrison, if you don't get to the point, I'm hanging up."
"Wait!" Ares quickly cut in. "Why rush? I called with good news. Just launched a new Whispering Pines Estate on the outskirts, inviting you."
Antonio cut him off coldly, "I don't have time."
"Why don't you ever support my ventures?" Ares grumbled, but secretly sighed. 'Ever since Sarah died, Antonio's been like a robot, all cold and emotionless. It's been five years. Hasn't he moved on yet?'
Antonio's face was stern, his lips pressed into a tight line.
Every time he saw Ares, the guy had a different girl hanging on his arm.
Ares was all over the place, both in love and business, jumping into the tourism industry on a whim, starting a million projects.
And now, Ares was bragging, "Don't underestimate my new estate. It's not just luxurious but super private. Each suite is its own unit. Plus, I developed the local hot springs and brought them into each yard. It's the best resort in Silvercrest!"
Ares was going on and on when Harper, passing by the study, caught the word "hot springs."
"Hot springs?" Harper echoed, walking in, her eyes lighting up in the dim study. She quickly moved closer to eavesdrop.
As she listened, a smile started to creep across her face.
She thought, 'Hot springs! This is the perfect spot for the leads in a drama to get cozy!'
Harper couldn't help but daydream, picturing Antonio and Sarah having fun in the steamy hot springs.
Thinking of this, she cheered, "I wanna go!"
On the other end of the phone, Ares heard Harper's voice and was stunned. "What's going on? Why is there a little girl's voice?"
Antonio didn't waste any words, just hung up the phone. He then glanced at Harper and waved his hand dismissively. "I'm busy."
Antonio's message was clear: He was busy, and Harper should scram and not bug him!
Harper pouted, her eyes full of disdain and dissatisfaction, thinking, 'Come on! It's hot springs, the most romantic hot springs! Antonio is such a big fool. Does he even want to win Sarah over or not?'
Harper glared at Antonio, thought for a moment, then mimicked his earlier gesture, waving her hand arrogantly. "If you don't go, I won't help you pass the level!"
Meanwhile, Sarah, who had come to find Harper, just reached the study door and saw this scene. Her expression turned a bit complicated.
Their gestures were exactly the same, totally like father and daughter.
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