175 Press Conference, Part I
Liam and Amelie read through the gossip feed in stunned silence, their eyes widening with every word. The high society was buzzing with a vicious rumor: Amelie Bennett was infertile, and Liam Bennett had attempted to seduce his sister–in–law, Vanessa, to have her carry his child.
“Another scandal around these two? And Mrs. Amelie Bennett has just started regaining her standing.”
“Infertile? And where is the proof of that? How can you spread such rumors so easily?”
“Well, it kind of makes sense,
ring how she never gave birth while she was married to
Richard Clark. His new woman, however, got pregnant right away..
“Still… Sleeping with his sister–in–law??? It would have been a lot better if it was just another
mistress…”
The room seemed to close in around them as they continued reading, and Amelie felt her heart beating faster as a wave of cold swept over her entire body.
Her mind was reeling, struggling to process the cruel words staring back at her from the screen. Infertile? Amelie had never even given it a thought before, and now this? The words were a knife twisting in her gut, each one a sharper jab than the last. How could anyone believe such a vile story right away?
Liam locked the phone screen and tossed it back to Austin, his movements sharp with frustration.
He then gestured for his assistant to leave, and Austin quickly exited the room, closing the door behind him with a soft click.
The moment they were alone, Liam turned to Amelie, offering her a worried expression as he gently grabbed her shoulders and looked her directly in the eyes.
“Lily, we can take care of this, I assure you!” he tried to calm her down with a firm yet tender voice. “This is just mindless gossip, nothing more! Vanessa did it on purpose because she is scared of being forced out. There is nothing more to it!”
Amelic kept her gaze on Liam’s face, but her eyes were unfocused, distant.
Her mind was a blur of emotions–shock, anger, confusion, disbelief.
She couldn’t cling to a single coherent thought. It was as if she were floating outside of herself, watching the scene unfold from a distance like a spectator. She could not believe it was happening to her.
Then, slowly, her mind began to clear. The fog of confusion lifted, replaced by a simmering fury. How dare Vanessa drag her into this shameless mess?
Had that woman quietly admitted her mistakes and left, Amelie might have let it slide. But now? Now Vanessa had crossed the final line.
175 Press Conference. Parti
“I did not want to resort to such dirty tactics; Amelie thought, her frown deepening. ‘But it seems I can’t keep my hands clean while playing dirty games after all.
Liam watched his wife closely, his worry deepening as he saw the change in her expression “Lily?” he finally asked, his tone soft, almost pleading. “Are you okay? Talk to me, please.”
Amelie turned her gaze back to him, her eyes now cold and focused.
She offered him a faint smile–a dangerous smile, one that sent a shiver down his spine.
“Yes, you are right, Liam,” she said, her voice steady and calm. “We can take care of this. I guess it’s time I repaid my favor to Miss Castillo.”
***
The rumor spread like wildfire, tarnishing Liam and Amelie’s reputation with every passing hour.
It was relentless–the continuous publications, the insinuations, the gossip columns that ate up the baseless story with a ravenous hunger. Something had to be done.
Thus, once the society got divided again, the Bennett couple decided to hold a press conference to address the rumors head–on and clear the air once and for all.
Vanessa was invited, of course. She was a key figure in the swirling storm, after all.
When she arrived at the conference room at Diamond Group’s headquarters, she looked
strangely confident, even arrogant, to everyone’s surprise.
Her chin was lifted, her shoulders back, and there was a gleam in her eye that startled everyone present, including Liam. But Amelie knew why Vanessa acted that way.
The day before, Amelie had reached out to Angelina Castillo, who had been watching the gossip unfold with a patient but eager eye
Amelie had told her about the plan–about the necessity to confront Vanessa publicly. Angelina had agreed without hesitation. She knew how to play her role in this drama, and Amelie trusted her to follow through.
Now, as the press filled the room, cameras flashed and murmurs filled the air. The atmosphere. was tense, charged with anticipation. The conference was about to start, and everyone was ready for the spectacle that was sure to unfold.
As soon as the floor was opened for questions, one of the reporters leaped at the opportunity, his voice ringing out clearly. “Mr. Bennett, this is quite a serious rumor that your family has been dragged into. How can you comment on that? Who do you think started it?”
Liam glanced briefly at Amelie, who gave him a reassuring nod. He took a deep breath, steadying himself, and then faced the crowd.
“This is an unf
unfortunate turn of events, he began, his voice calm but firm. “But I can assure you that not a single line in this
rumor is true. And that is precisely why we gathered all of you today. I will not allow anyone to taint either the honor of my wife or my company. And I mean anyone. He paused, letting his words hang in the air, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Then, he turned slowly to face Vanessa, who was seated at the table beside him, her confident posture
175 Press Conference. Part I
wavering slightly under his glare.
“The person who spread this false rumor, Liam continued in a cold voice, “is none other than my sister–in–law, Mrs. Vanessa Bennett herself.”
A collective gasp erupted from the crowd, followed by a wave of whispers and shocked exclamations.
with the sudden surge
The room seemed to vibrate of energy, all eyes fixed on Vanessa. Her face, once composed and haughty, now lost its and a flicker of
cool facade. Her eyes w
panic crossed her features.