Chapter 71: Malicious

Connor said, "Had it not been for the obstacles four years ago, you two might have been together already. Why torment yourself with denial?"

A flicker of panic crossed William's eyes. "I've never even considered cheating or betraying Jessica."

"But the online community doesn't see it that way. The leaked information can't be interpreted as anything other than infidelity. Otherwise, both you and Jennie are finished." Seeing William's refusal to admit it, Connor continued his impassioned analysis.

"Even if we make Jennie the villain, you can claim you and Jessica are in business together, that you were simply assisting your junior. You didn't anticipate any misunderstanding, but that's insufficient to prove your innocence. People will still accuse you of impropriety and imprudence"

Losing his temper, William interrupted, "I've done nothing wrong. I'm completely innocent."

"But your sponsorship deals and the company's stock price have suffered. Your clear conscience can't reverse that," Connor said. "You can't be at fault. Only by being seen as a victim can you preserve everything you have. Listen to me, a divorce can"

"Enough," William stated firmly. "I won't agree to a divorce."

"Then what's your solution? That video makes it impossible for Jennie to clear her name. Ignoring it is the same as making her take the blame. Can you bear that? Jennie is a talented actress. This path would" William's body stiffened; his gaze grew vacant. His lips trembled as he said, "I can't do that to Jessica! She hasn't done anything wrong."

Connor's expression shifted. "That may not necessarily be the case."

Taken aback, William asked, "What do you mean?"

Connor calmly elaborated, "What's the story behind those photos of Jessica looking sick?"

William was shaken, remembering the incident. Could she really have been sick?

"Didn't you mention she feigned illness to stop you from helping Jennie? How coincidental," Connor asked. "And why didn't she answer her phone afterward? Was she feeling guilty?"

William, his brows furrowed, said, "So, you're suggesting she deliberately staged those photos to create more drama?"

"It's obvious she saw an opportunity for revenge, to garner sympathy, take the moral high ground, and force you to abandon Jennie," Connor said dismissively. William considered this. It was impossible for Jessica to have fallen ill so abruptly. The photos must have been faked.

"Her recklessness has caused us significant trouble. William, you need to teach her a lesson. It's one thing if she can't help your career, but hindering it is unacceptable."

Connor knew William was at the peak of his popularity and needed to seek greater development. His plan was for William and Jennie to help each other advance, not for William to be tied down by Jessica.

While William consistently resisted Connor's plans, Connor believed he would ultimately choose true love. Now, the opportunity had arisen.

William's expression darkened. He wanted to call Jessica again, but she didn't answer. Connor tried to persuade him, but William remained resolute.

Connor sighed, focusing on resolving the immediate crisis. "You could pacify Jessica and get the divorce proceedings over with. Treat it as a pretend divorce, and wait for the storm to pass."

Connor didn't care whether they remarried afterward.

William paused. A pretend divorce and a real divorce were different to him, even if legally the same.

Sensing an opportunity, Connor said candidly, "You need to discuss the pros and cons with Jessica. I'm not targeting your wife, but if Jessica takes the fall, the damage will be minimal. She's a commoner; even if she receives negative press, she'll surely cooperate."

William's eyes flickered as the call connected. Panic surged, but he asked coldly, "Where are you? Why haven't you answered your phone? I need to talk to you. Let's meet."

"I'm at the hospital"

William was taken aback, feeling a sudden flare of anger. His irritation intensified. Jessica continued to lie.

"Enough, Jessica! I admit I wronged you in the video incident. That was my fault. But is it necessary to add fuel to the fire? I made it clear there's nothing between me and Jennie. I would never cheat, so why are you emotionally blackmailing me?" William retorted, unconvinced of Jessica's illness.

Silence followed, causing William to feel suffocated. He ignored her strange response.

"Forget it. I won't argue, nor hold a grudge over the fake pictures. You know the online situation is out of control; Jennie almost died. We have a solution."

As William discussed the pros and cons of who should take the blame, he couldn't bring himself to suggest a pretend divorce. Connor urged him. Then Jessica exclaimed, "William, are you asking me to admit I provoked the video incident and faked being sick? To apologize online? Have you lost your mind? You know I was wronged, yet you protect Jennie and want me to admit to things that never happened! Is this your idea of not betraying our marriage? What would"

Jessica, lying in pain and drenched in sweat, was on the verge of an emotional breakdown. William was shocked by her harsh words, feeling a stab of pain at the mention of him sleeping with Jennie. He retorted angrily, "What nonsense? Stop arguing! I let you down in"

"Forget it! You want me to clear things up for her and pave the way for your future? Not a chance! If she's so fond of suicide, why hasn't she succeeded? I wish she would just hurry up and die!"

William was unprepared for her venom. In his anger, he coldly retorted, "If you won't cooperate, then we'll divorce!"

He thought this would intimidate her. He was about to hang up, giving her time to reflect.

Jessica, devoid of emotion, said, "I'd rather die than go along with your plan. Stop dreaming! If it's a divorce you want, then so be it."

Jessica ended the call. William stared grimly at his phone. The company had given them a deadline.

At the Quirk manor, everyone was anxious, refreshing news feeds, skeptical that William would sacrifice his innocent wife. They felt he wouldn't humiliate her for a mistress. But recalling the black card incident, they remained incredulous.

Soon, sensational news broke. A medical report belonging to Jessica, stamped "Healthy" in green, appeared on William's agency's homepage.

Public opinion exploded.

"Where did this report come from? How dare they forge this?" Evian exclaimed. Isabella agreed, "This is outrageous."

"The report doesn't seem fake, but there's no timestamp," Alexander pointed out. Isabella realized the report was from a year ago, the date deliberately omitted to mislead netizens. They were insinuating Jessica was a fraud.