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Chapter 13
In Daphne's fan forum, her loyal supporters remained steadfast, insisting they would await her response. Fence-sitters declared it a "scandal collapse," abandoning their support and fueling the drama. Meanwhile, her rivals' fans seized the opportunity to attack her, gleefully mocking the situation. Yvonne's fans were the most aggressive, appearing organized. They flooded the comment sections of every brand Daphne endorsed, demanding her termination as a spokesperson. They even pressured media outlets to blacklist her as a disgraced celebrity.
Ava was frantic. "Daph, have you seen the trending topic? They're accusing you of cheating during your marriage! What's going on with you and Mr. Turner?"
The question irritated Daphne. She had been betrayed and hurt, yet Wilson had managed to turn the tables and frame her. How was that fair?
Hearing no response, Ava grew anxious. "Daph, are you listening?"
Daphne replied calmly, "Yes, I've seen it. It's all lies fabricated by Wilson and Yvonne to smear me."
Ava's temper flared. Forgetting Wilson's power, she erupted, "Those two are absolutely vile! After everything they've done to you, they still won't stop!"
Daphne remained composed. "Don't worry. This is just the beginning. The real storm is yet to come." Wilson's tactics had only scratched the surface—barely 10% of what he was capable of. Compared to his actions in her previous life, such as pushing her onto the same bed as Sebastian, this smear campaign was insignificant. If she couldn't handle this, how could she face what was to come?
Reassured by Daphne's calm demeanor, Ava relaxed slightly. "What's your plan now?"
"Simple. An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth."
Daphne's anger simmered, and she had no intention of enduring this quietly. If Wilson dared to attack her so ruthlessly, swallowing her pride would only squander the second chance life had given her.
However, Ava's words reminded Daphne of something important. With the scandal gaining traction online, Sebastian was likely facing unwanted attention as well. Daphne quickly called him to apologize.
When Sebastian answered, his voice was languid and casually indifferent. "Missing me already, Ms. Yeager?"
"How relaxed. He can actually sleep through all this?" Daphne thought.
"Stop joking. Have you seen the news?" she asked.
A low chuckle. "I've seen it. Isn't it just saying we're an item? What's the big deal?"
"You're unbelievable…" Daphne muttered, momentarily speechless. His nonchalant reaction made her concern seem overly dramatic.
"You're the most cherished grandson of the Turner family. Everything you do reflects on your family's reputation and business. With a scandal like this, aren't you even a little upset with me?"
"Was it you who leaked it?" Sebastian countered.
Daphne froze. "Of course not! I'd never stoop so low."
"Then why would I blame you?" His laugh, low and seductive, carried through the phone.
Daphne was momentarily stumped. He was right. If it wasn't her fault, why was she blaming herself?
"Got it. Don't worry. I'll handle this and make sure you're not affected too much," she reassured him, dropping her unnecessary guilt.
Sebastian seemed indifferent, shifting the focus. "Is that a promise to your future business partner or future husband?"
"Both," Daphne replied without hesitation, not noticing the subtle shift in Sebastian's phrasing.
After ending the call, Daphne blocked all unknown numbers, then unblocked Wilson's and dialed. He didn't answer at first, but she called relentlessly. He was clearly trying to intimidate her, and she wouldn't back down. By the tenth call, he answered.
"Where are you right now?" Daphne asked.
Wilson's voice was cold. "What do you want?"
Suppressing her irritation, Daphne kept her voice steady. "I need to talk to you."
She heard chatter and the sounds of drinking. Wilson didn't answer directly. "If it's important, say it over the phone."
"No, it has to be face-to-face," Daphne insisted.
His impatience was evident. "Daphne, my patience has limits."
A playful female voice interrupted. "Will, who are you talking to?"
"No one. Let's keep playing," Wilson replied before hanging up.
Daphne took a deep breath. That sweet voice was unmistakably Yvonne's. She knew Wilson's favorite clubs. If he wouldn't tell her, she'd find him herself.
Luck was on her side; she located him almost immediately. The receptionist, knowing her connection to Wilson, didn't stop her, even giving her his room number.
Daphne strode toward the private room, the click of her heels echoing. Before she reached the door, laughter and chatter spilled out.
"Will, do you think Daphne will actually go through with the divorce? She wasn't willing to let go before. Could this be another one of her games?"
"I've always thought Daphne was beneath you. She's just a small-town girl with no class. She's nothing compared to Yvonne, who's well-educated, studied abroad, and comes from a good family. She's obedient and sweet. She's leagues ahead of Daphne."
"Hey, Mr. Gray, you're forgetting the most important thing. All those qualities are external. The key is that Mr. Farrell loves Yvonne. Love conquers all."
Each mocking comment felt like a dagger. When she first married Wilson, some rich heirs had made similar remarks, but Wilson had been furious, flipping a table and warning them never to speak ill of Daphne again. Daphne had been deeply moved. But times had changed. Now, they felt free to mock her in front of Wilson, who remained silent, offering no defense.
Instead, Yvonne, feigning kindness, said, "Mr. Coleman, Mr. Gray, you shouldn't speak about Daphne like that. You make it sound like she's some clingy, desperate woman. In truth, she just loves Will so much that she can't bear to let go. Loving someone, even to the point of humbling yourself for them, isn't a crime, is it?"
"Yvonne, you're too kind-hearted," one of the men replied. "Daphne's refusal to let go is clearly an attempt to keep you and Wilson from being together openly. She's deliberately wasting both your time. That kind of behavior is pure malice."