Chapter 186: Scandal Breaks Out
Hannah watched Starlight Group's live launch event unfold from her office. It was arguably the biggest launch in recent years, drawing all of Kensbury's media to the scene. The sheer number of staff, journalists, and Win's devoted fans was overwhelming.
The outdoor kickoff meeting crackled with energy. Win's performance, broadcast live, was electrifying. Hannah, however, felt a prickle of unease.
Starlight Group's initial publicity blitz, centered on their ambitious business district project, had been incredibly effective. Their passionate presentation at the kickoff meeting resonated with potential partners. The message was clear: this was their first business district, they were investing heavily, and failure was unacceptable. This determination fostered confidence in their brands.
Hannah, putting aside personal feelings, believed their significant investment guaranteed a thriving district. Knowing Janet's competitive spirit, she anticipated the project surpassing the Light Building, which had suffered from early setbacks with irreversible consequences. Any competitor facing Starlight Group's might risked utter defeat.
Hannah remained calm, intently observing the event, patiently waiting for an opportune moment. Rose, however, fidgeted, increasingly agitated by the enthusiastic atmosphere.
"The Starlight Group business district is trending online," Rose announced.
Hannah nodded, seemingly unfazed.
"Win's fans are incredibly organized," Rose continued. "A fan group created a forum dedicated to her endorsement, encouraging attendance at the opening ceremony. Already, over 5,000 people have responded, and the number's still climbing."
Hannah remained silent. Rose, observing her unusual composure, was taken aback. Hannah always surprised them; her strategic maneuvering, like bringing Celina onboard, consistently exceeded expectations. While impressed by Hannah's past successes, Rose also found her self-assuredness occasionally overbearing. But today felt different; nothing seemed capable of altering the current trajectory, not even another shocking revelation from Hannah.
The launch event concluded successfully. Even securing Celina's settlement might not have been enough to rival Starlight Group's success. Rose mused about the seemingly inevitable escalation of competition: greater ability attracting even stronger opponents.
Rose remained glued to her tablet, providing Hannah with sporadic updates, receiving no response.
Then, at the event's close, a reporter's question cut through the air: "A scandal has broken. Allegations of an affair between Win and Herman Garcia have surfaced. Is this true?"
A collective gasp swept through the crowd. Phones flashed, revealing compromising photos and a blurry video. The evidence was irrefutable; denial was futile. The affair was real.
Janet's face paled as she examined the news on her phone. The media, ever keen to exploit such situations, had captured the scene with high-definition cameras.
The reporters’ questions intensified: "Ms. Janet, your thoughts on this scandal?" "Win, is the affair with Herman Garcia true? How long has it lasted?" "You and Mr. Garcia initially denied an intimate relationship, claiming a purely professional connection. You deceived the public. As a top star, aren't you ashamed?" "Ms. Janet, you spent 100 million on her endorsement. What now?" "There's been speculation of a rivalry between you and Hannah of the Copper Group. You and Oscar were rumored to be involved, and he ultimately married Hannah. Do you regret this business district project, aiming directly at the Light Building?"
Janet’s complexion was ashen. Win's scandal threatened to severely damage the business district project. Endorsements were crucial; the right spokesperson could make or break a brand.
Janet, already simmering with resentment over Hannah's recent successes, felt a fresh wave of frustration. Everything had proceeded perfectly until this unforeseen disaster struck.
"Ms. Janet, I…" Win began, but Janet was beyond pacifying. Their previous displays of camaraderie, a shrewd PR tactic, now felt utterly disingenuous.
The 100 million, the highest endorsement fee in Northfield's history, now felt like a cruel joke. Enraged by the public ridicule, Janet reacted violently.
A sharp, resounding slap echoed through the crowd. Janet's fury was brutally exposed.