Chapter 48: I Don't Want to See You Again

Since entering the entertainment industry, North's beauty and acting skills had made her immensely popular. She naturally drew a large following. Her recent livestream, revealing her face for the first time, generated millions of views.

In the livestream, North’s brown, curly hair lay loosely on her shoulder. Her small face was partially obscured by white sunglasses. She appeared soft and charming.

Olive also appeared, still masked, but looking more stunning than ever. Olive and North were striking examples of beauty.

However, it quickly became apparent that the woman in the compromising photograph wasn't Olive, if she were truly in New York. A conspiracy theory emerged; someone had deliberately used a look-alike.

Olive, known for her strong character, wouldn't tolerate such a smear campaign. She'd been orphaned at age nine and now faced her father's disownment.

Gabriella was stunned by the rapidly shifting online comments. Monica saw the change too, her expression altering dramatically. The nude photo was fake—it wasn't Olive!

What was happening? Where did the money Monica paid go? How did Olive escape? Monica felt like she was dreaming, unwilling to confront reality.

"Everyone, today's press conference is canceled. We have no information about Olive. We need time to verify our report," Monica announced, grabbing Patrick's hand and hurrying away.

Patrick, confused, cared little about whether it was Olive in the photo; his reputation was his primary concern. But if it wasn't Olive, he'd unjustly disowned her.

He left with Monica, asking, "Who put that nude photo online?"

Monica's heart pounded. If Patrick discovered it was her, the consequences would be devastating. However, she felt confident she couldn't be easily traced.

Her thoughts turned to North. She'd forgotten their past friendship. North's meteoric rise in the entertainment industry, backed by powerful figures, made her a suspect. Monica wondered if North was behind the video of her and President Ronald that had gone viral.

Forcing a smile, Monica told Patrick, "I don't know. I'll send someone to investigate."

Gabriella rushed to her, saying, "Mom, what's wrong? Olive wasn't delivered to those men…"

Monica glared, snapping, "Shut up! Can't you see this isn't the time?"

Gabriella fell silent, glancing at her father.

A nearby reporter gasped. Monica froze, her face paling. The media had surged forward. Her former manager's ID had been leaked, shifting online searches to "Monica." The fact that she was a stepmother didn't help.

Reporters thrust microphones forward:

"Mrs. Hart, did you frame Olive?" "Olive grew up in an orphanage and married into the Red Villa. Why are you so vicious?" "President Hart, did you know Olive framed your daughter?" "President Hart, do you feel deceived by someone so cruel?" "Mr. Hart, why were your feelings for Olive so shallow?"

Patrick stared at Monica in shock. He never imagined her capable of such cruelty. His embarrassment was overwhelming; his reputation was in ruins.

"Monica, what do you say?" he asked grimly.

Monica blanked. She was sure Olive had set the whole thing up. Facing the revealed truth, lying seemed pointless.

"Patrick, I'll explain at home. Let's go."

Patrick furiously slapped her.

"Ha!" Monica screamed, clutching her face. The blow had caused a nosebleed.

"Monica, I don't want to see you again!" Patrick stormed off.

The relentless reporters pressed on:

"Monica, will President Hart divorce you?" "You're a snake! That slap wasn't enough!"

Panic-stricken, Monica cried, "Stop filming! Security!"