Chapter 727: Suppressing the News
After watching Madilyn leave with the children, Roxanne went upstairs to her study and checked the news on her phone. The top trending Twitter topics were alarming: "Pretty Doctor Pulled Strings To Advance Her Career," "Jack Damaris Goes On A Late-Night Date With A Pretty Doctor," and "Jack Damaris’ Love Life Exposed…" Each topic either linked her to Jack or questioned her qualifications for the Damaris family project.
Just seeing the headlines gave Roxanne a headache. One post, with nearly a million views, read: "Jack Damaris Dates One of the Doctors of the Damaris Family’s New Project; Their Suspected Relationship Exposed…" Blurry photographs accompanied the article. One showed Roxanne and Jack chatting in a restaurant; another depicted Jack holding her hand at the restaurant entrance; the final photo showed Jack dropping her off at home.
A wave of gloom washed over Roxanne. Although the photos were taken throughout the night, both she and Jack had been completely unaware of the paparazzi. The comments below were, to put it mildly, colorful.
A: "Is she that Dr. Jarvis on the list? I knew there was something strange about her. How can someone so young be such a skilled doctor?"
B: "Just as expected, she’s on the list because of her looks! Having said that, Dr. Jarvis is really pretty. If I were in the same position, I would have included her on the list too!"
C: "What a beautiful couple!"
The first comment questioning her abilities deeply disheartened Roxanne. While she'd anticipated some reaction to the name list, she hadn't expected this. The doubt cast upon her credentials was the main focus of the discussion.
Just then, Jack called. It took Roxanne a few seconds to compose herself before answering.
"I'm sorry," Jack said apologetically. "I just saw the news online. Don't worry; I'll take responsibility and remove all the fake news."
Despite his assurances, Roxanne remained concerned. "Thank you," she replied.
After a pause, Jack continued, "About last night, I'll demand an explanation from the Hightower family. Jessica's strange behavior suggests she's involved."
Roxanne hesitated, surprised. "Let's let it slide; we have no evidence. What matters now is clearing up the online rumors."
She suspected Jessica's involvement, but knew getting an admission without proof would be futile. Furthermore, even if she found the culprits, the damage was done; an apology wouldn't undo the current situation.
Jack's hasty suggestion was tempered by Roxanne's reasoned response. He replied in a deeper, calmer tone, "You're right. I was too emotional. Let me think of a way to suppress this controversy first."
After Roxanne hummed in agreement, Jack ended the call. Watching her phone screen go dark, Roxanne took a deep breath. With Jack taking action, she knew she couldn't remain passive.