Chapter 160
Natalie’s gaze remained fixed on her phone screen, anger etched on her face as the live broadcast unfolded. To her astonishment, the head of the cultural relic department had personally intervened to clear Vivienne's name. Even more shocking was the revelation that Vivienne was not only a top-tier restoration specialist but also a special consultant for the department. How was this possible? Vivienne, a seemingly simple country girl, had rapidly risen to prominence within both the CBP and the cultural relic department.
Natalie was further stunned by Sinclair's forceful defense of Vivienne during the broadcast. "I am here to refute the false accusations against Miss Vivienne Hayes," he declared firmly, adjusting his glasses. "We will pursue legal action against those who spread these lies, and everyone involved in this defamation will be held accountable. We will not yield in our pursuit of justice." He spoke calmly, with an aura of integrity, yet each word carried the weight of a sharp rebuke. The reporters visibly paled. Sinclair's formidable reputation preceded him; his impeccable record and legal acumen instilled fear in his adversaries. His involvement effectively silenced the relentless journalists. Vivienne had decisively turned the tables.
Even after the broadcast ended, the online buzz continued, fueled by heated debates. Unexpectedly, the website crashed, and keywords associated with "Vivienne" were inexplicably banned. The online community quickly grasped that Vivienne Hayes was not to be underestimated.
Natalie, still in her car, watched the broadcast conclude, her gaze heavy with resentment and frustration. Why did success always elude her? Her meticulously laid plans, poised for fruition, had crumbled at the most critical juncture. Anger simmered, erupting in a frustrated pounding of the steering wheel. Then, her phone rang.
The caller's demand was blunt: "Miss Chambers, ensure the funds are transferred on time, or we will expose the truth." Natalie, the architect of the maneuvers against Vivienne, had never anticipated legal action. Such declarations were usually empty threats, but Vivienne clearly meant business.
Growing impatient with Natalie's silence, the caller warned, "Miss Chambers, remember, we're in this together. If we fall, you fall with us. Considering your plans for a return to the entertainment industry, you know what must be done." The call ended abruptly.
Overwhelmed by fury, Natalie flung her phone down in despair. The demand for compensation had nearly depleted her finances. Bitterness choked her, but confession was impossible; it meant admitting defeat. The bitter truth was a difficult pill to swallow.