Chapter 232: Something Big Has Happened
In an instant, Melissa’s face twisted, her expression hardening as if she’d been struck. Her fingers curled into tight fists, nails digging into her palms as she fought back tears. With a bitter laugh, she scoffed, “Yes, I have no say in the family's decisions. I’m still an outsider in your eyes. No matter how much I sacrifice for this family, I’ll never be worthy of your respect.”
Warren’s brows furrowed, and he reached for her sleeve. “Mom, please… just let it go.”
Melissa yanked her arm away, shooting him a cold glare. “Let it go? I haven’t even started.”
For years, since marrying into the Mitchell family, Everett had never shown her kindness. He scolded her without hesitation, disregarding her dignity. She had borne Mitchell heirs, devoted herself to the family. Even without remarkable achievements, she had endured more than enough. Yet, to them, she would always be an outsider. She bore the title of Mrs. Mitchell, but in reality, she was nothing more than a joke.
Before she could speak further, Harrison rushed in, breathless, his face pale with urgency. “Something’s happened! Something big!”
Everett shot him an irritated glance. “What are you flailing about for?” He had always disliked Harrison’s panicked nature—a weakness that had led Everett to bypass him and entrust the company to his grandson.
Under Everett’ withering stare, Harrison swallowed, steadying himself before blurting out, “Vivienne just released an official statement! She confirmed the photos were fabricated, and her lawyer, Waldo Sinclair, has already filed a lawsuit against everyone spreading the rumors.”
“What did you just say?” Everett bolted upright, his piercing gaze locking onto his son. “Did you just say Waldo Sinclair?”
That name carried significant weight—an undefeated legal powerhouse. Not only was he ranked among the top ten lawyers in the world, but he was also the second son of the prestigious Sinclair family. Brilliant and impossibly selective, Waldo never took on cases lightly.
Back when the Mitchell family was at its peak, they had tried to hire him as a legal consultant, only to be coldly refused. Yet now, he was defending someone as insignificant as Vivienne. If everything prior could be dismissed as coincidence, how could this be explained?
A gnawing suspicion crept into Everett’ mind, growing stronger by the second. His expression darkened as he sank heavily onto the sofa, lost in thought. Could Vivienne really have ties to the Sinclair family?
Unlike Everett, who was reeling from the implications, Melissa had only one concern—Diana. She clutched her husband’s arm, her grip tightening. “Did they find out who’s responsible?”
“No word yet.” Harrison shook his head.
At his response, Melissa exhaled in quiet relief.
Just then, Warren’s phone buzzed. His assistant’s name flashed on the screen.
“Mr. Mitchell, bad news! Vivienne just leaked a recording of your conversation!”
Warren’s brows furrowed. “What recording?”
The assistant’s voice was tense. “Your private conversation with her from earlier today—it was recorded, and it’s blowing up online.”
Before the assistant could finish, Warren ended the call abruptly. His fingers flew across his screen as he checked the trending news. The top headlines screamed at him: “Exposing the Scoundrel: The Recording” and “Shameful Face of Lyhaton’s Mitchell Family.”
The leaked audio confirmed his betrayal and led netizens to realize the scandal surrounding Vivienne had been a smokescreen orchestrated by the Mitchell family. Worst of all, the recording exposed Diana.
Warren’s breath hitched, his eyes widening in pure panic. Melissa, sharp-eyed, immediately noticed his change in expression. “What happened?”
Warren’s jaw tensed as he met her gaze, his voice laced with fury. “Vivienne recorded our conversation and put it online. Now, the internet’s tearing us apart—and they want Diana to pay the price.”