Chapter 5 The Clarification
Albert was well–versed in the art of using both the carrot and the stick. After threatening me, he softly coaxed, “If you cooperate with the clarification, I’ll help treat your mother’s illness. But if I make a call, you’ll see how quickly the companies in the city turn their backs on you. Without a job, how would you ever afford your mother’s treatment?”
His words were spoken casually, but he was clearly confident. “Opposing the Hartman family never ends well. And honestly, do you think one fake video is enough to ruin our reputation? I’ve got plenty of ways to make sure it stays buried. Right now, I’m just giving you a chance. If you do this right, you’ll still be a family.”
I clenched my fists, unable to hold back a scoff in my mind.
Honestly, I’d already predicted this scene when I was making plans with Edmund yesterday.
At first, I didn’t want to make things too big, especially since Charles, Albert’s father, had been kind to me.
But Albert’s threats, coupled with Cadell’s arrogance, were more than I could tolerate.
Did they think that was all I had prepared? How laughable. I was about to show them what would happen after today!
The consequences were of their own making.
I gave a half–smile. “You’re right. If the Hartman family truly wanted to target me, I wouldn’t stand a chance.”
Albert’s expression softened instantly. He seemed to think his threat had worked, and there was a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. “That’s more like it. Now, turn off the video.”
I didn’t respond. The video of Cadell and Lorna’s… interaction had only lasted four minutes. What was there to turn off? It would
end on its own soon enough.
Albert, afraid I might resist, ordered someone to take me away.
As I was being led out, I caught sight of a familiar figure in the comer of the wedding hall.
His concerned gaze met mine, and I gave him a subtle signal. Moments later, I saw him give a barely noticeable nod.
Cadell, seeing I was finally being taken away, visibly relaxed. He rushed to the stage and turned off the big screen.
Unfortunately for him, the timing was impeccable. As soon as he hit the button, everyone saw the final image, and some even heard him shamelessly ask Lorna, “Did you enjoy it?”
What could anyone possibly enjoy in such a short time?
Some of the guests couldn’t hold back their laughter, and Cadell’s face stiffened, his eyes filled with venom.
At that point, Cadell had lost all his dignity at this wedding.
Once backstage, I was under strict watch.
I overheard Albert, Helen, and Cadell offering weak excuses, all claiming that Lorna and Cadell were foster siblings, and that the
video was a fabricated attempt to frame Cadell.
They tried to blame everything on me, saying I was foolish to believe such nonsense.
But their lies were too obvious, and no one was buying it.
I laughed quietly to myself. Let the Hartman family run their little show for now. After tonight, they’d be completely finished.
Lorna, not wanting to be the subject of ridicule, had already retreated backstage early.
When she saw me, her eyes gleamed with mockery. In a tone laced with condescension, she sneered, “So, what if you found out? No one in the Hartman family is on your side. You’re making a fool of yourself, and in the end, it’ll be your reputation that’s destroyed.”
I chuckled and raised an eyebrow at her. “Does Cadell know you’re not single?”
Just those few words made Lorna’s face turn pale. I could even see her eyelashes trembling in agitation.
Two seconds later, she regained composure and shot me a glare. “What are you talking about? You’re just trying to ruin mer
I smiled. “I ruin you? You’re ruining yourself. Do you really think being a mistress is something to be proud of?”
Lorna was fuming, but she couldn’t afford to provoke me right now. She turned away in frustration and went to sulk in a corner.
I watched her retreating figure, a small smile playing on my lips. Loma had no idea that her dirty little secret was already known by her man. In fact, the two of us had been working together to ruin her reputation for days.
Another hour passed, and finally, Cadell arrived backstage after handling the mess at the wedding.
When he saw me, a flash of hatred crossed his eyes.
I returned his gaze with a cold smirk. He scoffed, suppressing whatever anger he was feeling, and walked over to me, handing me a glass of juice. “About Lorna… I was out of line. I apologize.”
His apology was reluctant, and his eyes showed no genuine remorse, but his actions were swift and smooth, as though he was pushing the glass towards me, urging me to drink.
I lowered my gaze. From everything I knew about Cadell, that juice wasn’t meant to be a friendly gesture.
I didn’t drink it but set the glass aside.
Seeing this, Cadell grew anxious. “So you’re not going to forgive me? You still want to keep this up?”
The man seriously had no patience.
Just as I was about to throw the juice in his face, my phone vibrated in my pocket.
I paused and stood up. Tm going to the restroom. I saw something disgusting and feel like I’m going to puke.”
Cadell’s face darkened even further, but I ignored him and headed for the restroom.
Once inside, 1 pulled out my phone to check the message.
Cyril had sent me a video, only a few seconds long. I tapped to watch it–it was of Cadell secretly drugging the juice.
At the end of the video was a message.
Cyril: The d**g is a powerful sedative. It can make someone sleep for ten hours. Stay alert.”
I couldn’t help but snicker. So Cadell had just handed me an opportunity on a silver platter. I had been wondering how to deal with him subtly, but this made things so much easier.
I saved the video and thanked Cyril. Then I quickly discussed the next steps with Edmund,
Once I finished outlining the plan, Edmund replied with a thumbs–up emoji.
Edmund: Man, never mess with a woman! Aurora, you’re ruthless! Cadell and Lorna are finished.
I smiled. Since they tried to d**g me, they’d better be ready to face the consequences.
