Chapter 8 Was it You Who Released the Photo?

A statement from Alderley Industries was swiftly released. Edward publicly admitted he was married and, due to personal reasons, was in the process of getting a divorce. As for Lisa, with ill intentions, she had adversely impacted his marriage, and Zenith Star would cancel all her scheduled activities.

The developments unfolded so rapidly that even the netizens almost couldn't keep up, nearly being overwhelmed.

It felt like a dignity-defending battle that ended in mutual destruction.

Amelia spent the whole day busy and was about to spend more time boosting her online presence when she saw the statement and laughed wildly. She immediately called Nanci. "Did you see that? He's panicking! He really is!"

Nanci slightly raised her eyebrows, set aside her work, and looked at the trending topics on her tablet. When she read the line "the process of getting a divorce", her lips curved into a smile. He was indeed panicking. And with that statement out there, they couldn't backtrack on the divorce without losing face.

"We're done with this matter," Nanci said with a joyful tone.

"Just like that? You haven't seen what people are saying about you! They're comparing you to Lisa, saying your marriage was vulnerable..."

"Isn't that the truth?" Nanci chuckled.

Their marriage had always been fragile, each using the other as a tool. Now, they were of no use to each other. Even if Lisa didn't come between them, they would still end up divorced.

This was precisely why she had been able to provoke Edward into filing for divorce. Amelia pouted but did not argue further.

Over the next two days, Nanci quickly put the matter behind her and focused on pharmaceuticals.

But others were panicking.

Lisa called her best friend Sophie. "Did you see the news, Sophie? What do we do now? Edward is ruthless, canceling all my activities! This was your idea. You have to take responsibility!"

Sophie, having just resolved her own crisis, was accommodating. "Oh, don't worry! We just need to stick it out!"

"What do you mean?"

Sophie hinted, "Don't you have those photos with Edward?"

Lisa was silent.

As Alderley Industries' statement settled the voices of doubt online, hope was rekindled among the girls who praised Edward for his decisive and straightforward handling, celebrating the imminent return of their domineering CEO to single status.

However, just then, a photo was posted online that triggered public opinion again.

Edward had just received bad news from several hospitals. No suitable heart donor could be found within three days, and he was extremely agitated when Isaac knocked on his office door. Leaning back in his office chair, eyes closed, he spoke, "If it's not about the hospital, don't bother."

Isaac hesitated for a few seconds before he said, "It's not about the hospital, but it's important."

Edward opened his eyes, his gaze icy as it swept over Isaac.

Isaac didn't have the courage to say that evidence of his infidelity had been posted online. He simply handed him the tablet.

In the photo, Edward was wrapped in a bathrobe, sitting on a sofa, smoking under the dim light, his profile clearly illuminated. Although he was alone in the picture, the reflection on the glass opposite showed two figures.

The photo was blurry and ambiguous, especially intimate.

Edward could vaguely remember the hotel layout. It was a few months ago during his inspection at Zenith Star, and they had sent a young actress to him as a “thank you” for his support.

But he had a meeting at that time and had dismissed the person after a brief encounter.

He never thought this could be taken advantage of by somebody with ulterior motives.

"Where did the photo come from?"

Edward scrolled through the article and was shocked by the mean words below, his face turning cold.

Isaac stood up straight quietly. "A somewhat famous blogger posted it. She probably got paid to spread the word."

"A minor blogger's post made it trending?" Edward's voice was dangerous.

Isaac gently reminded, "Remember the marriage certificate post? That was from an insignificant blogger too, and it had countless promotions behind it, similar to this time."

With a loud noise, Edward slammed the tablet down on the desk, his blue eyes darkening alarmingly.

All these signs pointed to Nanci.

She was still not giving up, desperately struggling.

What surprised Edward more was that this woman had always been dishonest, scheming all along, waiting for this day.

"Get out!"

Isaac had been waiting for those words.

He quickly scurried away.

In the office, Edward, with a stern face, picked up his phone and made a call.

Nanci had been busy for two days, finding that one of the medicinal herbs Brian had brought her was insufficient, especially now that Olivia's condition was worsening, and the original dosage was too small.

She had just sneaked into the Alderley branch of Ross Clinic when her phone began to ring.

As she saw the name on the screen, her body froze.

She cautiously looked around, making sure there were no suspicious figures, before answering the phone tentatively, "Edward?"

It was a voice filled with confusion and a hint of hidden joy.

At that moment, Edward felt only anger and disgust. "Did you release the photo?"

"What? Photo?"

"Still playing innocent? Nanci, I really underestimated you! To secure your position as Mrs. Clarkson, you've tried every trick in the book!"

Nanci was puzzled, not understanding what he meant.

But since he said so, she couldn't deny it and still fit her narrative of being hopelessly devoted. "Yes! As long as we don't divorce, I'm willing to do anything! Edward, do you change your mind? We're not divorcing, right?"

Edward's rage was stifled by her feigned naivety, almost choking him.

"Dream on! Tomorrow morning, bring your things to the courthouse!" If it weren't already late, he would have ended things with her immediately.

Nanci looked at the medicine box in her hand and said, "Tomorrow won't work."

She had to go to the hospital to see Olivia.

With such urgency, was this man insane?

Or did he just hate her that much?

"Nanci, don't try any tricks! This marriage is over. Nothing you do can change that!"

“I appreciate that. If you're a man, you'd better stick to your word,” she thought.

Nanci paused for two seconds, thinking this was a rare opportunity and fearing he might change his mind, so she reluctantly conceded, "Then, how about tomorrow afternoon?"

"Three in the afternoon. Bring all you need and get yourself to the courthouse!" He spat out before angrily hanging up.

Nanci looked at the dark screen and raised an eyebrow.

Before, he said he would pick her up at three, and now he was telling her to get there herself?

Driven by curiosity, she walked towards the backyard of the clinic, scrolling through social media on her phone.

The moment the picture popped up, she stopped in her tracks.

The interest in her eyes gradually cooled.

A timely message from Brian flashed in. "Nanci, you've really been betrayed this time!"

Knowing she had been betrayed was one thing, the whole world knowing was another.

Her fingers slowly tightened.

The wooden medicine box couldn't bear the strain and cracked.

Nanci imagined it was Edward's head and exerted a bit more force.

The medicine box broke.