Chapter 86- reaction
In the spacious, cool-toned office, the handsome man threw a dart that struck dead center on the bullseye of the dartboard. Manfred spun slowly in his executive chair, then smiled slightly as his eyes landed on the massive banner stretched across the desk. The once buzzing wedding announcement had now been replaced by scandal — and the woman at the center of it all was none other than Janet.
"Nice angle on those photos," Manfred whistled sharply, addressing the white-clad figure who had just entered the room.
"What’s Charles’ reaction?" Manfred asked, looking at the silent August with a deep gaze. August’s handsome face showed no hint of pleasure; instead, it was tinged with a certain weariness. "Charles is no ordinary man. He’ll find a way to suppress this."
"It’s not the outcome that matters, August, it’s the process. As long as he feels the pain, that’s enough," Manfred said with a calm smile. Because he knew Charles’ strength, he had prepared overnight, using the influence of ZT media to fight back. Deep down, Manfred harbored a secret hope: that the wedding would be called off.
But he had overestimated himself — and underestimated Charles.
"That woman’s really something, bringing shame to the Elwin family and forcing the wedding to be canceled!" Derrick’s face was nearly green with anger. Black Rock Co. had rarely suffered bad press before, and though the turmoil caused by one woman hadn’t impacted the stock price, the internal morale and public opinion pressure were undeniable.
"No, the wedding will proceed as planned!" Charles interrupted Derrick before he could continue. Once Charles made a decision, it was final — no matter the process, the result was all that mattered.
"Are you insane? You want to marry a shameless woman like that?" Derrick sneered, unable to fathom Janet’s actions that had embarrassed the Elwin family. How would the outside world see Charles, the proud boss of a multinational company, if he was being cuckolded by a woman?
"Dad, you know Janet isn’t that kind of woman. She’s innocent! This whole thing was a setup by Manfred," Charles said firmly, and Derrick paused at the name. He was well aware of the relationship between August and Manfred. Their goal was clear — Janet was just a pawn; the Elwin family was the real target.
"But now that this rumor is out, do you want everyone laughing at us?" Derrick’s tone softened, though his pride still wouldn’t let him admit defeat. He had hoped to avoid such trouble. Every time he felt confident, August managed to surprise him. If Charles and Janet couldn’t marry, Philip wouldn’t have the surgery, and after this window passed, no one knew if his condition would improve. Derrick desperately needed a grandson — and it had to be Philip’s child.
"Rumors will pass in time, Dad. I know what I’m doing. Tomorrow’s wedding will happen as planned. You should go home now." Charles looked exhausted. He didn’t care about what the world thought of him, but Janet—she carried a shadow in her heart. Only by marrying her could he find peace.