Chapter 174 Marion chuckled briefly, setting his phone aside as he returned to reviewing his business portfolio. Marion loved making money, but he wasn't exactly a money-lover. To someone with his skills, money was merely a tool - a way to measure his worth.
He could earn it effortlessly. So, what mattered more to him was whom he was making money for and what value he brought to the table.
He chose to stick by Miranda willingly. After his release from prison, it was Miranda who took him in, entrusting him with everything she had. There was no way he'd consider jumping ship easily.
Yet, in the past few months, countless offers had cMarion's way. Headhunters from multinational corporations around the globe offered enticing packages, but Marion turned them all down.
Maximus faced similar pursuits. Many companies and multinationals sought to hire Maximus as their legal advisor or even as their personal lawyer.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAfter all, having an unbeatable lawyer was like a soldier having a gun - invincible. So, the invitations Maximus received were no less than Marion's.
Both were once high-profile figures, and even after serving time, they still had influential figures eager to extend them an olive branch.
Yet, to everyone's surprise, Maximus chose to serve as a legal advisor for a mere entertainment company. And Marion, once courted by major corporations, was content running an entertainment media company at Zephra. So, what was it about Zephra? Miranda's day was as typical as yesterday, heading to school while her assistant Wendy called to check in on her. Since Miranda had decided to return to school recently, Wendy was enjoying a paid vacation alongside her.
After Miranda's last TV appearance nearly caused a media frenzy, the company's agent advised against overexposure to maintain an air of mystery. Besides, Miranda had spersonal matters to attend to, so a break seemed fitting.
"Mira, did you see the post Arabella made today? She's such a manipulator! I can't believe so many fans and online folks are starting to sympathize with her. Are they blind or what? And those three from the Zade family are spreading rumors about you. While most people have good sense, sare easily swayed by gossip." Wendy was fuming, clearly upset. As Miranda drove, she replied, "Oh, really?" Miranda's seemingly indifferent tone deflated Wendy's fervor.
"Why hasn't someone dealt with people like them? By the way, when are you coming back?" Wendy asked. Miranda parked her car outside the school. "I'll return once I'm done here." Wendy responded, "Yeah, a few film studios and scriptwriters have reached out. They're keen on having you after your break. Your last movie, City Secrets, is about to release, and there's a lot of buzz. They're eager to sign you for the next one.
"No rush, I'll let Mr. Smith handle my work schedule," Miranda replied, pausing briefly. "Didn't you mention a friend who's unwell? How's your friend doing?" Wendy hesitated, her voice softening. "Still the same." Miranda set the handbrake and got out of the car. She offered, "If there's a chance, I'd like to meet your friend." Wendy paused before responding. "Alright, if you don't mind, I'll take you to meet her next time." After hanging up, Miranda glanced at her phone. She didn't even need to search; Arabella's trending post popped right up.
Arabella had penned a small essay.
"I know you all hate me. I'm the bad guy who took someone else's place. But have you ever thought about how cruel this is for me? The parents and brother I've known for twenty years aren't real. One day, a girl showed up at my house claiming to be the real daughter. Do you know how painful that is? Even though my parents and brothers said they'd treatlike their own, I'm still scared. If it were you, would you return to such an original family? Remembering every moment with my family hurts like hell." The entire piece was a tear-jerking narrative, painting Arabella as a victim.
While it sparked outrage, it also garnered sympathy from sfans, who began speaking up for her. The intewas a powerful tool for manipulation.
Miranda wasn't surprised. Arabella, in her current situation, could only play the pity card to win public sympathy. But more people and disillusioned fans weren't buying it.
"Wow, I feel a strong sense of manipulation here. What is she, a green tea bitch?" "For those defending Arabella, pretending to be a saint is something unsavory." "So, Arabella stole someone else's life for twenty years, and now she's blaming the person for showing up?" "Here's the deal: may your daughters be swapped at birth and let someone else's morally questionable child take her place Then, when your foster daughter grows up, let her inherit your assets."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Shouldn't you apologize to Miranda and return everything to her now? Why all the tears? And how are you still hanging onto the Hawke family like a leech?" "Guys, I've binge-read a couple of about swapped identities, and I can already predict the plot twists. "Arabella is actually pitiful. It's not her fault. But why is everything being blamed on her? Is the real daughter that important?" "Arabella, speak up on your main account." Miranda strolled along, scrolling through her phone.
It seemed the Hawke family hadn't hired any PR teams to manage the situation for Arabella this time.
In the past, any negative press about Arabella would be swiftly cleaned up by Dorian's PR team. Who knew if the Hawke family had run out of steam or simply decided not to act this time. Lately, Arabella's nhas been popping up all over the internet.
But what really caught her eye was a trending topic linking her to swild rumors about Theo calling off an mors engagement, a scandal involving his mistress's abortion, and suspicions of him cheating with Arabella.
Miranda raised an eyebrow. Wow, that was sjuicy gossip, huh? Chapter 174