Nicole watched Felicia and Shirley retreating figures and let out a long sigh.


    She went upstairs to find Robert, wanting to exin what had happened. But she didn''t know how to begin when she opened her mouth.


    "Today... Felicia came over to cause trouble, saying that she wanted to " Nicole hesitated, struggling to find the right words.


    Robert''s expression darkened, and he cut her off coldly, "I know. You can handle it yourself."


    "I already severed ties with the Ashford family back then," Nicole murmured, lowering her head.


    His expression grew even more unpleasant. He recalled how Nicole hade to work as a maid in his home. She brought along a child with him. Later, she climbed into his bed and married him. A wave of irritation washed over him.


    "From now on, don''t bring this kind of mess into our home." With that, he turned and left the room.


    Nicole stood there, uncertain how to react.


    ...


    When Elena woke up, the pounding headache from her hangover felt like it would split her skull open. She groaned, clutching her waist as she sat up.


    She scanned the room. It was a luxurious hotel suite, and it was empty except for the messy sheets and the lingering smell ofst night''s indulgence.


    Wayne had long since slipped away.


    She let out a self-deprecating chuckle, then reached for the clothes scattered across the floor, putting them on piece by piece.


    When she stepped out of the hotel, the sunlight stung her eyes. She shook her head, trying to clear her mind.


    There was something more important she needed to do.


    Elena dialed the number of a gossip tabloid. "Hello, I have a tip-off for you."


    "Hello! Are you exposing a celebrity scandal?" The person on the other end sounded both professional but also eager.


    "A celebrity?" Elena scoffed. "No, but my story is way juicier than any celebrity gossip."


    "Oh?" The interest in the reporter''s voice immediately cooled. "Let''s hear it."


    "It''s about that woman who trended on social media recently-Serena Ashford. More specifically, her mother, Nicole Burke." Elena paused, then emphasized, "The drama na wealthy family, illegitimate children, affairs-you get the picture.


    The line went silent for a few seconds before the reporter cautiously asked,


    "Which wealthy family? Our publication isn''t in a position to cross certain powerful groups..."


    "What are you afraid of? I''m not


    asking you to name names. Just use something vague-''C-list actress,'' ''X Group''s CEO''-it''s all the same," she coaxed. "This is a major scoop. Don''t you want a piece of it?"


    The reporter hesitated but was clearly tempted. Their tone warmed again. "And the payment for this tip-off?"


    "Don''t worry. You''ll get your cut." Elena ended the call, and the corners of her lips curled into a cold smirk.


    "Serena, you like ying the righteous one, right? Let''s see how long you can keep up the act," she thought.


    ...


    As soon as Inded, I dragged my suitcase straight to the office.


    Yesterday''s press conference had gone smoothly, but there were still follow-ups that required my personal attention. Besides that, I needed to find time to meet with Harrison about that phone call.


    I sensed something was off the moment I stepped through the office doors.


    My usually chatty colleagues were unusually quiet today. Their gazes flickered toward me—some openly, some discreetly-while hushed whispers passed between them.


    Frowning slightly, I headed straight to my desk.