"Boyfriend?" Celine''s voice shot up several octaves.


    "Serena actually has a boyfriend? Oh my, she''s all grown up! I remember when she was little..."


    Then, sheunched into a never-ending monologue, recounting everything from Serena wetting the bed as a child to skipping school and even getting into fights with the neighbor''s boy.


    Alex felt a headacheing on and quickly cut her off, asking, "Do you know Nicole Burke, Serena''s mother?"


    At the mention of Nicole''s name, Celine''s expression shifted instantly. She let out a sigh and said, "Of course, I do. That poor woman was stuck with that awful family. She was a good wife-hardworking and filial—but in the end..."


    Her tone suggested she had a favorable impression of my mother, which gave Alex an idea. "What do you think of her?"


    "She''s wonderful! A woman like her is rare these days, but she was kicked out by the Ashfords and ndered by that old hag. Such injustice!" Celine said indignantly.


    Alex felt a surge of hope. There was a chance. "Would you be willing to help clear Nicole''s name? I have connections, I can—"


    Before he could finish, Celine''s face paled, and she started hesitating. "Well... Young man, that olddy from the Ashford family isn''t someone you mess with. I still have a husband and a son to think about... I... I''d better stay out of it..."


    With that, she scurried off like she was running from the gue while clutching her grocery basket tightly.


    Alex watched her retreating figure and let out a helpless sigh.


    He got back into his car, deciding that his best option was to contact YS Media and have them set the record straight.


    Just as he was about to start the engine, his phone rang. It was Serena.


    "Alex..." Her voice sounded exhausted. "What did my grandmother say to you?"


    "She wants one million dors before she agrees to clear Madam Burke''s name," Alex said calmly, repeating Felicia''s outrageous demand.


    There was a long silence on the other end before Serena finally spoke again. "I understand. I... I''ll think of something."


    "Serena, you don''t need to worry. I''ll handle this," he said firmly.


    "But-"


    "No buts," Alex cut her off. "This started because of me, and I''ll see it through."


    Another pause. Then, Serena murmured in a soft voice, "Okay."


    After hanging up, Alex started the car and headed straight for YS Media.


    YS Media was located in the heart of the city''s busiest district. Thevish building was a testament to its power and influence. Alex parked in the underground garage and walked directly toward the elevator


    "Mr. Hastings, you''re here." Louis Walker, the director of YS Media, was already waiting for him at the elevator. He had his head slightly lowered and had an ingratiating smile on his face.


    Alex gave a slight nod in acknowledgment and stepped into the elevator without a word.


    Louis hurried in after him and pressed the button for the top floor.


    "Is everything ready?" Alex''s tone was cool and impatient.


    "Everything is set, Mr. Hastings. Don''t worry. We''ll make sure the truth about Madam Burke is known far and wide," Louis assured him, patting his chest as if making an oath.


    When the elevator doors opened, Alex stepped out first with Louis trailing behind like a loyalpdog.


    "This has to be done cleanly and wlessly. I don''t want any loose ends," Alex instructed as he entered the office and settled into a leather couch.


    "Understood, Mr. Hastings. I''ve


    already reached out to all major


    media outlets. By tomorrow


    morning, every news site and


    newspaper headline will be covering


    Madam Burke''s story," Louis said


    eagerly while handing Alex a ss of red wine.


    Alex took the ss and swirled the deep crimson liquid as it shimmered under the


    light.