?Chapter 209:


    Camera shes popped like fireworks around her, but Ste stood steady, her voice cool andposed as she looked straight at the crowd.


    She began, “First of all, everything Ms. Smith just said is aplete fabrication. I’m officially using her of nder and defamation. If anyone questions my identity, feel free to verify it with the proper authorities.”


    The room went quiet. The confidence in her voice made people sit up and listen. “Secondly, as a woman, I know how hard it can be to survive in the workce. But just because it’s tough doesn’t mean sess isn’t earned. If we assume every sessful woman slept her way to the top, that says more about our own ignorance than it does about her. That mindset is toxic, outdated, and frankly, pathetic.” Her tone sharpened as she continued. “Women have real talent. We don’t need to rely on men to seed. We shine in every industry, and we’re not inferior to anyone. We fight just as hard—if not harder.” A few reporters shifted ufortably, suddenly realizing how small-minded their earlier assumptions had been.


    “Lastly, if you still doubt me, then you’re questioning the entire research institute. Do you really think they’d risk their reputation just to protect me?” She turned to Haley, whose face had lost all color. “Ms. Smith, I don’t know why you’re so hellbent on dragging me down. But your words today were broadcast live, and I will be pursuing legal action.”


    All eyes turned to Haley. “Ms. Smith,” a reporter called out, “do you have anyment?”


    Another reporter asked, “Were these ims really made up? Why go after another woman like this?”


    The press swarmed her with questions, each one sharper than thest.


    Haley lookedpletely cornered.


    Then, from behind Ste, a coldugh broke the tension.


    Reporters instinctively turned to William, who had been standing silently, his face unreadable. “Mr. Briggs,” one of them asked nervously, “do you have anything to say about what Ms. Gilbert just said?”


    William’s gaze swept across the room, his tone t and unimpressed. “Do they let just anyone hold a microphone these days? Can none of you tell what’s true and what’s not? The level of your questions is getting embarrassing.”


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    He had that arrogant edge to him, but no one dared talk back—everyone just lowered their heads and stepped back a little, with guilty looks.


    “Calling a whole press conference over baseless rumors? Clearly, some people have way too much time on their hands,” William said tly.


    “This event’s over. You can all leave now.” Everyone hesitated, frozen by his authority.


    “What?” he said coldly. “Still here?”


    That did it. The reporters scrambled to grab their things, slipping out in twos and threes until the venue was nearly empty.


    Left behind was the mess of a failed press stunt—and Haley, sitting on the stage, stunned and panicked. She blinked, realizing she couldn’t stay.


    If she didn’t disappear now, who knew what Ste and William would do to her?


    Just as she tried to slip out with thest of the crowd, a hand caught her arm. “Where are you rushing off to?” Ste asked, her grip firm. Before Haley could answer, the first pnded with a crisp smack.


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