10:48 FT 06110


    Chapter 246 Another Online csh


    Chapter 246 Another Online csh


    “Tess! Go online, you’ve blown up again!”


    The loud, exaggerated tone made Tess groan, and she held the phone a little farther away.


    Connor was quick to take her phone. “What’s going on?” He answered with a soothing voice.


    Marc fell silent for a moment as he realized who was on the other end. Heughed awkwardly. “Con–Mr. Hale, you’re here too?”


    “What happened? What do you mean by ‘blown up‘ just now?”


    Connor’s tone was serious.


    Marc’s mouth twitched in embarrassment before he shifted to a more serious tone. “Did Tess attend a court session involving Nexus Research Institute?”


    Hearing the news about himself, Steven’s gaze instinctively flicked over with a frown.


    He sensed something wasn’t right and opened the news feed on his phone.


    Tess’s name was right before his eyes, followed by a big, bold “breaking“.


    Marc’s voice continued on the phone.


    “Tess, the news online says yourw license has been revoked, that you have no qualification to participate in the trial. Seems like the defendant side you’re apanying could also be affected.”


    Tess narrowed her eyes as her mind raced. It didn’t take long for her to pinpoint the culprit behind spreading this information.


    Her first instinct was to look at Steven, and their eyes met just as she did.


    “I’m not yourwyer, I was there as your apaniment,” she said.


    She gave him a reassuring nce, signaling him not to worry.


    Steven, however, shook his head.


    She assumed he was worried about how this might affect the trial oue, but that wasn’t it. He was more concerned about Tess.


    10.48 FL, Oct 10


    Chapter 246 Another Online csh


    A while ago, he had rushed abroad because of this incident and had missed the time when Tess was being attacked online. He only learned about it through other people’s talks after


    returning home and getting everything back in order.


    Besides facing widespread online bacsh, Tess had even gone through a dangerous kidnapping.


    If he had known what would happen to her, he would never have gone abroad; he would have stayed by her side to protect her.


    “Can you find which entertainment outlet first reported this?” Tess asked calmly.


    There was a pause on the other end as Marc looked for a lead.


    “Chances are slim.”


    The group at the table fell into silence, listening to the steady tapping of keys over the phone.


    After a long moment, Marc frowned in regret. “I can’t find it. Multiple news outlets broke it simultaneously–there’s no way to know which one was first.”


    Tess’s jaw tightened.


    She had already guessed who was behind this.


    It seemed Nadine still wasn’t willing to give up.


    But without identifying the first outlet, she couldn’t proceed with her investigation. Without sufficient evidence, neither the media nor the public would believe her.


    Even if she proved her innocence, the person tampering behind the scenes wouldn’t face justice.


    “Actually, it wouldn’t be so tricky if someone authoritative in Aetheris spoke up


    Marc trailed off, as if hinting at something hesitantly.


    Tess’s eyes gleamed. “Thanks. I’ll handle whates next.”


    With that, she hung up.


    ”


    Connor’s concerned gaze fell on her. “Are you in a rush? I can ask the staff to hold off serving. Let me know if there’s anything you need.”


    “It’s fine.” Tess shook her head and sat back down, giving Steven and Tommy a small, calm


    1048 FB, Det 10


    Chapter #46 Another Online csh


    simile. Tm staying for now since Steven is treating us to dinner.”


    Both Steven and Connor were slightly taken aback. They hadn’t expected her to remain soposed when everyone else would be panicking.


    Steven’s gaze lingered on Tess, his eyshes twitching slightly.


    It was hard not to wonder if only someone who had endured so much could remain this calm.


    His hand rested on his leg, tightening subtly.


    Among them. Tommy was the most rxed after Tess. He plopped into his seat and began eating the appetizers on the table. “No use panicking–let’s cat first!”


    Tess smiled faintly, motioning for them to sit and enjoy the meal.


    The atmosphere of the meal was fairly pleasant, though Steven and Connor remained slightly reserved toward each other.


    “I’ll take you home.”


    “I’ll take you home.”


    As Tess was done eating, Steven and Connor both stood up and spoke at the same time.


    Their voices ovepped, making them nce at each other.


    Tess nced at them and said, “No, thanks. I’ve got a few things to handle. You guys go ahead and finish your meal.”


    Then, she immediately returned to her studio.


    Hertest creations still sat on the desk.


    The first step after confirming her identity was to show her work.


    She hadn’t expected something like this to happen, though.


    Rubbing her forehead, Tess felt a headacheing on.


    Yet she set her hand down and fixed her gaze sharply on the glowingputer screen.


    At the top, bold ck letters screamed across the page–obviously articles condemning Tess for attending court without a license.


    3/


    10:48 FL, Oct 10


    Chapter 246 Another Online csh


    Her eyes scanned slowly, narrowing at the sharp, cutting words of the media.


    Sara Lili


    <strong>Sara Lili</strong> is a daring romance writer who turns icyndscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of d’s breathtaking cold.