?Chapter 691:


    There he was, clinging precariously to the exterior of the fourth floor, about twelve meters above the ground. A fall from that height would undoubtedly result in severe injury.


    At first, he hadn’t considered the risks, but as the chilling wind bit at him, a sharp twinge of fear surged through his body. He dared not look down; his heart hammered in his chest. He was terrified of heights.


    Javier’s face drained of color, his eyshes fluttered rapidly, and his hands were slick with nervous sweat as he clung desperately to the window ledge. His grip on the phone was precarious, threatening to slip at any moment.


    Inside the room, Elyse calmly peeled off her mask.


    Across from her, a slightly overweight middle-aged man sat surrounded by his clutter of camera equipment, his voice dragging on, dull and relentless. “Miss Harper, my firm has suffered a significant setback. Not only has the article been removed from the web, but it has also drawn the ire of both the Harper Group and Spencer Group. The news and photographs originated from you, and we’ve paid you well above the standard rate. Given the circumstances, don’t you think it’s fair for you to absorb some of our losses?”


    Elyse’s brow furrowed in displeasure. “Why should your losses concern me? I merely provided the information. How you choose to use it, and any subsequent profits or deficits, are solely your responsibility. Tell me, would you share your profits with me if this had turned a profit?”


    Taken aback, the reporter squirmed, caught off guard by her staunch rebuttal.


    As his argument faltered, Elyse’s lips curled into a mocking sneer. “So, now that you’re facing losses, youe to me? I’m afraid that’s not how this works.”


    The reporter wasn’t ready to give up. The news had been his shot at making a mark, but instead, he found himself mired in controversy and financial ruin. The article had been pulled almost immediately after it was posted, barely making a ripple before it vanished, and the minimal views it garnered did note close to covering the hefty sum he had paid Elyse. The loss was overwhelming.


    “It was you who reached out to us initially, Miss Harper. Aren’t you concerned that I might go public with that fact?” the reporter countered, clinging to thisst shred of leverage.


    Was that supposed to be a threat? Elyse’s face darkened with anger. “Do you have any idea who my boyfriend is?” she snapped, her voiceced with malice.


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    As the tension reached its breaking point, the door to the private room burst open, and Keith strode inside.


    Elyse’s features softened into a relieved smile upon spotting him. “Keith, you made it! This reporter has been threatening me relentlessly. I was truly frightened.”


    Keith extended a protective arm, which Elyse gratefully epted, nestling close to him.


    “Threatening my girlfriend? Do you have a death wish?” Keith lit a cigarette with eerie calmness, his stare freezing the reporter in ce.


    The reporter felt a chill run down his spine. Seriously? Elyse was the deputy mayor’s son’s girlfriend? In that case, angering Elyse could spell disaster in his line of work—crossing political lines was often a reporter’s undoing.


    The reporter hastily lowered his gaze, stammering an apology. “I-I’m terribly sorry, Mr. Martin. I was unaware of her rtionship with you. It was aplete misunderstanding. I’ll take my leave immediately.” The reporter bolted out the door, snatching up his camera bag on the way out.


    Meanwhile, Javier, tense and concealed, gritted his teeth as he clung to the window ledge. He had captured the necessary evidence and no longer needed to follow Elyse. His mind raced as he contemted his escape route. If only someone could offer a helping hand…


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