Chapter 325
The Hendricks family had built their empire on media. Everyone in the industry understood the unspoken rules-how
sometimes a reporter’s smear piece was just a setup, designed to hand the subject a perfect opportunity to clear their name in the most memorable way possible.
And clearly, Sharon had come prepared. Every piece of evidence she’d pulled out was precise and deliberate, ready long before today ever began.
After this public clarification, her reputation online flipped almost overnight.
The PR manager had genuinely believed Nate was a sharp operator-ruthless, but brilliant. Turned out… he was wrong. Completely wrong.
Nate was still the same short-sighted fool.
Working under someone like Nate was a dead end. Maybe worse-an invitation for disaster. The thought of quitting quietly began settling in his mind.
On the livestream, Sharon sat poised, calm, and composed. Her confidence wasn’t arrogance. It was dignity-grace under fire.
Viewers watching from behind screens couldn’t help but feel their affection for her grow.
Some, who hadn’t even paid attention to the drama before, started looking her up, only to realize her accounts were still suspended. Curious, they dug deeper and stumbled upon Wendy’s post-the one detailing how their entire team had been mysteriously banned across all platforms.
And that was all it took. The story exploded.
Sharon standing up to the weight of capital, refusing to be crushed-it resonated far and wide.
More influencers who had themselves been quietly suppressed by the powers that be began speaking out, throwing their support behind her.
Sharon’s name was everywhere. The fire wasn’t dying down. If anything, it was burning hotter.
Back at the police station, after a round of more detailed questioning, the officers had reached their conclusion.
“Sharon,” one of them said, tone apologetic, “we’re sorry. Our investigation shows you had no involvement in any theft of trade secrets.”
Sharon nodded. “It’s alright. Cooperating with an investigation is every citizen’s duty. But if I hadn’t been able to prove my innocence today, I would’ve been crucified by the entire country. My name would be ruined, and my future destroyed.
“The person who maliciously reported me… their intentions were rotten. I hope the police will take this seriously.”
The officer’s expression turned stern. “Don’t worry. We absolutely will not let the person behind this get away with it.”
Sharon nodded lightly, about to speak again, when she felt a sudden grip around her wrist.
She turned. “Carter… is there something else?”
During the investigation, Carter hadn’t tried to slander her. If anything, he’d helped clear her name.
But Sharon felt nothing, not even the faintest ripple of gratitude.
No. This man… he was far more dangerous than Nate could ever be.
Nate was impulsive, messy Predictable.
But Carter… you could never quite tell what he was thinking.
His gaze was dark. Bottomless.
“I need to talk to you. Alone.” His voice was low but firm.
Sharon knew it the moment he spoke-this had to end.
She didn’t have the time or energy to play this endless game of manipulation anymore.
“Fine,” she replied simply.
They found a small café nearby. After ordering coffee, Sharon looked up at him. “So? What do you want to talk about?”
His eyes stayed on her.
“From the moment you showed up at that auction…. you’d already planned everything that’s happened today, hadn’t you?” His voice was framed as a question, but it wasn’t one. He already knew the answer.
The scent of bitter coffee lingered between them.
Sharon took a slow sip. “Tell me, Carter… would you really have handed me 100 million so easily? And do you think Nate and Kelly would’ve just stood by, watching me live out my rich-lady fantasy?
“You were all waiting. Waiting to watch me crash. Waiting to see me broke. Desperate. On my knees.
“So… naturally, the first step was making sure I’d lose that money.”
She set the cup down and looked him in the eye. “Which is why I made sure none of you would ever get the chance to touch it again.”
