Chapter 168
Audrey’s POV
William’s cold command made Laurel’s face turn ghostly pale. She stood frozen between the sofas, still clutching Blake’s hand like a lifeline.
Blake rubbed his temples. “Laurel, just listen to grandfather, okay?” he said quietly.
“Alright,” she murmured, reluctantly releasing his hand.
As she walked to the designated sofa, Laurel shot a quick glance in my direction. Despite her careful composure, I caught the flash of jealousy in her eyes when she noticed me sitting comfortably beside William.
William poured another cup of tea while coldly surveying Jennifer, who still hovered near the doorway.
“You too,” he said. “Sit next to Laurel.”
Jennifer’s eyes widened as she waved her hands. “Mr. Parker, that’s not necessary! I can stand-
The teacup William had been holding slammed onto the table. Tea splashed across the polished surface.
“When I tell you to sit, you sit!” William barked.
Jennifer’s legs visibly trembled. “I’ll sit right away.”
She hurried over to Laurel’s side, perching on the edge of the sofa. Laurel’s polite smile disappeared, her expression twisting briefly before she composed herself again. She shot another venomous glance my way.
Blake settled onto the sofa near his grandfather, his gaze lingering on the teacups William had prepared. His eyes
narrowed slightly with suspicion.
After a moment, Blake faced his grandfather. “Grandfather, I’ve come to ask you to stop the online attacks against Laurel.”
Laurel’s eyes widened dramatically. “So those horrible attacks were actually ordered by Mr. Parker?” Her voice quavered
with shock.
She pressed a hand to her chest. “Mr. Parker, I know you don’t like me, but did you really need to target me this way?”
“I’m an entertainer. Maintaining my image is literally my job. This hasn’t just hurt me, but affects my agent, my assistants, and everyone behind the scenes…”
Jennifer quickly produced a tissue for Laurel. “Mr. Parker probably doesn’t understand how internet rumors work,” she said, before adding, “Someone must have manipulated you into doing this.”
As she spoke, Jennifer cast a pointed glance in my direction.
“You shouldn’t blame Mr. Parker,” Laurel agreed, sniffling. “He’s always been kind. Someone must have influenced him to target me…”
I sat silently, watching their coordinated performance with bitter amusement.
1/3
Chapter 168
While the internet was exploding with gossip about Laurel, I was being beaten by Jennifer’s thugs. Before Michael contacted me, I wasn’t even sure William was behind the campaign. Yet these two can effortlessly shift all blame onto me, painting me as someone who manipulates the elderly for revenge.
William snorted. “What manipulated? Everything I arranged was my own plan. Stop blaming Audrey the fierer sald anything to me!”
He glared at them. “I almost wish she had come to me for help.”
Laurel’s eyes gleamed with triumph before she quickly hid it. “Mr. Parker, I never said Miss Sinclair influenced you… Why did you immediately bring her up?”
Jennifer jumped in. “Sir, Laurel only mentioned someone influenced you. The fact that you immediately defended Miss Sinclair… doesn’t that prove she complained to you?”
William’s face flushed with anger. “Your words are full of accusations! Aren’t you clearly implying Audrey was stirring up trouble? I defend her, and now you claim that’s proof of her guilt?”
“Mr. Parker, please don’t misunderstand,” Laurel said softly. “We never once mentioned Miss Sinclair. You brought her up yourself…”
“You – !” William’s face turned crimson as he slammed his fist against the armrest. His eyes bulged with fury.
He turned to Blake. “Did you hear that? You really intend to marry this kind of woman? To bring her into our family? Are you trying to send me to my grave?”
Blake was looking at Laurel, seemingly dissatisfied with her words, then calmly turned to William. “Please settle down, grandfather.”
“How can I?” William exploded. “This whole situation was orchestrated by Felix Thompson and me! It had nothing to do with Audrey! You know this, yet you sit there while they slander her?”
Blake’s gaze slid to me. “She hasn’t said anything either.”
“What do you expect her to say?” William demanded. “This has nothing to do with her!”
Suddenly, Laurel threw herself at William’s feet, tears streaming down her face.
“Mr. Parker! It’s all my fault!” she cried, clutching at his knee. “You can be angry with me, but not with Blake!”
William stared down at her before a cold smile crossed his lips. “When did you become a man who needs protection from a
woman?”
“Laurel,” Blake frowned. “Go back to your seat.”
“No!” Laurel turned to him, eyes swimming with tears. “Blake darling, you’ve sacrificed so much for me. If I cause tension between you and Mr. Parker, I’ll never forgive myself…”
I’d had enough. Standing up, I began to clap slowly, the sound cutting through the emotional scene.
“Bravo!” I said. “Miss Rose’s devotion is truly moving. I’m completely touched by this performance!”
Hatred flashed across Laurel’s face before she quickly resumed her tearful expression.
2/3
Chapter 168
“Miss Sinclair…” she began trembling. I know you misunderstand me, but why did you have to involve Mr. Parker in our dispute?”
She dabbed her eyes. “You knew he’s elderly and might not understand online attacks, yet you manipulated him to destroy my career…”
“I don’t care about my reputation,” she continued, “but what about all the staff? By ruining my image, you’re destroying their livelihoods… They’re innocent…”
I couldn’t help but laugh coldly at her tactics.
Laurel is truly skilled at manipulation to have fooled Blake for so long. This moral blackmail is particularly clever. Despite me being the biggest victim of this storm, she’s dragging her staff into it as human shields, as if anyone targeting her is actually attacking hardworking innocent people.
“Miss Sinclair,” Laurel continued, biting her lip. “If I’ve truly wronged you… you can hit me or scold me directly. Please don’t punish those hardworking staff members. They already have such difficult lives…”
I raised an eyebrow and stepped forward. Walking directly to where Laurel knelt, I looked down at her tear–stained face.
Then, without hesitation, I slapped her.
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