Revenge is best served cold

My eyes widened in shock when I heard Dad's words. I asked, "Why should I?"

Jack sneered and pulled out the video clip of me going to the Simpson residence on his phone. "Why don't you tell us? Don't you know what the entire internet is saying about this video? What will happen to the company's image if you continue to handle it?"

"But I did nothing of the sort," I responded nonchalantly. "I've been going to Mr. Simpson's place because I promised to make him lunch for a certain period of time. After that, he'll collaborate with us."

At the next moment, silence hung over the meeting room. It was as if everyone had agreed on a reaction beforehand. They were uncharacteristically united.

I swept my eyes across the room and smiled self-derisively. "Don't you all believe in me?"

Dad looked heartbroken. "Of course, we do. It's just that—"

Mr. Ward suddenly interrupted and asked, "What difference does it make if we believe in you? Are you aware that your image directly affects the company? It doesn't matter if the rumors are true. The damage is done."

Mr. Linden nodded and went along with him. "Exactly. What you did isn't important. It's what everyone sees that counts."

Mr. Plume noticed the grim look on my face and hurriedly defused the tension. "It's not that we don't believe you, Jae. It's because we have a unique situation on our hands now.

"You and Mr. Simpson might be innocent and clean, but that doesn't mean the netizens will buy it. The only solution we can come up with now is for you to lay low. If both of you go off the radar, the public will forget about you after some time."

I looked back at him nonchalantly. "But they'll label me as a promiscuous woman every time I show up in the future. Isn't that right? Won't I be kicked out of Brown Group if that happens enough times?" The moment I retorted, the meeting room was enshrouded in an uncanny silence once more.

I looked at Dad, but he was trapped in an impossible situation. He might be my father, but he was also Brown Group's director. He couldn't make a decision that largely ignored the company's interest.

I understood all of that. It was also why I didn't force him to take my side.

"I'm capable enough to reach where

I am today, and I certainly can

handle this mess." I broke the silence and spoke. "Give me a week, and I'put an end to this farce. All misunderstandings will be unraveled."

Jack looked at me, a hint of provocation flashing in his eyes. "What if you fail to deal with it?"

I met his gaze firmly and said unwaveringly, "If that should come to pass, I'llnoveldrama

relinquish all leadership roles and do whatever you want me to."

At the next moment, I rose to my feet and walked out of the meeting room as all of them stared at me.

I straightaway headed to the

Simpson residence. The reporters who had gathered there still hadn't left. When they saw me, they immediately huddled over here and asked me a barrage of questions.

"Is that you in the online video, Ms. Brown? Is your company seeking out Mr. Simpson because you have a project you want to collaborate with him?"

"Word on the internet is that you have a shady deal with Mr. Simpson. Is it true, Ms. Brown?"

"Public opinion on the internet has festered, and yet you showed up here as per your deal with Mr. Simpson. Why is that?"

Microphones were thrust in my direction, but I didn't choose to respond to any of their questions. I faced the camera and smiled politely.

"I am the lady in the online video."

The next moment, the whole scene erupted into an uproar.

I continued, "It's only because I promised Mr. Simpson that I'd make him lunch every day. That's why I've been showing up here every day. There's no shady deal struck between both of us, and I've made a police report. I'll hold the netizens

responsible for swaying public opinion."