Free Web NovelChapter 229: Chapter 229
Aria’s POV
“Alpha Jonathan,” I said steadily, “should we consider responding to the netizens’ demands? The U.S. stock market took a hard hit today. Tomorrow could be worse.”
On the other end, voices rose immediately.
“Yes, Alpha, we can’t stay silent forever. Ignoring this will only provoke them further.”
“Celestyr Brand has countless designers. Since profit is the goal, shouldn’t we prioritize our interests?”
The overlapping chatter sounded like a restless pack arguing over wounded prey.
“Quiet!”
A loud thud echoed through the line, silencing everyone instantly.
My brows twitched. I had never heard Jonathan like this before. His voice was cold and absolute, his alpha aura flaring,
“Sorry,” he said to me next, his voice lowering, restraint sliding back into place.
I nodded instinctively, even though he couldn’t see me. “It’s fine.”
“If Celestyr Brand can’t survive this kind of pressure,” Jonathan continued firmly, “then it’s not a brand worth keeping.”
My heart trembled.
To his employees, it was a warning.
To me, it was reassurance.
Lowering my gaze, I said quietly, “I’ll handle it as soon as possible. Please bear with me. I’m sorry for the trouble.”
The call ended with a soft beep.
A heavy pressure settled on my chest, like a stone strapped to my back. Because of me, Jonathan had been dragged into this storm.
My shoulders dipped.
But the next second, my wolf straightened.
No...I wasn’t done. I couldn’t afford to sit and wait for the public to tear me apart.
I scrolled through my contacts, fingers moving with purpose, until I found a number, one I hadn’t used in a long time.
The online frenzy continued to rage, everyone lost in their collective condemnation of me. But just as the noise reached its peak, the tide shifted.
A crack in the storm. The court delivered its verdict.
Defendant Francis Murray was found not guilty.
Francis swiftly filed a countersuit against the original plaintiff, Lucious Kendrick for defamation and for damaging the reputation of both himself and the Starsearch Research Institute. freёwebnovel.com
Meanwhile, I met the judge, Amelia Joseph at a sky-high revolving restaurant in Asterfell.
Amelia set her drink down first. “What do you want me to do?”
I raised an eyebrow, caught off guard by her bluntness. After placing my cup aside, I spoke honestly. “The online rumors are destroying my career and dragging the people around me into the mud. I need your help to clear my name.”
Her fingers tightened around the glass. I heard it...the faint stress in her pulse, the subtle change in her breathing.
“There were many witnesses,” she said slowly. “Do you know why the rumors are spreading this fast?”
Her gaze locked onto mine, sharp and probing.
“I have a guess,” I replied with a slight smile, calmer than she expected. My wolf was still, watchful. “What about you? Did you believe the rumors too?”
Silence stretched between us.
Then Amelia shook her head. “As a judge, no. I didn’t accept it. But if I speak out now, I’d be going against my superiors and offending my colleagues.”
My heart sank.
So that was the cage she was trapped in.
“I didn’t think of that,” I said quietly. “I’m sorry for putting you in this position.”
“Mm.”
Her brows furrowed, her delicate, almost youthful face hardening severely. For a moment, she reminded me of an alpha holding her ground. That was when I knew I couldn’t ask for more.
I signaled the waiter to hurry our order and softened my tone. “Let’s just enjoy this time and foget about everything”
I smiled at her sincerely.
Amelia froze, staring at me as if she’d felt a chill crawl up her spine. Something in my calm unsettled her.
“There is no need,” she said suddenly, standing up.
I could tell why she is probably in a haste to leave. With me standing in the center of the storm, lingering around me would only drag her into danger.
Before leaving, she lowered her lashes and said quietly, “Be careful of the plaintiff’s lawyer. Her background isn’t simple.”
I looked up, surprised. I’d suspected Sophia, but hearing Amelia confirm it sent a sharp flicker through my chest.
“Thank you,” I said sincerely.
She picked up her leather briefcase and left.
The seat across from me remained empty for only a heartbeat before someone slid into it without invitation.
Rowland. freewёbn૦νeɭ.com
His biker jacket and sharp, handsome features immediately drew attention, even though I’d chosen a secluded window seat. His presence was loud, like a young wolf with too much confidence and nowhere to put it.
He lounged back, resting his chin in his hand, watching me with bored amusement. “It is tough, isn’t it?”
I pressed my lips together, wondering how long he’d been following me.
With my mind already tangled in too many problems, I had no patience left for Rowland. Being alone with him felt... awkward. Dangerous, in a different way.
“If you want to eat, stay,” I said flatly, grabbing my bag and standing up.
I hadn’t taken two steps before he followed.
“Aria,” he said, clearly frustrated, “what will it take for you to accept my help?”
