Filed to story: Billionaire Bride’s Revenge (Vera & Howard)
Suddenly, a flash went off.
Crack! Crack! The sound of the camera shutter shattered the calm of the evening.
Later that evening, a post titled Victor’s Rendezvous with a Mystery Woman surged in popularity, igniting discussions among tens of thousands of netizens. Along with it, multiple topics regarding his love life surfaced.
The post featured a photo. The restaurant’s soft lighting bathed the two figures in a warm glow. Victor’s lips curled into a faint smile, and the woman opposite him wore her hair in a simple low ponytail, her profile striking. Though her full face wasn’t visible, her beauty was evident.
Online viewers erupted with excitement. In just half an hour, the post amassed millions of views and hundreds of thousands of comments, all centered around Victor.
Ever since Victor had stepped into the public eye, he had been described as stern, handsome, and adept. This was the first time he had been photographed with a woman.
The image piqued the curiosity of netizens, who eagerly began to investigate the identity of the woman. One comment read, “Victor looks handsome from every angle, without exception.”
Another remarked, “Just glimpsing the side profile through the screen suggests they make a great couple.”
One user asked, “His companion is so beautiful. Is she a celebrity? Her face is lovely, and her aura is captivating.”
Others commented, “The long-time bachelor has finally found love. The typically work-focused Victor is actually having dinner with a woman.”
Upon reading these comments, Lily was overwhelmed with jealousy, to the point of nearly dropping her phone. Victor had never shown such tenderness with any woman. How had Vera, of all people, managed to attract his attention?
Why did she deserve such an outstanding man?
Shouldn’t Vera be devastated over Howard’s betrayal?
Lily’s mood soured, and she inadvertently dropped her fork during the meal. The others at the table turned to look at her.
Howard looked up, concerned. “Lily, what’s wrong?”
Lily hesitated before responding, “Howard, I stumbled upon a news article, but I’m hesitant to share it with you.”
Confused, Howard inquired, “What is it? Why can’t you tell me?”
After pausing, Lily handed her phone to Howard.
“Looks like Vera has started anew. The internet is celebrating their union,” she explained.
Howard’s expression turned grim instantly. As he read the article, his eyes grew cold.
Lily sighed, a mock guilt weighing on her. “Howard, this is partly my fault. If I hadn’t appeared, Vera might not have tried to retaliate by getting close to other men. But this is damaging her reputation more than anything.” The more Lily spoke, the guiltier she felt, her eyes beginning to water.
Howard clutched the phone, scrutinizing the photo, his brows knitted in concern.
“So, they even clicked after you and the Montgomerys left? Toasting to their newfound camaraderie?”
“What could possibly follow?” he pondered aloud. “Could it lead to something more intimate?”
A coil of anger and jealousy formed inside Howard. This scenario was far from what he had envisioned. Vera should be remorseful and longing for his return. Howard returned the phone with a sneer. “A woman who manipulates situations for her advantage doesn’t deserve true love. She’ll face the consequences of her actions eventually.”
Sharon gently patted Lily’s hand, offering comfort. “Lily, don’t blame yourself for everything. Vera is beyond redemption. It’s best to just ignore her.”
Sharon’s gaze darkened with contempt as she added, “Vera can’t hold a candle to you.”
Lily hesitated but then nodded. Despite the reassurance, jealousy lingered in her heart.
Jeff exhaled, evidently weary of the topic, and suggested, “Let’s just focus on the meal.”
Meanwhile, Vera had just exited the restaurant when her phone rang with a call from Aimee.
“I didn’t expect your relationship to advance so swiftly. How was the dinner date tonight?”
Confused, Vera responded, “What are you referring to? I’m at a loss here.”
Aimee laughed knowingly. “The latest online post has revealed your outing with Victor. Now, everyone knows about your dinner date tonight.”
“What?!” Vera was shocked.
Without wasting another moment, Vera accessed the trending search.
Displayed prominently were Victor’s name and their photo together.
A past incident flashed through her mind, causing her heart to flutter anxiously.
Victor always kept his public and private lives separate, detesting any public discourse about his personal matters. She had heard that some people had spread rumors online, attempting to get closer to Victor.
They were said to have ended up miserably, with some even rumored to be silenced permanently. To this day, unresolved rumors hinted at Victor’s involvement.
Vera’s grip on her phone tightened as she worried Victor might think she was behind the trending photo and react harshly. Feeling a chill, she quickly explained to Victor, “Mr. Adams, someone took our photo and posted it online. Now it’s trending. I don’t know who did it, but I promise it wasn’t me.”
Looking at Victor, Vera was frightened he might not believe her.
Victor, noticing her anxious demeanor, slightly frowned and asked, “Am I that intimidating to you?”
In that moment, Vera looked like a frightened kitten, her anxiety palpable.
Caught off guard, Vera hurriedly added, “I just want to clarify that I didn’t start this rumor.”
Victor responded calmly, “I believe you. If it bothers you, I can have the news removed.”
Surprised, Vera tentatively asked, “Mr. Adams, doesn’t this bother you?”
Victor coolly replied, “I don’t concern myself with these matters.”
Vera paused, wondering if he truly was indifferent. If Victor didn’t care, why had there been no rumors about him since that past incident?
Not wanting to dwell too deeply, especially since they were now working together, she stated, “Please have the news removed. I don’t want it damaging your reputation, nor do I want my private life exposed.”
Netizens were already speculating about the woman’s identity in the photo. If left unaddressed, her identity would soon become public knowledge, sparking unwanted discussions.
Victor considered briefly.
Vera, known in the design world as Iris, had always maintained a discreet profile.
Victor expressed his appreciation and decided, “I’ll handle the situation soon. However, you might consider being less secretive. You’re better suited for the sunlight than hiding in the shadows.”
Vera was caught off guard by Victor’s comment about living in the sunlight. Before she could process it, Victor had already opened the car door, offering to drive her home.