Chapter 51

My clarification press conference was a huge success.

The reporters at the scene were convinced by me, and public opinion instantly turned around.

After returning, Virio took me to the lounge, looked at me seriously, and asked how I was doing.

I knew that publicly declaring opposition to one's own family wasn't an easy thing.

So Virio was worried I might feel some psychological burden because of this.

Just like last time after I fired the gun, he stayed with me for several days.

Looking at him, I felt an unprecedented sense of relief.

I told him seriously, "Don't worry about me. Actually, from the moment I decided to hold this press conference, I had already thought it through."

Thought through what I should do next and how to face all of this.

Now every step was just within my expectations.

But after this video was released, I also knew it would definitely bring Killian's craziest counterattack ever!

After all, he and Freya always stood together.

And now that I had publicly declared war on the family, perhaps I could never return to the Lacey family.

Thinking about this, I felt somewhat hesitant.

I suddenly asked Virio, "Do you think everything I've done is right?"

Virio didn't know what I was talking about, but he looked at me with gentle eyes.

Seeing this mafia boss by my side, I always had an unreal feeling.

Because Virio's impression to others had always been strong, but in front of me, he would unconsciously show tenderness.

I could feel this tenderness, and my heart stirred slightly.

But what came to mind were the words Freya said to me.

"Do you think you have much status in front of Virio?"

"To Virio, you're just a fresh and exciting target, but after this novelty wears off, are you sure there will be anything left between you two?"

I admitted that I really couldn't put these words behind me.

And so now, looking at Virio, I was speechless for a long time, only able to silently reach out my hand.

Seeing my gesture, he also reached out and firmly grasped my hand.

His hand was very large; I could barely hold it.

But just at this moment, with our palms pressed together, I could feel Virio's surging emotions.

He opened his mouth to say something to me, but the next second someone called him from outside the door.

After Virio left, I realized that what I had been thinking about repeatedly was what Virio would say to me.

After I publicly expressed opposition to the family, would he give me a corresponding promise, saying he would take care of me from now on?

Unfortunately, I didn't know.

That responsibility was too great.

And accepting me also meant formally entering into opposition with the Lacey family in the future.

Originally, because of our cooperation before, this situation had improved.

Thinking of this, I suddenly didn't know what to think, and could only lean silently on the sofa. I thought for a long time.

My phone kept buzzing with messages. I saw messages from many business partners. During this time, I had contacted many people, especially Sebastian.

As my confidant in the company, he wasn't surprised to see my clarification, but instead asked how I was feeling now.

He said to me: [It's going to be hard for you to return to the family now.]

Seeing this message, I called him.

Sebastian's voice sounded as calm as always. "Ms. Lacey, why the sudden call?"

"I saw the message you sent me. Am I disturbing your rest?"

As I said this, I was about to hang up, but Sebastian said, "Don't worry, the company is investigating me right now. I'm at home, no one will hear."

"They say we had contact before. Need to investigate."

So Sebastian was currently at home, subject to a company review?

Hearing this, I hesitated, thinking I had implicated him.

But the next second, Sebastian said to me, "Don't worry, this has nothing to do with you."

"I'm just thinking about how interesting the upcoming investigation will be."

Hearing this, I hesitated again and asked him what he meant.

What Sebastian said next calmed me down.

It turned out that some time ago, when I almost had an accident, he had already made relevant arrangements.

He wanted to make sure that even if the company really sent people to investigate him, they wouldn't detect anything suspicious.

Especially everything we had discussed before wouldn't be discovered by others.

Hearing about all the arrangements he made, I was suddenly delighted.

Although Sebastian was my confidant, I never thought he would prepare so much in advance.

When I first contacted him, I saw he was ambitious, but I only thought he wanted to move up in the company by cooperating with me.

I didn't expect him to be so clever.

We chatted for a bit, making sure our cooperation wouldn't be discovered by the company.

Then I asked what he planned to do next.

Sebastian thought for a moment and said to me, "Are you going to end our cooperation?"

I immediately denied it, saying, "Of course not. My cooperation with you is the best thing I've done during this time."

So he said to me, "Don't worry, Ms. Lacey, as long as you haven't given up on me, I certainly won't give up on our cooperation. Besides, now that you've announced your opposition, isn't this a good opportunity to deal with the family?"

"I'll do everything I can to help you next, but I'll have to wait until I return to the company."

I knew that my projects would be investigated.

And Sebastian was in charge of one of my projects too.

This would implicate him, but I trusted him.

But just as I hung up, Virio pushed the door open.

This time, he didn't even knock.

Seeing his serious expression, I thought something had happened.

Just as I was about to speak, Virio walked up to me and said seriously, "Something's wrong. You can't stay in Emerald City anymore! Luca and I discussed it and decided to transfer you to a private estate."

Transfer me?

What did this mean? I couldn't I stay here anymore?

I stared blankly at Virio.

Virio's face was full of determination. "I got word from others that Killian has contacted several more media outlets and some other families under my command."

It seemed our guess was right - Killian was indeed planning a crazy counterattack!

I could roughly imagine what methods he could use.

That day at the dock was just a test. These past few days, he had invited Virio and me to meet again, but we didn't agree.

Last time was already so dangerous. With just one word from Killian, both sides' forces would immediately go to war.

This was a result neither Virio nor I wanted to see.