Chapter 517 Cyberbullying
Chapter 517 Cyberbullying
The article briefly described the relationship between Lucius and Allegra, mentioning that Allegra didn't leave the entertainment industry to marry him. Instead, she offended a powerful figure in the industry and was blacklisted. Otherwise, Allegra wouldn't have disappeared so completely, with even her past works being taken down!
It also mentioned that Lucius had a severe car accident four years ago and underwent treatment abroad alone, without Allegra by his side.
Moreover, Allegra's child was likely not his.
The news also exposed many photos and videos of him receiving treatment abroad.
All the evidence pointed to the fact that Lucius and Allegra were not together four years ago, and they had deceived everyone.
The news was met with a flood of negative comments.
[Oh my God! Is this true? I can't believe the couple I've always liked is fake.]
[If this is true, it's disgusting! Do they think we're idiots to deceive us like this?]
What exactly was the relationship between Lucius and Allegra, and whose child was it?
[I heard they're still participating in a travel reality show, and there are reports that their interactions are very sweet. Is it all an act?]
Lucius's face grew darker as he read the heated comments.
Allegra, of course, saw them too and wasn't feeling any better.
"Mr. Orsini, I won't beat around the bush. The chaos in the entertainment industry is something you're probably more familiar with than I am, so I'll be straightforward," Rachel said after giving Lucius some time to read the news.
"Go ahead," Lucius replied calmly.
Allegra was so angry she could scream. She admired Lucius for remaining so composed under such circumstances.
"Your relationship with Allegra is your private matter, and we have no right to interfere. However, our show is a romance program, and if there is indeed negative news about your relationship, it will significantly impact our show. If the news is true, we might have to terminate our collaboration with you," Rachel continued.
Lucius remained silent for a moment, not responding immediately.
Rachel added, "Of course, if you can resolve the issue smoothly, we would be happy to continue working with you."
In other words, even if their relationship was fake, as long as the public believed it, she wouldn't refuse to collaborate with them.
For a businessperson, value was what mattered, not the truth.
"The only answer I can give you right now is that I will immediately address the news about Allegra and me. I can't guarantee a smooth resolution, but as you said, if we can't resolve it, Allegra and I will voluntarily withdraw from the show, issue a public apology, and pay the penalty for breaching the contract. If we resolve it, we will respect your decision on whether to continue," Lucius said sincerely.
Rachel's impression of him improved significantly.
"Mr. Orsini, I genuinely hope you can resolve this smoothly. I admit that I value your and Allegra's commercial worth, but your words also make me willing to befriend you personally," Rachel said.
"Thank you."
"Talking more now would just waste your time. I can't offer you direct support in this matter, but regardless of the outcome, we won't ask you to pay the penalty for breaching the contract. As for the payment, we'll compensate you based on the recording time," Rachel said, showing her fairness.
"Alright," Lucius replied, not saying more. "I'll keep you updated."
"Good luck."
After hanging up, Lucius looked at Allegra, whose face was red with anger.
Reading the comments only made Allegra angrier. Initially, the comments were about the situation, but they quickly turned into personal attacks.
The destructive power of online bullying was unimaginable to those who hadn't experienced it. If she were even slightly less mentally strong, she might have jumped off the hospital's top floor by now.
"It's okay," Lucius suddenly smiled at Allegra.
He gently stroked her head and said softly, "I'm here."
"Aren't you worried?" Allegra asked. "We did deceive the public. We can't clear our names! I'll be a tainted artist, and you'll be a tainted director..."
Allegra's anxiety grew. This whole mess started because of her. If Lucius hadn't announced their marriage to save her reputation, they wouldn't be in this situation now. She felt guilty for dragging him down with her.
"Don't overthink it. I can handle this," Lucius reassured her with a confident look.
"But..."
"Rest for a bit. I need to make some calls."
"What are you planning to do?"
"You'll see."
"Are you keeping secrets from me?"
"I don't want you to worry."
"I'm already worried," Allegra said. "The less you tell me, the more anxious I get."
"Trust me," Lucius said, patting her head. "Believe in me. I can protect you."
Hearing his words, Allegra felt a warmth in her heart.
Lucius didn't waste any time and wheeled himself out of the room.
He went directly to the next ward, where Nico was with Kerena.
The atmosphere was tense, and neither of them spoke.
Seeing Lucius, Nico was surprised and was about to speak.
"Kerena, I thought you knew better," Lucius said coldly.
Kerena bit her lip, knowing exactly what Lucius was referring to but unwilling to admit it.
"Since you returned to the York family, has anyone mistreated you?" Lucius asked.
Kerena remained silent.
"All these years of making amends for you, was it all in vain?" Lucius continued, his tone aggressive.
Kerena looked down, feeling guilty but still silent.
"Have you forgotten what your grandfather told you before he passed away?" Lucius's face grew colder.
Nico, seeing Kerena on the verge of tears, couldn't help but speak up. Regardless of his feelings for Kerena, he couldn't just watch her suffer.
"Lucius, maybe Kerena was a bit impulsive today and said some harsh things to you and Allegra because of our issues. I apologize on her behalf, and I'll apologize to Allegra too. Please don't be too hard on her," Nico said, unaware of the full situation.
Lucius ignored Nico and got straight to the point. "Did you leak the news to the media that Allegra and I didn't get married three years ago?"