Chapter 154: Livestream

Chapter 154: Livestream

Anouk's heart practically soared when she saw the viewer count in the livestream.

After a brief introduction, she began the interview following the outline she and Rowan had agreed upon beforehand.

She started with some softball questions, including when Rowan had gone missing, how it happened, and how Brooke felt as a mother after losing her biological daughter.

After a few questions, she got down to business.

Anouk asked directly, "Brooke, did you decide to adopt a child because you lost your biological daughter?"

Brooke seemed to sink into the pain of losing her daughter, her face full of sorrow as she replied, "When we couldn't find Rowan, it felt like part of my soul was missing. I couldn't eat, couldn't sleep, so my husband thought we should adopt a child."

Anouk followed up smoothly, "Did the adopted child bring you comfort?"

Brooke paused for a moment. "When we adopted her from the orphanage, she was barely three years old—such a sweet child. Who could have imagined what would come later?"

Anouk immediately pressed, "What happened later? Did something go wrong?"

Brooke appeared to consider her words carefully. "As she grew older, her temperament became stranger. She didn't talk much and was very cold toward us. But my husband and I treated her just like our own. I honestly don't know what we did wrong."

A flood of angry comments filled the chat: "What an ungrateful brat."

Anouk moved to the main topic. "There are rumors online that Claire bullied your biological daughter. Are they true?"

---

The Montague Manor.

Justin and Vincent personally greeted guests at the main entrance.

Luxury cars arrived one after another, and the guests were visibly stunned to see these two powerful men welcoming them in person.

The Montague family's invitation read: Family Celebration. You Are Cordially Invited.

What exactly the celebration was remained a mystery.

Seeing the two top-tier moguls greeting guests personally, everyone couldn't help but speculate: What kind of celebration could warrant such a high-profile reception from the Montague family?

Those invited by the Montague family were all among Crystalbrook's elite. Since they moved in the same circles and knew each other well, small groups formed in the banquet hall, buzzing with gossip.

"Vincent's alleged affair has been all over the internet these past few days. Could this be an engagement announcement for Daphne and Vincent to shut down the rumors?"

At the mention of an engagement, someone chimed in, "I think that's very likely. Did you notice? Vincent's wearing a suit from that famous bridal formal wear brand."

"I noticed that too," said a woman in her thirties.

She sighed. "Honestly, how lucky can Daphne be? Being adopted by the Montague family was already incredible, and now she's landed a fiancé like Vincent. Her luck is just too good."

Someone nearby teased, "Jealous?"

The woman replied, "Aren't you?"

Everyone laughed together.

It went without saying—they were all envious.

But someone had a different opinion. "Wouldn't an engagement be announced directly on the invitation as an 'engagement party'?"

"Right, and this setup doesn't really look like an engagement, does it?"

With that said, uncertainty crept in again.

So the gossip continued.

"Did you see the trending topic? Did Vincent actually have an affair with that Claire woman?"

"They were photographed together. I'd say it's probably true."

One woman smiled knowingly. "I almost believed it when people said Vincent wasn't interested in women. But men—they're all the same."

Someone immediately agreed. "He's not uninterested in women—he's just only interested in top-tier beauties. Did you notice? That Claire is seriously gorgeous. Her features are refined to the point of making you jealous. No wonder she could captivate Vincent."

"So what if she's beautiful? Without family background, she can only be a mistress. Daphne's position is rock solid."

---

Meanwhile, Claire was still in her room.

Cordelia kept her company.

"Claire, come clean. Your lips are swollen—did you and Vincent kiss?"

Claire suddenly felt a bit shy, instinctively reaching up to touch her lips.

They'd been so absorbed in the kiss earlier that her lips did feel a bit tight and swollen.

Seeing her reaction, Cordelia knew immediately. Her gaze traveled brazenly from Claire's face down to her chest, and she spoke with a mischievous grin.

"Vincent's pretty restrained, I'll give him that—only kissing you until you're swollen. You have no idea how tempting you look right now. If I were Vincent, I wouldn't have been able to hold back at all. I'd have pinned you down and made love to you first, questions later."

Cordelia's words instantly brought back memories of Vincent's awkward state.

His body's reaction had been obvious, and he'd even apologized before disappearing into the bathroom for over twenty minutes. Claire still wondered how he'd dealt with it.

Seeing her silence, Cordelia stared at her intently. "Wait—with that look on your face, did you two actually do it just now?"

Claire rolled her eyes. "Are you that desperate for a man? If you want one so badly, go downstairs. There are plenty of guys here tonight—I'm sure at least one will be to your taste."

Cordelia blinked. "Speaking of men, I think Justin's not bad. Good-looking, broad shoulders, narrow waist. Based on my extensive experience with men, I bet he's got serious stamina in bed."

Claire knew she was joking and played along with a smile. "Setting your sights on Justin? Sure, go ahead—strip down and wait in his bed. I'll make sure he has a few extra drinks tonight to help you out. How's that for friendship?"

"No, no, no." Cordelia waved her hands frantically. "Justin's getting up there in years. I'm afraid your dear mother would make me marry him the next morning."

"What, Justin's not good enough for you?"

"It's not about whether he's good enough. I'm only nineteen! I've barely slept with anyone yet. If I get married now, I'll be totally ripped off."

Just then, Cordelia's phone chimed with a message notification.

"Damn it." Cordelia's eyes flew wide open.

"What's wrong?" Claire asked.

Cordelia had received a livestream link from a high school classmate with the caption: Quick, look—Claire's adoptive mother is trashing her on a livestream!

Cordelia immediately clicked the link and turned her phone screen toward Claire. "See for yourself."

Claire's gaze shifted to the screen, and she instantly recognized the person on it as Brooke.

Cordelia leaned in to watch with her.

Anouk asked Brooke, "There are rumors online that Claire bullied your biological daughter. Are they true?"

At the question, Brooke's face twisted with pain. "You've all seen the video. I don't want to say much more."

Then she sighed. "I spent so many years raising her. If she hadn't gone too far, how could I bear to send her away to live a hard life?"

The audience erupted.

"So she really did bully Rowan."

"Mrs. Blackwell, tell us! Expose her."

Anouk asked, "The viewers are very curious. Can you share one incident?"

Brooke's expression turned anguished. "I won't mention the rest, but there's one thing I really need to get off my chest."

"She had someone get Rowan drunk at a bar to ruin her. If I hadn't arrived in time, I don't even want to think about what could have happened."

"How vicious."

"Someone like that should be in prison."

"Call the police, call the police."

Anouk followed up smoothly. "Did you report it to the police at the time?"

Brooke shook her head. "I really wanted to call the police. I was so angry. But Rowan wouldn't let us."

"Rowan said Claire was just afraid of losing what she has now, which is pitiful in its own way. She wanted to give her one more chance."

"Rowan's too kind-hearted."