Chapter 229

Chapter 229

Lily's POV

"Let's set aside whether your feelings for me are genuine. I still want to know the real reason you're against me making an announcement."

I found it difficult to easily trust James's words. He was too good at concealing his thoughts, and I couldn't determine whether he was being truthful.

"There are already people calling William a jerk and irresponsible. If people learn that you're also getting engaged to someone else, wouldn't that damage your reputation?"

James's reasoning made me abandon the idea of announcing our engagement.

He was genuinely looking out for me, which changed my perception of him somewhat.

James suddenly shifted his tone, smiling mysteriously with a hint of barely perceptible craftiness: "Why not wait a few days before revealing this news? That way, William will look like the jerk, and you can play the heartbroken victim. Wouldn't that be perfect?"

I hadn't expected James to be so devious. I was momentarily speechless, though I had to admit it was a brilliant idea.

"I knew James wasn't as simple as he seemed."

Seeing that I'd given up on posting the engagement announcement, James gently touched my hair. "The news will come out sooner or later anyway. Why not use it to teach William a lesson?"

I looked at him in surprise. "You're really wasted not working in PR."

James pretended to be serious: "Is your company hiring? I'll apply if they are."

I rolled my eyes. "Get lost."

"So why are you telling me all this?" I couldn't understand why James would be so considerate of my situation.

"I already told you last time—because I like you, and I genuinely want to be with you."

James gave me a meaningful look. This was the first time I couldn't quite read someone. I couldn't tell whether his words were true or false.

"Does he really like me? Or is this just for the family alliance?"

My mind was filled with doubts, but now wasn't the time to pursue this question.

James and I took an overnight flight back to Manhattan.

Nicholas was delighted to see me being so compliant and immediately transferred twenty percent of the Spencer family shares to me.

"Lily, I've always said you're the most promising child in our Spencer family."

Nicholas patted my shoulder affectionately, his eyes full of satisfaction. "This engagement isn't just a union of two families; it's also a new starting point for your personal career."

I smiled politely while thinking about William.

"Does he know I'm getting engaged to James? How would he react?"

News of the engagement between the Manhattan Spencer family and James's family spread quickly, not just in Manhattan but also in New York, Vermont, and beyond. Congratulations poured in from all influential families.

The news rapidly took over the internet.

Given my multiple identities, my fans came from various industries, and the buzz momentarily overshadowed Emily and William's news.

Online comments largely supported me: "William is such a jerk, dumping Lily for Emily. Fortunately, our smart Lily found a good man!"

"Yeah, I really thought Emily had this pure image, but she's just a disgusting person stealing someone's boyfriend and then shamelessly posting about it!"

"The Alexander family isn't ordinary—they're financially powerful and have never been involved in scandals. James and Lily are truly a perfect match..."

Online opinions were mixed, but most praised my engagement to James while condemning Emily and William's behavior.

I looked at these comments with complicated feelings.

"These netizens don't know the truth. They're just judging from their own perspectives."

James approached me, looking at my phone screen. "Seems like the internet is on your side."

"Yes, the public always likes to side with whoever appears more vulnerable," I said with a bitter smile.

"Isn't that a good thing?" James raised an eyebrow. "At least Emily and William will face more pressure."

I nodded but didn't feel much satisfaction from this revenge.

Suddenly, I began to question the purpose of all this.

"What am I doing this for? Is it really just to get back at William?"

——

Emily's POV

In Germany, I was furious. I never expected that rushing to announce my relationship with William would generate such backlash, causing me to lose millions of followers!

"William, can't you do something about your ex-girlfriend? Her engagement to James is overshadowing us!" I complained anxiously. "Online, everyone's calling me a homewrecker, saying I destroyed your relationship!"

I saw William staring at me coldly, with suppressed anger in his eyes.

Unable to bear William's icy gaze, I swallowed hard. "William, I..."

William interrupted me: "If you hadn't rushed to announce it, fans wouldn't be attacking you. I already warned you not to provoke Lily again, or we'll break up immediately."

I feared nothing more than William breaking up with me. My body involuntarily shrank back. "I understand, William. I won't act rashly again."

Back at the hotel, I called Nicholas: "Mr. Spencer, this is so unfair! I helped you separate William and Lily, and this is how you treat me? I don't believe you weren't involved in the online backlash."

Nicholas snorted. "Isn't this mess your own doing, Emily? If you had behaved yourself, you wouldn't be facing such contempt."

"You know who I was working for! Surely you don't want Lily to discover that her breakup was a premeditated plan?" I threatened.

Nicholas's voice turned icy. "Emily, I suggest you remember your place. Our agreement was mutually beneficial. Don't think you have any leverage to threaten me."

I bit my lip. "I just wanted to remind you that our cooperation should be equal."

"Equal?" Nicholas laughed coldly. "You got William. Isn't that enough?"

I remained silent for a moment, forced to admit he was right.

Finally, I conceded: "I'm sorry, Mr. Spencer. I was just anxious."

"Control your emotions, Emily. Remember our objective." Nicholas hung up after saying this.

——

Lily's POV

In Manhattan.

I visited Jackson, who was still being forcibly kept in the hospital. As soon as he saw me, he rushed over: "Lily, please tell Nicholas my illness is long gone! I can get out of bed and go out now!"

Seeing his dejected face, I couldn't help but want to laugh. "Alright, I know. I'll help resolve this, but until then, just stay put."

"You're so heartless!" Jackson dramatically fell back onto the bed. "I've been trapped in this boring hospital for over a month—no games, no friends, just tedious examinations and tasteless hospital food!"

I couldn't help laughing. "Come on, stop pretending. I heard you've charmed all the nurses. They bring you delicious food every day and even play games with you."

Jackson immediately sat up, his eyes shifting. "Who... who told you that?"

"You think you're the only one who collects information?" I smiled smugly. "Now confess—do you have feelings for one of the nurses?"

Jackson's face turned red. "No way!"

I laughed and ruffled his hair, my mood lifting considerably.

Being with Jackson always helped me temporarily forget my troubles.

After a while, Jackson suddenly became serious. "Lily, honestly, why did you and William break up? William loved you so much. How could he suddenly change his affections? I feel there must be some misunderstanding."

I tapped his forehead. "I used to think so too, but I've asked many times and verified repeatedly. It's not a misunderstanding. He truly can't forget Emily."

Jackson frowned, seemingly pondering something.

Finally, he hesitantly said, "But... James also has a first love."

This made my heart tighten, realizing there might be things I didn't know.

"James's first love? Didn't he say I was his first love? As expected! A man's mouth is the devil's lying tool!"