Chapter 175 Too Many Followers, Also Competing for Favor
The two reporters exchanged glances. One of them hesitantly asked, "Ms. Johnson, are you saying you want to expose Bianca's true colors?"
Emily gave them an approving look. "Isn't Bianca trying to get famous? If you write this as a dramatic twist, more people will read it, and she'll get even more attention. That's what she wanted, right? Plus, you won't have to return her deposit!"
She chuckled as she spoke.
Sophia watched Emily's smile and felt a chill run down her spine. It was almost demonic.
She was relieved she had chosen to work with Emily rather than becoming her enemy. Otherwise, she might have been left with nothing but regrets.
Take Byron, for instance. He opposed Emily just once and ended up in a miserable state. Rumor had it he was in such pain that he couldn't find the cause and felt like he was living in hell. He even admitted he nearly committed suicide because he couldn't bear it anymore.
Emily was unaware of Sophia’s thoughts.
The two reporters also sensed Emily's sinister expression and shuddered. They nodded in agreement, fearing that any delay might lead to dire consequences.
"Don't worry, we get it. Fame doesn't have to be good; bad fame can spread even further."
Emily nodded. "Alright, you can go now. But don't think you can run away and not do your job. I have ways to find you!"
With Emily's threat hanging over them, the two reporters fled in a panic.
"Emily, I never knew you had such a wicked side. Good thing I never crossed you, or I'd be in big trouble!"
Allan shivered, genuinely scared.
Emily rolled her eyes at him. "Haven't you crossed me enough times? Thanks for your help this time. Don't worry about the aftermath. I won't let it affect your art exhibit."
Bianca thought she could get away by pretending to faint?
Emily had promised that she would repay Bianca for the pain she caused her, making sure Bianca felt it just as deeply.
The two reporters were efficient and knew how to capture the audience’s attention. Their headlines and narrative twists drew in a large crowd.
However, the online audience wasn't familiar with the full story between Emily and Bianca.
The news spread, and soon everyone in the art community knew Bianca was a thief. She was effectively blacklisted.
But that wasn't enough for Emily.
Through Sophia’s repost, the news spread across the campus.
The alumni network buzzed with heated discussions.
"Is this the Bianca we all loved? I can't believe she's like this!"
"By the way, have you noticed how Emily has really blossomed? She's the prettiest now."
"I agree! People used to say Emily bullied Bianca, but who actually saw her do it?"
"You guys are blind. Bianca always played the victim, and Emily got blamed every time."
"Emily used to keep a low profile out of family loyalty. Now that she's standing up for herself, she's shining. She's way more talented than Bianca, excelling in both art and medicine. I heard she's even publishing a paper soon."
"Really? She's just a freshman and already publishing a paper? That's impressive!"
No one expected Kurt from the physics department to like the comment and share proof of Emily's upcoming publication.
Doubts vanished.
When someone is just a little better, people get jealous. But when they’re on a whole different level, people admire them.
Emily had learned this lesson through experience.
Sophia messaged Emily: "Emily, your reputation is improving. How does it feel? I spoke up for you, and your talent has made everyone see you in a new light."
Emily immediately sent Sophia some money as a silent thank you.
Sophia was thrilled and went to brag to Byron.
Byron felt left out, realizing Emily and Sophia had done something big without him.
Byron messaged Emily: "Ms. Johnson, am I no longer your favorite sidekick? How could you do this without me? I need compensation for my hurt feelings!"
Emily noticed her sidekicks were now competing for her attention.
In a good mood, she replied: "If you were good at painting, I wouldn't mind including you! Don't worry, I won't forget you next time."
She also sent him some money to ease his feelings.
Byron accepted it but, being a former troublemaker, knew how to curry favor.
He turned around and sent Emily even more money.
After Emily accepted it, he went to show off to Sophia.
Emily heard they were arguing again and decided to ignore it.
The news had spread online, reaching those closely following her.
Daniel saw the news and was happy Emily had dealt with Bianca.
He had someone investigate and found out James was involved. Originally, he wanted to see if James would act after meeting his mother, but now he didn't want James around Emily anymore.
Daniel called Kade. "You have one day to send James out of the country. If you don't, I'll send my own people."
His tone was calm but firm.
Given Daniel's temper, if he sent his people, James would likely never return.
"Daniel, please! I'll arrange it immediately. His girlfriend's pregnancy delayed things. Once he's back from the hospital, I'll have bodyguards take him to the airport."
Kade, terrified, quickly agreed.
Daniel hung up after a brief acknowledgment.
Just one sentence was enough to scare Kade.
Thinking of his troublesome son, Kade knew James could never lead Ascend Global Group.
Kade had bodyguards forcibly take James to the airport, packing his things and sending them directly. James didn’t even get a chance to go home.
Bianca, unaware of the online scandal, woke up in the hospital shortly after arriving.
James, seeing her awake, coldly said, "Since you're awake, I'll leave now. The doctor said you're fine. You can discharge yourself later."
He couldn't be bothered to stay, showing his true colors.