Chapter 40 Chapter 40: Scandal Resolved
The post immediately caught the attention of netizens. Selena’s loyal fans were moved to tears, relieved that their idol had been cleared of the accusations. However, the antis and casual onlookers continued to attack both her and Balthazar with angry comments.
"The chairman trying to ride the fame wave?"
"Just look at that girl’s appearance, for sure she’s selling herself. Better watch out for a dozen horns on your head, Chairman."
"Just another sugar daddy with a long-legged girl."
"Are the people above insane? Her boyfriend already clarified, but you still accuse her of selling herself. It’s true—you can’t expect wisdom from a dog’s mouth."
"These idiots are all blind. They believe a fake video like sheep being led, but when the actual people speak up, they just jump in and attack."
...
The more Balthazar read the comments on his post, the angrier he became on Selena’s behalf. How could she have endured such insults and slander throughout the broadcast?
He remembered her crying that night. And yet, she didn’t ask him for help—her pride must be immense.
Looking down at the girl still fast asleep on the bed, a faint smile appeared on his lips. He pulled out his phone and snapped a picture, being careful not to capture Selena’s face. Since she wanted to stay hidden, he couldn’t expose her.
Then, he posted a second message on social media.
Balthazar Winchester v: "She cried all night, enduring so much without a word. To those who misunderstood me out of love for her, I’ll forgive you. But to those who spread lies and misled the public, expect a letter from my lawyer soon. I’m rich, after all, so I’ll sue the lot of you and still have plenty left over." \[Image\]
This second post from Balthazar caused a massive stir online. If Selena had threatened legal action herself, people might not have cared. But since it was Balthazar, they felt a chill—because, for some reason, they believed he was serious.
Shortly after, posts from KOLs who had spread false information about Selena began disappearing. While a few stubborn individuals continued to stir things up, the wave of attacks had significantly weakened.
Meanwhile, Selena’s fans were heartbroken for her. Seeing the picture Balthazar had posted, they felt guilty for not protecting their idol better. If they had been stronger from the start, she wouldn’t have suffered all day.
They quickly rallied, going after those who had slandered her online and screenshotting the posts to send to Balthazar, helping him find the perpetrators faster.
Crash!
A glass shattered on the floor, fragments scattering everywhere.
"Girlfriend? He called that woman his girlfriend? What about me? He said he only loved me!"
Amelia screamed, clutching her head in frustration in her private room. After reading Balthazar’s sweet words, she could no longer keep calm. This was the man she loved—he couldn’t betray her like this.
She had accepted his affairs, tolerated his flings, but she could never accept him loving someone else. He belonged to her!
"No! Balthazar, you can’t treat me this way. There must be some misunderstanding. I’ll listen to his explanation."
Muttering to herself, Amelia stormed out of the house and caught a cab straight to Balthazar’s company. If he didn’t admit he still loved her today, she would destroy him. No one else had the right to claim his heart.
...
Inside the chairman’s office at Winning Edge Enterprises.
"I’m listening, Mom."
Balthazar rubbed his forehead. He knew his mother would call, and sure enough, after posting his message, her calls had flooded in.
On the other end, her voice was rushed:
"What’s that girl’s name? Where does she live? What does she look like? Oh, I watched her broadcast just now—such a sweet voice, and she sings so well! Balthazar, I like her. Why don’t you bring her home for me to meet?"
The questions came so fast it felt like bullets. Balthazar’s headache worsened. He replied nonchalantly, then hung up. As much as he felt something for Selena, she was still just his kept woman for now. Besides, he wasn’t sure if he was ready to introduce her to his family.
Moreover, he wasn’t even sure if he wanted anything long-term with her.
Just then, his assistant entered the room.
"Boss, Amelia called. She wants to meet you at Italian restaurant to talk."
Upon hearing this, Balthazar’s face darkened, but he eventually nodded and said:
"Reschedule the upcoming meeting to this afternoon."
The assistant hesitated for a moment before nodding. He knew a bit about his boss’s private life. Between Miss Amelia, who was already married but still clung to another man, and the gentle, beautiful Selena, he felt the latter was a much better match.
Meanwhile, after hanging up with Balthazar, Mrs. Winchester happily turned to Sophia.
"Your brother has finally come to his senses. As long as he lets go of that Amelia girl, I won’t worry anymore."
Sophia clicked her tongue in response.
"We don’t even know what his new girlfriend is like yet, Mom."
Mrs. Winchester dismissed her concerns. A person with such a soothing voice couldn’t possibly be bad.
"I don’t care. He’s made it public on social media. Maybe this time he’s serious."
But Sophia wasn’t as optimistic as her mother. She knew her brother. If it were that easy for him to let go of Amelia, he wouldn’t have lived so recklessly for so long. Besides, the new girl probably didn’t know that he had an illegitimate child…
In the living room, a child of about six or seven stared at the picture Balthazar had secretly taken of Selena while she slept, mumbling:
"Is this my new mom?"
...
When Selena woke up, it was already 2 PM. She sat on the bed, feeling disoriented. The eerie silence made it seem as though the entire world had vanished, leaving her all alone.
Riiiiing...
The sharp ring of her phone jolted her back to reality. She answered, and Kevin’s voice immediately shouted from the other end.
"Thank God you finally picked up! Everything’s been resolved. The platform admins have unlocked your broadcast room. Hurry and take advantage of the situation while it’s still hot."
Selena, still groggy, barely understood what was happening.
"What did you say?"
Kevin:
"Are you even awake yet? Do you realize what situation you’re in?"
Kevin was so frustrated he kept slapping his own forehead, hoping to get the blood flowing. Fortunately, there was only one person like her at the company; otherwise, he’d be in the hospital by now with a brain hemorrhage.
"Your chairman boyfriend posted a clarification and is suing those who spread rumors. We’ve won big this time! Combined with the scandal at BrightVerse Entertainment, Kola is soaring."
Kola was in the perfect position to benefit from Selena’s scandal, which had already blown up online. Even TV stations had reported on Balthazar’s post. Coupled with BrightVerse Entertainment’s scandal, Kola used it as a springboard to capture public attention.
Just today alone, viewership on the entire platform had already reached nearly half of the entire quarter’s figures.
It seemed Selena wasn’t trying to ruin his company after all. She was using a business strategy. Kevin realized he had a lot to learn from her.
After listening to Kevin, Selena’s mind finally started to clear. A small smile formed on her lips. She couldn’t believe Balthazar had dealt with BrightVerse Entertainment for her. She wondered how furious Amelia must be now.