Chapter 99
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“Our company intends to use this land to build a luxury resort. It will attract international travelers and serve as a hub for cultural exchange, creating a bridge between domestic and global tourism…”
Mark listened carefully, nodding subtly in approval.
It was a solid proposal.
Then, it was Brighton Group’s turn.
Stephen glanced at Stellar, silently signaling for her to take the lead.
She raised a brow, momentarily surprised by his level of trust.
But since he was giving her the stage, she wasn’t going to shy away from it.
“Our plan is to develop this land for the advancement of aerospace technology. It will serve as a research and development
facility, contributing to the nation’s space exploration efforts and scientific innovation.”
Mark sat back, absorbing her words.
Her explanation was articulate and her vision was ambitious.
There was something remarkable about a young woman with a mind set on shaping the future
At that moment, she wasn’t just presenting a project; she was illuminating the room with her sheer conviction.
After hearing both proposals, Mark finally made his decision.
un
Stepping back into the main hall, he picked up the microphone and announced,
“I have decided to grant the development rights for this land to Mr. Ward and Miss Rivers.”
The room erupted into applause.
For most, it was a clear victory.
For Percy, it was something else entirely.
A bitter mix of disbelief and frustration churned inside him.
This shouldn’t have happened..
If Stellar had still been by his side, Moore Enterprises would have won this bid without question.
But now?
She belonged to someone else’s team
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Congratulations, Mr. Ward,” a few guests stepped forward, offering their congratulations. “And to you as well, Miss Rivers-
Impressive work.”
Stellar, long accustomed to business etiquette, accepted their words with the same effortless grace as always.
At that moment, a group of reporters approached, cameras flashing and microphones extended toward Stellar.
“Miss Rivers, what’s the secret to securing this prime piece of land?”
“Miss Rivers, what’s your relationship with Mr. Ward?”
Stellar responded with practiced ease, her expression composed and professional, answering each question with the expected social grace.
She neither hesitated nor faltered, maintaining the same calm poise she always carried in the public eye until a reporter suddenly raised his microphone, his voice cutting sharply above the crowd.
“Miss Rivers, you’ve certainly come a long way, and your success is admirable. But what do you have to say about the real story
from your past–the time you were kidnapped for several days and… sexually assaulted by multiple men?”
A chilling silence followed.
Then, an explosion of murmurs.
“What? Kidnapped? Sexually assaulted? Is this true?”
“Multiple men? That’s–God, that’s horrible!”
The whispers spread like wildfire, dripping with morbid curiosity and judgment.
And among them, fanned the flames further–Yvonne.
someone
Her lips curled in satisfaction as she watched Stellar’s face pale.
She was waiting for her to break and crumble under the weight of shame just like before.
She wanted to see her flee and humiliated, as the crowd turned against her once again.
Percy’s face darkened, his expression unreadable, but there was a tension in his jaw, a flicker of something–disgust, maybe.
This was the very thing that had always been a thorn in his heart.
He wanted to treat her well,
But what man could truly accept this?
It was like being served the finest dish, only to find a rotting insect hidden within.
It left a bitter taste, impossible to swallow.
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No matter how many times Stellar tried to explain, he never believed her.
Every time Percy thought about it, a deep sense of revulsion settled in his chest.
That was why he always kept her at a distance, pushing her away without ever truly confronting his feelings.
But now, this scandal was out in the oper
Everyone would know that he was once made a fool of.
His expression turned ashen, his entire body stiff with humiliation.
He wanted to turn on his heel and walk away, to distance himself from the mess unraveling before him.
But before he could move, a clear, unwavering voice rang out, “I won’t deny that I was kidnapped. But I was never sexually
assaulted. I fought through hell and made it out alive.”
A stunned silence followed.
Yvonne’s smirk faltered for a split second.
She hadn’t expected that.
She quickly shot a look at one of the reporters she had planted in the crowd.
Catching the signal, the man stepped forward, shoving the microphone even closer.
“Miss Rivers, let me get this straight–are you saying that even though you were taken, nothing happened to you?
“Isn’t it convenient that you’d say that now? After all, someone in your position wouldn’t admit to being tainted.
“You can claim whatever you want, but the truth is, you’re no longer pure. And you’re just saying all this because you know no
man would want someone dirty like you.”
