SWNOVELS Chapter Gossip 71
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Connor said, "Had it not been for the obstacles four years ago, you two might have been together already. Why torment yourself with denial?"
A flicker of panic crossed William's eyes. "I've never even thought about cheating or doing anything that would betray Jessica."
"But now, the online community doesn't see it that way. Anything that's been leaked now absolutely can't be seen as you being unfaithful. Otherwise, both you and Jennie will be done for." Seeing that William refused to admit it, Connor could only continue his impassioned analysis.
"Even if we have to make Jennie the villain, you can claim that you and Jessica are in business together simply because you are just assisting your junior. You didn't expect any
misunderstanding to result, but that's still not enough to prove your innocence. People would still accuse you of behaving improperly and not being prudent enough..."
Losing his temper out of embarrassment, William interrupted, "I've done nothing wrong. I'm completely innocent."
"But your sponsorship deals and the company's stock prices have all been affected. It's not something your clear conscience can reverse," Connor said. "You
can't be the one at fault. Only by being seen as a victim can you preserve everything you Listen to me, a divorce can..."
have n
"Enough, stop talking. I won't agree to a
divorce," William stated firmly.
"So, what's your solution? That video makes it impossible for Jennie to clear her name. If we just ignore it, the result would be the same as making her take the blame for everything. But can you bear that? Jennie is a talented actress. If we choose this path, it would comple William's body stiffened, his gaze growing vacant. His lips trembled as he said, "I can't do that to Jessica! She hasn't done anything wrong."
Connor's expression shifted suddenly as he said, "That may not necessarily be the case."
Taken aback, William immediately looked at Connor and asked, "What do you mean?" Connor elaborated calmly, "What's the story behind those photos of Jessica looking sick?"
William was shaken when he remembered the matter. A flash of concern crossed his mind. Could she really be sick?
"Didn't you mention that she feigned illness to stop you from helping Jennie? How can it be so coincidental?" Connor asked, "And why didn't she answer her phone after the incident? Was she feeling guilty?" William was stunned, his brows furrowed as he said, "So, you're suggesting she deliberately staged those photos to stir up more drama."
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"It's obvious that he saw an opportunity to take revenge on you, garner sympathy from the netizens, take the moral high ground, and force you to have a change of heart and abandon Jennie?" Connor said dismissively. William's eyes flickered at the thought. That's right. It's impossible for Jessica to fall ill abruptly. For these photos to suggest otherwise, she must have faked the issue.
"Her recklessness has caused us a great deal of trouble. William, you really should teach her a lesson. It's one thing if she can't help with your career, but trying to hinder it is just too much."
Connor was well aware that given William's acting skills, he was currently at the peak of his popularity. At his age, it was time to pivot and seek greater development. Therefore, the plan he had in mind was for William and Jennie to help each other advance in their mid- career, rather than having a housewife like Jessica who could only hide in the shadows and constantly worry about the risk of exposure.
While William consistently maintained his boundaries, thwarting Connor's plans, the latter believed that ultimately, William would follow his heart and choose true love.
Now, the opportunity had presented itself.
William's expression was beginning to darken. Growing agitated, he wanted to call Jessica again. But still, no one answered.
Connor tried to persuade him further, but William remained resolute, not intending to give in.
Connor let out a sigh, focusing on resolving the current predicament. "Actually, you could pacify Jessica and get the divorce procedures over with. Treat it as a pretend divorce, and wait for the storm to pass before taking any further steps."
When the time came for them to decide whether they were going to remarry each other or someone else, Connor couldn't care less about it.
William noticeably paused. A pretend divorce and a real divorce evidently meant two different things to him even though they were the same in the eyes of the law.
Connor sensed an opportunity and said candidly, "You need to have a frank discussion with Jessica about the pros and cons of this situation. I'm not targeting your wife, but if Jessica takes the fall, the damage will be minimal. She's a commoner, so even if she gets bad pre surely cooperate."
William's eyes flickered subtly just as the call connected.
Panic surged in William's heart, but he instinctively asked in the coldest tone, "Where are you? Why haven't you answered your phone for so long? I have something to discuss with you. Let's meet."
"I'm at the hospital..."
William ume taken aback foaling me though a fire had enddanly flared within him. Hie hand
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already heavy with irritation, was now throbbing even more. Yet, Jessica continued to spout nothing but lies.
"Enough! Jessica, stop this already. I admit that I wronged you in the video incident. That was my fault. But is it necessary for you to add fuel to the fire? I made it clear to you that there's nothing going on between me and Jennie. I would never cheat on you, so why do you blackmail me emotionally?" William retorted, firmly believing that Jessica wasn't sick.
All was silent on Jessica's end, causing a moment of inexplicable suffocation for William. Yet, in his frustration, he blatantly ignored her strange response.
"Forget it, I won't argue with you, nor will I hold a grudge over you posting fake pictures. You're aware of the situation online, where things have gotten out of hand and Jennie nearly died just now. We've come up with a solution on our end."
As William
rapidly discussed the pros and cons of whoever would take the blame, he seemed unable to bring up the pretend divorce. An unexplainable sense of unease filled him every time he wanted to do so. As Connor continuously urged him, an outburst unexpectedly came from. "William, am I hearing things wrong? You want me to admit that I was the one who started the provocation in the video, and that I was pretending to be sick?
You want me to apologize to everyone online? Have you lost your mind? You clearly know that I was bullied and wronged, but you still choose to protect Jennie and want me to admit to things that never happened. Is this your idea of not betraying our marriage? What would At that moment, Jessica was lying helplessly on the bed, her body drenched in sweat due to the intense pain. Anger made her shiver uncontrollably, her voice almost hoarse from the force of her screams. It felt as if she was on the verge of an emotional breakdown. William was taken aback by the harsh words, feeling as if he had been stabbed in the heart at the mention of sleeping with Jennie. It felt like an insult to his character. In a fit of anger, he retorted, "What nonsense are you spouting? Stop arguing, Jessica. I let you down this "Forget it! You expect me to clear things up for her and pave the way for your future? Not a chance! If she's so fond of committing suicide, why hasn't she succeeded? I wish she would just hurry up and die!" Why should someone like that live, while I have to...
William hadn't expected such venomous words from Jessica, so much so that he couldn't even hear her cries. In his anger, he coldly retorted, "If you won't cooperate, then we'll divorce!"
As always, he felt that this was sufficient to intimidate Jessica, who had loved him deeply for many years. After saying his piece, he was about to hang up the phone, giving her time to reflect.
However, all he heard was Jessica, devoid of all emotions, stating, "I'd rather die than go along with your plan. Stop dreaming! If it's a divorce you want, then so be it." 314
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It was Jessica who ended the call first.
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William was staring at his phone with a grim expression. Meanwhile, the company had already given them a deadline. There was no room left for them to ponder any
further.
Back at the Quirk manor, everyone grew anxious as they listened to Isabella's concerns. They incessantly refreshed the trending topics on their phones, skeptical about whether William would really sacrifice his innocent wife. Given that the couple were childhood sweethearts who loved each other enough to get married, they felt that he wouldn't be so blinded as to humiliate his wife for a mistress.
However, recalling the matter of the black card and its supplementary card, the Quirks still felt incredulous.
Before long, the first sensational piece of news had surfaced.
A medical report belonging to Jessica was prominently displayed on the homepage of William's agency, boldly stamped with the word "Healthy" in green.
Public opinion exploded instantly.
"Where did this medical report come from? How dare they even forge this?" Evian had the most authority to speak on this matter, for she was still receiving treatment in the hospital. Isabella also came across it. "This is... just outrageous."
"The report doesn't seem to be a fake, but... there's no time stamp." Alexander moved closer to Isabella to look at her phone, immediately spotting the issue.
Isabella thought, I did some digging and sure enough, the report is Jessica's medical examination from a year ago. However, the date had been deliberately
omitted, misleading netizens and causing them to question the authenticity of the photos of her in a hospital gown. They are practically insinuating that Jessica is a fraud for orchestrating this whole charade.