Bethany's entire body became cold.The phone almost slipped from her trembling fingers after George's harsh warning.She could not believe that the man who had always defended her was now threatening to end their relationship because of what had happened at the gala.George's voice remained cold."You heard me right. You have less than thirty minutes to do it. You do not have any other option.""When I call you next, I want to hear that you have done exactly what I told you."Without waiting for Bethany to reply, George ended the call.Beep! The sound of the disconnected call echoed inside the silent sitting room.Bethany remained standing for a few seconds. Her knees suddenly became weak.She staggered backward before collapsing onto the sofa.Mrs. Clifford quickly rushed over and held her shoulders."Bethany! My daughter!""What happened?""What did George say?""Why do you suddenly look like this?"Bethany could not answer. She slowly lifted her head and looked at her mother. Fresh

Bethany's last bit of strength finally disappeared the moment she heard the endless questions from the reporters.One reporter stretched his microphone closer."Miss Bethany, is it true you are here to apologize to Wilson Harris Group of Companies?"Another reporter immediately interrupted."We heard you offended Wilson Harris yesterday. Is that why you came?"A third reporter raised his voice."Are you here to beg for a partnership with the newly revived Wilson Harris Group?""Did McAuthur Conglomerate send you here?""Will you really apologize publicly?"The questions came one after another without giving Bethany any chance to breathe.Flash!Flash!Flash!Camera lights continued flashing across her face.Bethany finally broke down. Fresh tears rolled down her swollen cheeks."Please..."She cried loudly."Please get away from me. Leave me alone."But the reporters refused to stop. Instead, more people pushed forward.One female journalist asked loudly, "Miss Bethany, are you here t

Mrs. Clifford rushed forward the moment she saw Bethany standing there. Without caring about the people still staring at them, she wrapped both arms tightly around her daughter and pulled her into a firm embrace.Bethany completely lost control. She buried her face against her mother's shoulder and cried uncontrollably. Her body shook violently as painful sobs escaped her lips.Mrs. Clifford gently rubbed her back. "My daughter calm down. Everything will be fine.""No, Mum!" Bethany cried loudly. "Nothing is fine!"She pulled away slightly. Her eyes were swollen from crying, and her makeup had been ruined by the tears running down her cheeks."Mum, Emily planned everything."Mrs. Clifford frowned. "What do you mean?"Bethany angrily wiped her tears. "She arranged everything with those reporters. They were already waiting for my arrival at Wilson Harris Group."Mrs. Clifford's face hardened. "They were waiting for you?""Yes!" Bethany replied bitterly. "The moment I arrived at the comp

Bethany stormed out of the living room without looking back. Her footsteps echoed through the mansion as she hurried toward the front door."Bethany!" Mrs. Clifford called after her."Please wait!"Bethany pretended not to hear her. She wiped the tears from her face with the back of her hand before opening the front door."Bethany!" Mrs. Clifford called again as she hurried after her."My daughter, calm down first!"Bethany had already reached her car.She pulled the driver's door open and climbed inside.Mrs. Clifford finally caught up with her.She knocked gently on the window."Please don't drive when you are this emotional."Bethany did not even lower the window. She simply started the engine.Vroooom!"My daughter!" Mrs. Clifford cried."At least tell me where you are going!"Bethany finally lowered the window slightly."I'll be fine, Mum. I just need some fresh air."Mrs. Clifford sighed helplessly. "Please drive carefully."Bethany nodded absentmindedly. "I will."Without anoth

Emily's eyes widened in complete shock.For several seconds, she simply stood there with her mouth slightly open, unable to believe what she had just heard.Her lips moved, but no words came out immediately.Finally, she found her voice. She slowly turned toward Mia."Did you just say you want twenty million dollars in cash?"Mia folded her arms proudly. "Yes."Emily stared at her."Twenty million dollars?""In cash?"Mia nodded. "Did I stutter?"Emily became even more shocked."Ma, that is not an ordinary request." She pointed at her. "Do you want us to be arrested?"Mia frowned."What nonsense are you talking about?"Emily shook her head."Large cash transactions like that can attract serious legal consequences. Do you want us to violate financial regulations in the middle of the road?"Mia laughed mockingly."That is not my problem. You damaged my car. I asked for compensation. How you get the money is your business."Just then, a man standing among the crowd stepped forward. He ad