Leo Carter stood before the reporters, holding up a faded photograph.
It was a group picture from the orphanage, with him and Sophia Sullivan standing side by side.
A smug smile played on his lips as his gaze swept across the room.
Then he played a video clip.
The footage had been carefully edited, showing only the moment he reached out to touch Sophia.
Everything that followed had been cut.
The reporters immediately erupted into murmurs.
"This is explosive news!"
"A Breeze Perfumes executive has such a past?"
Several journalists exchanged glances, their expressions suggestive.
Some even began whispering among themselves.
"Ms. Sullivan always acts so aloof, who would've thought..."
"Appearances can be deceiving. The video speaks for itself."
The reporters quickly swarmed Sophia.
Microphones were practically shoved in her face.
"Ms. Sullivan, did you really abandon your childhood sweetheart?"
"Did you threaten Mr. Carter?"
Sophia's eyes turned icy.
She was about to speak when a voice interrupted.
Ethan Sullivan appeared, slowly wheeling himself forward in his chair.
Camera flashes instantly focused on him.
Leo grew even more agitated at the sight.
"Mr. Sullivan! Why did you steal someone else's love?"
Ethan lifted his gaze, sharp as a blade.
"Spreading slander—have you considered the consequences?"
At that moment, Chloe Evans walked out arm-in-arm with Liam Winston.
Her voice was soft, yet every word carried venom.
"Mr. Sullivan, are you using your power to intimidate?"
Chloe turned to Sophia with feigned heartbreak.
"Even if he wasn't good enough, you shouldn't have treated an old flame like this."
Liam's face darkened.
He stared at the photos, his chest heaving with anger.
"Chloe, don't waste your breath on her."
"A woman like her has no shame."
Their coordinated attack only heightened the chaos.
The reporters immediately shifted their focus.
All microphones now pointed at Ethan.
"Mr. Sullivan, are you and Ms. Sullivan really dating?"
"Were you aware of Ms. Sullivan's past?"
Chloe stood at the back of the crowd, a faint smirk on her lips.
She wanted to see how Ethan would handle this.
Under such intense public scrutiny, the wisest choice would be to cut his losses.
She waited for him to publicly distance himself.
But Ethan only gave a cold laugh.
His sharp gaze swept across the room.
The reporters instinctively took half a step back.
"I'm the one pursuing Ms. Sullivan."
The room erupted in gasps.
Ethan turned to Sophia, his voice low and tender.
"Unfortunately, she hasn't agreed yet."
He paused slightly, his tone laced with resignation.
"After all, her standards have always been...exceptionally high."