Chapter 18
As the online backlash against Eleanor intensified, her declaration of “I will never apologize to you” became a meme among internet users. Just as the wave of criticism reached its peak, a social media influenteer dropped a set of photos with the caption: “Beanor doesn’t refine to apologize, she simply sloen I need to ”
These pluotos featured Celeste and Percival in
membrave, captured in a hospital selling Celeste in a patient gown, Fercial leaning over her protectinch. Just as the tide of public opinion began to shift, a popular website published a bombshell post titled “Unpacking the Truth Behind the Eleanor Stand–in Incident. The post meticulously detailed the events surrounding Eleanor’s stand–in controversy, weaving an account of Percival and Celeste’s affair throughout, clearly ühistrating Eleanor’s journey from componise to despair, and finally to her bold declaration of anger against the situation
Eleanor had taken on the shame for the love she cherished, only to find herself publicly humiliated by the other woman stepping into her life.
The conversation erupted across the internet. Photos of Percival and Celeste’s intimate moments circulated wildly, but as people scrutinized the evidence, the realized that besides this scandal, there was little dirt on Eleanor. The only images that surfaced were of her from three years ago, during her modeling heyday- where she was breathtakingly beautiful every time she walked the runway.
This woman, who sacrificed her career for love, hail never once defended herself. Even when the scandal broke, she took immediate accountability, publicly apologizing assuming all blame.
“Oh my God, they’ve all misjudged Eleanor!”
Celeste was clearly adept at playing the victim, and it was shocking that Heavens Arts could suppress such a vulnerable woman.
The narrative began to shift yet again…
Countless netizens expressed their guilt for previously condemning Eleanor and swiftly flipped their allegiance. Meanwhile, Celeste was busy giving an exclusive interview with another media outlet: “I don’t even know how to describe her shamelessness anymore.
Just then, a teammate of the reporter handed over their phone for her to browse.
The reporter’s eyes widened at the photos and she raised her voice, questioning Celeste: “Miss Celeste, can you confirm if these pictures are real?”
“What is this?” Celeste’s face drained of color.
“These are intimate photos of you with Percival, the CEO of Heavens Arts. Do I need to elaborate on what you two are doing in them?”
Celeste fruze. The innocent, tearful demeanor she had just portrayed melted away, revealing the image of a woman who lasciviously pursued another’s boyfriend, much like a lowly aspiring model taking shortcuts to advance.
What was worse was that she had no words to defend herself.
The reporter felt nothing but pity for her predicament. “So, these pictures are real, and you lament while stealing someone’s boyfriend, correct?” she pressed, her tone becoming sharper.
“No… That’s not true…”
The pictures speak for themselves; do you still wish to deny it?”
“I swear it’s not true! It was all Eleanor’s scheme Celeste turned desperate, trying to block the reporter’s lens. “Stop filming! You can leave now, I won’t speak with you! The reporter scuffed, filled with disdain for Celeste “Miss Celeste, while this industry can be ruthless, I must say what goes around comes around. Looking at how Eleanor stepped up to take the blame, I will never tarnish her name in future stories.“”
Celeste shook in fear, and once the reporters departed, she hastily dialed Percival “Percival, did you see the photos? What do we do?”
“It’s just photos. There’s no need to panic. The PR team is handling it… Percival replies), maintaining his calm exterior. Yet, internally, his tumult was building. This scandal didn’t just affect Celeste’s carver–nor the fature of Heavens Arts; it could lead him to lose Eleanor entirely.
For Eleanor, the oppression and his betrayal were two sides of the same coin.
“It’s definitely Eleanor trying to scheme against us again,” he muttered resentfully.
“Had you not bullied her, we wouldn’t be in this situation.” she retorted sharply, leading Percival to angrily hang up before dialing Eleanor’s number. “It’s ringing Eleanor. pick up!”
Unknown to him, Eleanor was holding her phone but chose to stay silent. She could easily imagine the desperation on Percival’s face, and that alone brought her solace. After escaping Celeste’s hospital room, Eleanne found a quiet corner to wait for Victor to pick her up, never expecting hum to come personally
“Eleanor, get in the car,” be commanded.
Hearing that deep voice soothed her anxious heart. Her phone continued to vibrate incessantly, yet she tossed it aside in the backseat of Victor’s car
“Not answering?” Victor casually asked, glancing at her with a sinking profile.
“You’re asking thetorically,” Eleanor smirked. Her intention was clear–she wanted Percival to search for her all night, to feel the frustration she had endures
