Chapter 35
Percival and Celeste’s scandal had taken the city by storm, shredding the reputation they had so carefully crafted. With Percival engaged to Eleanor, the leaked video painted Celeste as the unwelcome interloper, solidifying her status as a social pariah. Media outlets buzzed with claims that the Crown Star impersonation incident was a ploy concocted by the pair, leaving innocent Eleanor to shoulder the blame.
Outrage filled the internet, but the drama escalated with revelations about the airport incident from earlier that day.
Eleanor had been wrongfully accused of humiliating a fan at the airport, leading to public backlash. However, once Celeste’s compromising video surfaced, her official fan group promptly released a statement clarifying that the airport debacle had been a carefully crafted scheme. It turned out they were trying to protect Celeste’s image, only to realize that the idol they defended was hardly worth the trouble.
They shared proof that Celeste’s assistant had leaked Eleanor’s travel itinerary to the group, alongside conversations detailing their planning. They even crafted a letter clarifying that Eleanor had not thrown flowers in a display of contempt and that, despite the accusations, she maintained a humble demeanor. Importantly, while the police helped manage the chaos, Eleanor had even advised them to be gentle to prevent injuries.
This statement from Celeste’s official fan club was a devastating blow. Loyal supporters began to abandon her, switching camps to protect their own dignity. Could the public trust anything Celeste said anymore? Advertisers who had previously chosen her as their face swiftly pulled their endorsements, immediately issuing legal notices. Watching the fallout unfold, Celeste realized it was over for her–completely over.
“Celeste, pull yourself together! You have a baby on the way! With your child, you can make sure Mr. Percival stays in line. So what if you never become a top model? You could still be the lady of Heavens!” Her assistant interjected, noticing Celeste smashing things in a moment of fury. “Don’t let this stress you out–there’s still time to turn things around.”
Celeste paused, realizing her assistant had a point. Even if Eleanor managed to rebound, she had a chance to win after all, especially with the baby on the way.
Eleanor had just disembarked from her flight when she received a call from Victor. Seraphina was quick to gather news on their latest success; it seemed the vixen wouldn’t bounce back easily this time.
“Is it time to congratulate my wife on winning another round?” Victor asked, reclining in a swivel chair, his strong jawline illuminated by sunlight.
Eleanor chuckled softly, playfully retorting, “So, every time I take a bold step, you’re going to offer congratulations?”
“Can’t you tell? I’m just looking for a reason to call you…‘
Eleanor felt her heart race and whispered, “Too bad I can’t come home tonight.”
“Just say you miss me, and who knows, maybe a miracle will happen,” Victor teased. “Want to try it?”
“Even without a miracle, I miss you,” Eleanor replied earnestly before disconnecting the call, feeling flustered. Meanwhile, Victor chuckled to himself before dialing Lucius’s
extension.
“Book me the fastest tickets to Lake Lucerne, and ensure you have all the documents I need ready on the flight.”
Eleanor had no idea that a surprise awaited her. After stepping off the plane, she headed straight to work. The contract she had signed with Highland Fellowship included a print advertisement, so regardless of the late hour, Eleanor made her way to the studio.
