Forsaking the Years of Longing
Forsaking Billionaire 125

Chapter 6 "Emily has gone too far! The investigation isn't even complete, and she's already leaked everything to the media. You're getting dragged through the mud!"

I shot upright in bed and clicked on the link, realizing the full extent of the situation. Emily had publicly announced my resignation online, slandering me as if I'd been fired for stealing project data and leaking plans. Her words were sharp and venomous. The netizens, led by her fabricated story, had joined in, angrily condemning me. In less than a day, I was essentially blacklisted from the industry. I couldn't help but think, if I were really just a powerless secretary, this scandal would be devastating.

The comments on Weibo were flooded with trolls and clueless bystanders, all painting me as a vile and repulsive villain.

Exhaling slowly, I calmed myself, just as a reassuring text from Jasmine popped up.

"Ugh! Emily is disgusting. With this stunt, your career in this field is practically over! Want me to secretly teach her a lesson?!"

I smirked and replied, "No need. I'll handle this myself. Just gather some marketing accounts and internet bots for me-let's turn up the heat."

Jasmine didn't quite get it, but she obediently followed my instructions.

Once I'd made all the arrangements, I took a seat by the window, popping an anti-hangover pill. If Emily wanted to ruin my reputation and drive me out of Seattle, I'd gladly fan the flames - and then strike back twice as hard.

The next day, I prepared myself, slipping into a striking red dress I'd had stashed away. Its curves perfectly complemented my figure; even in the mirror, I found myself mesmerizing. I styled my usual straight black hair into big waves and matched it with a bold red lip, exuding allure and danger.

All of this was exactly what Jason hated.

For five years with him, I'd mostly

worn black, white, and gray business

suits. He'd always said he liked simple, intellectual women, so I buried everything I loved, shoving it deep into my wardrobe. Id worn muted clothes and stood by his side, the perfect, unobtrusive background figure.

I'd suppressed myself out of love, sealing myself under layers of rules. But now, blowing a kiss to my reflection, I realized - I was meant to shine.

When I walked into Parker Group,

even the receptionist paused,

stunned. She instinctively tried to stop me, but I blocked her with one hand "My exit paperwork isn't finished. I'll just go up and grab the

rest of my things."

Helpless, she had no choice but to let me pass. Meanwhile, online opinions were beginning to shift thanks to a journalist's exposé, though no one here knew it yet.

I walked confidently to the conference room, stopping at the door. Taking a deep breath, I placed my red-lacquered hand on the door and pushed it open.

Everyone inside instinctively turned to look, but this time, their irritated gazes froze upon landing on me.

Emily, seeing me, averted her gaze for a split second before quickly looking back, snapping harshly, "Caroline! How dare you show your face here! What are you up to now? Haven't you harmed the company enough?" I smiled. "Emily, that sharp tongue of yours really hits the mark."

"Let me tell you all exactly why I'm here today."

I locked eyes briefly with Jason, who sat in silence. His expression was unreadable, and I gave him a calm smile before looking away.

Raising my phone, I waved it for

everyone to see. "Apologies for the

interruption, everyone. I really can't stand being blamed for something 1 didn't do. The internet's on fire nearly breaking my back with rumors, so today-I'm here to set the record straight."