Chapter 3
The next morning, my phone went off like a bomb.
Notifications flooded the screen, one after another, until I could barely see straight.
MontgomeryHeiressFiancéCaught Cheating p>
#HighSocietyScandal: Was It Murder p>
The media had plastered yesterday’s cozy hospital photo right next to my headline.
The irony was chef’s kiss.
And the comments section? Absolute chaos.
“Wait, WHAT? Vivian’s still missing and these two are already hooking up?“ *
“I KNEW Jade looked sketchy. Total fake bitch vibes p>
*“Poor Vivian. She literally sacrificed herself to save a snake p>
“And the fiancé’s no better. His girl’s not even COLD yet and he’s moved on? Disgusting p>
Just like that, public opinion flipped overnight.
Jade and Julian–yesterday’s tragic heroes–were now getting absolutely torn apart online.
I smiled.
This was only step one.
A few hours later, Montgomery Group scrambled to issue an emergency statement.
In it, my father condemned the “vicious slander” from “unethical media outlets” and threatened legal action against anyone spreading “baseless
rumors. ”
Then he announced a press conference scheduled for 3 p.m. at Montgomery Tower to “set the record straight once and for all p>
I texted Zeke immediately.
13 PM. Montgomery Tower. I need you to set up my grand entrance p>
His reply came back instantly.
[Say less. It’s gonna be EPIC.J
By 2:50 p.m., the plaza outside Montgomery Tower was already swarming with reporters.
I sat in the back of Zeke’s SUV, sunglasses and mask firmly in place, watching the feeding frenzy unfold through tinted windows.
“Everything’s set,” Zeke said, glancing back at me. “You’ll slip in through the side entrance. My guy will get you backstage without anyone spotting you. ”
“Perfect.” Discover more novels at
At exactly 3 p.m., the press conference began.
I stood backstage, watching the whole thing unfold on a monitor.
Three people sat at the long table in front of a wall of cameras.
My father, Richard Montgomery, sat front and center–looking haggard, grief stricken, every inch the devastated parent.
Jade and Julian flanked him on either side, both with their heads bowed in perfect synchronized misery.
Dad leaned forward into the microphone, his voice thick with emotion.
“First, I want to thank all of you for coming during this incredibly difficult time p>
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle.
“The lies circulating online have caused my family immeasurable pain. My daughter Vivian remains missing–her fate still unknown–and yet, instead of support, we’ve been met with vicious attacks on my other daughter, Jade, and my future son–in–law, Julian p>
Another pause. Perfectly timed.
“Jade and Vivian grew up together. They were inseparable. Vivian risked her LIFE to save Jade on that mountain. And now? Jade blames herself more than anyone. She’s barely eaten. Barely slept. She’s only holding on by sheer willpower p>
His voice wavered just slightly.
“As for Julian–he and Vivian were like family. The MOMENT he heard what happened, he dropped everything and flew back from abroad. He’s been at the hospital around the clock, taking care of Jade because that’s what Vivian would have wanted. He’s been there because Jade needs to survive–fo Vivian’s sake p>
Then came the crescendo.
“What they share is pure, familial love. And yet these VULTURES have twisted it into something filthy and disgusting. ”
He looked straight into the camera, eyes blazing with righteous anger.
“I have to ask – do any of you even have a CONSCIENCE? ”
The performance was flawless.
Several of the female reporters were already tearing up.
Then it was Jade’s turn.
She reached for the microphone with trembling hands, her eyes red and puffy.
“I’m so sorry…This is all my fault. If Vivian hadn’t tried to save me, she wouldn’t have p>
She couldn’t finish. She pressed both hands over her face, shoulders shaking with sobs.
Right on cue, Julian leaned over and gently took her hand in his.
“Jade, don’t,” he murmured softly. “None of this is your fault p>
Then he lifted his head and looked directly into the cameras, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
“Jade and I are INNOCENT. And I truly believe–wherever Vivian is right now–she wouldn’t want to see us destroyed like this. ”
God, the ACTING.
I stood there watching them through the monitor, and my smile grew colder with every passing second.
Alright then.
Show’s over.
Time for MY entrance.
I pulled out my phone and sent Zeke the signal.
Let’s deliver my little gift.
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.