Chapter 780

Claire smiled. “Alright, then.”

Madeline’s team, led by Genesis, had already sent out the press releases and was just waiting for the red carpet photos to drop.

Then Felix informed her that they couldn’t walk the red carpet anymore.

“Why not?”

Felix’s tone was flat. “Noreen canceled our access.”

“She canceled you, too?” Madeline was stunned.

Felix didn’t seem to mind in the slightest, showing no sign of anger. “You should

head back to the hotel on your own. I have something to take care of.”

“Ah… but I…”

Felix left without even waiting for her to finish her sentence.

Madeline stomped her foot in frustration.

The press releases were already out, and now he was telling her the red carpet was off? Was she destined to be humiliated today?

“Genesis! Get those gossip blogs to delete the articles right now!”

Genesis frantically contacted the media outlets, but they told her it was too late.

The press releases had been published and the posts had been boosted as planned; they couldn’t be retracted.

“What do we do now?” Genesis panicked. Her reputation in the industry was already fragile. Another public embarrassment could mean the end of her career, with no chance of a comeback.

Madeline took a few deep breaths. “Then we’ll cover it up with bigger news.”

Genesis asked, “What news?”

“Let’s say Claire is being kept by a sugar daddy.” She sent Genesis the screenshot of the post Claire had made yesterday about her ‘sponsor’ and told her to hire writers to create some articles full of thinly veiled accusations.

A story about a famous actress having a sugar daddy was always eye-catching. It would definitely overshadow her own embarrassing news. And it would ruin Claire’s reputation in the process. Two birds, one stone.

…

The gala was magnificent. With the Joyner family’s extensive network, nearly every notable figure in Harborview City was in attendance.

Of course, the Caldwell family was there too.

After all, the late Mrs. Joyner had been a Caldwell herself.

Sue arrived with Jaxon Caldwell, and just like before, she was deliberately dressed

to mimic the late Mrs. Joyner’s style.

This time, even her voice and tone were eerily similar.

Noreen couldn’t help but frown upon hearing it.

Fortunately, Castle showed little

reaction.

He was the same as everet

completely ignoring Sue. He didn’ even spare her a single glance

Sue had apparently learned her lesson and was surprisingly composed this time,

not causing any trouble.

But Noreen still caught a fleeting glimpse of schadenfreude in her eyes.

Noreen’s guard went up, and she remained cautious throughout the evening.

Yet, as the gala progressed into its later stages, nothing happened.

Had she been overthinking it?

The most important part of the

evening was when the children et

the

Orphanage presented gifts to all as a sign of gratitude.

thon &

The gifts were all handmade by the children themselves, a charming variety of creations.

Noreen received a homemade drink.

The little girl’s eyes were filled with such pure innocence that it melted Noreen’s heart.

Noreen asked her how old she was.

“I’m turning five soon,” she said.

Five years old…

If she hadn’t lost her child, he would be about the same age.

Sadly, she might never be able to become a mother.

The softest part of Noreen’s heart was touched. She reached out and gently stroked the girl’s head.

Then she drank the entire glass.

The little girl asked, “Is it good?”

“It’s delicious,” Noreen praised generously.

The girl’s face broke into a wide smile, her eyes crinkling. She waved at Noreen.

As Noreen leaned down, the girl stood on her tiptoes and planted a kiss on her cheek.

After witnessing the whole

exchange, Sue couldn’t stop a

trium smirk from spreading…

across her face.

Noreen had finally taken the bait.