Chapter 5 - The Snake Bites Back
Driven into a corner with nothing left to lose, Diane—Everett’s viperous mother—decided to launch a scorched-earth campaign. If she couldn't have the money, she would destroy my reputation.
That evening, Diane appeared on a live sensationalist tabloid news broadcast, wearing black clothes and weeping fake tears for the camera.
"Claire is an icy, heartless monster!" Diane wailed on national television, holding up a handkerchief. "She used my son for ten years! She couldn't give him a child, so when she found out his young assistant was pregnant, she used her vast corrupt fortune to steal his company and throw us onto the streets! She is destroying an innocent unborn baby out of pure jealousy!"
The broadcast went viral instantly, generating millions of comments across social media. Public outrage began to build against me, with internet mobs demanding a boycott of Vanguard subsidiaries.
Sitting in my private study, Nathan showed me the trending headlines. "Chairwoman, the public perception is shifting. They see them as the victims of a ruthless billionaire wife."
"Let the snake poison herself," I said smoothly, sipping my tea. "Is the media package ready?"
"Ready on your command," Nathan replied.
"Release it."
Ten minutes later, my legal team broadcasted an emergency press conference streamed live worldwide. We didn't release statements—we released undisputed receipts.
First, high-definition security footage from the Plaza Hotel gala was played, showing Vanessa splashing wine on my dress and Everett snarling insults at me while throwing his wedding ring to the marble floor.
Second, official certified medical documents from the hospital were published, proving Vanessa was never pregnant and had faked the entire sonogram using a template purchased online.
Third, and most devastatingly, a covertly recorded audio file from three months prior was played for the entire world to hear. In the recording, Diane’s distinct voice was crystal clear:
"Everett, you need to milk that cold bitch for every cent she has before she figures out you’re moving money into off-shore accounts. Once we get twenty million in Switzerland, leave her barren ass on the curb!"
The internet exploded. In less than an hour, the public narrative flipped completely. The outrage turned into absolute fury directed at Everett, Diane, and Vanessa. Hashtags like #JusticeForClaire and #ScammerHales trended globally at number one.
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Within two hours of the press release, Diane’s live interview was pulled off the air. News anchors publicly apologized for airing her false claims, and police vehicles arrived at the motel where Diane was staying.
She wasn't just facing civil defamation lawsuits; she was now under federal investigation for conspiracy to commit financial fraud.
