Chapter 7
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"Michael Dawson Reported for Tax Evasion"
"Michael Dawson Allegedly Kept by Rich Woman"
These topics exploded on social media.Clicking in, I saw onlookers mocking Michael, fans defending him, and conspiracy theories.
Soon, netizens uncovered my identity.
While I remained indifferent, the company's shareholders were in a panic.The negative press was too much.They pulled strings, contacting the precinct's chief, and used their media outlets to clear things up.
The narrative then took a turn. Michael's scandals, such as his diva - like behavior, lip - syncing, and rigging reality show edits, along with Rachel's history of sleeping with backers to secure roles, flooded the web.
Michael and Rachel became pariahs.Authorities confirmed Michael's tax evasion, banning him industry-wide.
I'd spent a fortune cleaning up after his messes. Now, I'd let them all out.Staring at my phone, I felt a pang of irony.
Soon, my losses were appraised at$780 million.
I refused to settle.Some fans, who had suffered relatively minor damages, managed to scrape by, while those who had incurred more significant losses were unable to pay.
Rachel, the ringleader with the most damage, faced billions she couldn't cover.
One day, leaving work, I spotted Michael and Rachel in the underground parking garage.
Once haughty, Rachel now hid herself in dark clothes and a hat, fearing that she would be recognized.
Seeing me, she didn't dare shout, instead scurrying over and kneeling.
Removing her sunglasses, her face looked a decade older.
"Ms.Thompson, I was blind, heartless, shameless."
"I'm so sorry."
She wept profusely.
No wonder—she wasn't banned like Michael, but her scandals killed her career.
With no income and massive debts, her resilience was surprising.
"Ms.Thompson, you're kind…"
"What do you want?"
Leaning on my car, I glanced at her, then at the silent Michael."Here to beg for mercy?"
Rachel shot Michael a fierce look, but facing me, she was pitiful, nodding rapidly."Those billions—I can't pay."
"You're worth billions.This is a drop in the ocean to you."
"Demanding so much is pushing me to death.I'll have to die."
Her tears flowed, as if she'd suffered the greatest injustice.
I laughed, incredulous.Rich means I'm a sucker?Weakness equals right?
"Michael, you agree?"
Michael's expression changed, and he fidgeted with his pocket."For the sake of our love, please."
