Chapter 3
The next morning, my phone started buzzing insanely, yanking me out of sleep.
News alerts were pouring in, practically blowing up my screen: [Sinclair Heiress's Fiancé Suspected of Cheating with Stepsister], [Elite Family Scandal: Was It a Planned Murder], [Charlotte's Persona Shattered: Innocent Woman or Scheming Bitch].
The heartwarming hospital photo from yesterday, paired with the headline I sent out, looked especially ironic.
The comments section was blowing up.
[Holy crap. Is this real? Emily's still missing, and those two are already together?]
[I always thought Charlotte looked fake sweet. Turns out I was right.]
[Poor Emily. She risked her life for someone who doesn't even appreciate it.]
[That fiancé's no better. His fiancée's barely cold, and he's already with someone else? Disgusting.]
The online buzz flipped in an instant.
Just yesterday, Charlotte and Andrew were getting sympathy from everyone. At that moment, they were public enemies. Everyone was out for blood.
I smirked, satisfied.
This was just the beginning.
Soon, Sinclair Group, my father Richard's company, released an urgent statement.
In the statement, he slammed the reports as outright lies spread by shameless media outlets and declared he'd be taking legal action.
He also announced there'd be a press conference at Sinclair Tower at 3 PM to set the record straight once and for all.
I shot Zach a message: [3 PM at Sinclair Tower. Get me something that'll make a splash when I walk in.]
Zach replied instantly: [Don't worry. You'll steal the show.]
*****
It was 2:50 PM.
Outside Sinclair Tower, reporters were everywhere, crowding the entrance.
I was in the back seat of Zach's car, sunglasses and mask on, taking it all in.
"Everything's ready. You'll head in through the side door, and my guys will get you backstage," Zach said.
Right at 3 PM, the press conference started.
Backstage, I watched the three on stage through the monitor.
My father, Richard, sat at the center, his face grim and worn out.
Charlotte and Andrew were on either side of him, heads bowed, looking like the world had turned against them.
Richard began, "First, I want to thank all of you for coming.
"I'm absolutely furious and heartbroken over the false rumors online. My daughter, Emily, is still missing, and our whole family is drowning in grief.
"And yet, at a time like this, some people are just trying to get attention by slandering my other daughter, Charlotte, and my future son-in-law, Andrew.
"Charlotte and Emily grew up together. Their bond is deep. When Emily risked her life to save Charlotte, Charlotte had been blaming herself more than anyone.
"She's always been frail, and these past few days, she's barely eaten or drunk anything. She's just holding on by sheer willpower.
"As for Andrew, he and Emily were like siblings. The moment he heard the news, he dropped everything and flew back from overseas.
"He's been at the hospital day and night, never leaving Charlotte's side, just hoping she'll recover and live a good life in Emily's place.
"Their relationship is nothing but pure family love, and yet those filthy people twist it into something dirty. Seriously, don't you have any shame?"
Richard's speech was so moving, and it hit everyone right in the feels.
Some of the emotional female reporters in the audience were already wiping away tears.
Then it was Charlotte's turn to speak.
Her hands shook as she picked up the microphone, eyes red and swollen from crying.
"I'm sorry... This is all my fault. If Emily hadn't tried to save me, she wouldn't have..." Charlotte choked out, her voice breaking.
She couldn't go on, burying her face in her hands as sobs wracked her shoulders.
Andrew reached over and took her hand, softly whispering comfort to her, "Charlotte, don't do this to yourself. None of this is your fault."
He lifted his head toward the cameras, his eyes glistening with tears.
He said, "There's nothing between Charlotte and me. I know Emily, wherever she is, wouldn't want to see us being accused like this."
Let them keep pretending.
As I watched them, my smirk grew colder and wider.
I had had enough of their drama. It was my turn to take the stage.
I gave Zach the cue.
It was time to drop my gift.