Chapter 397



Despite having most of his wealth stashed overseas, Mr. Jack’s influence remained unshaken. He ruled over the vast underground market in Yoeloth. Many people were lined up to buy things there. Even the wealthy in Avalon had to resort to the black market if they couldn’t find what they needed. Crossing him was a guarantee of a dire fate.

The reporters, visibly anxious, shook their heads vehemently.

One stammered, “No—, we haven’t taken anyone’s money. We’re here to uncover the truth after hearing rumors. We never intended to spread lies.”

“Oh, really?” Kallie sneered, her eyes narrowing dangerously. “Just a moment ago, you labeled me a mistress. If the man with me today held no sway or status, I suppose you’d feel free to speak ill of me as you please, correct?”

Jake’s eyes narrowed when he heard that.

Several reporters nearly lost their footing, their hands trembling uncontrollably. They were still trying to justify themselves. “We… We wouldn’t do that. We are journalists. We always tell the truth. How could we possibly do such a thing?”

With a disdainful snort, Kallie moved closer to Jake, trailing her finger across his chest. “What should we do then? Someone here doesn’t want to tell the truth.”

Jake grabbed her hand, halting its movement. His voice dropped to a low whisper. “Don’t move.”

Kallie saw the desire flickering in his eyes, causing her cheeks to flush red. It was clear Jake was easily turned on. If it hadn’t been for the sake of the act, she wouldn’t have gotten so close to him.

Jake smiled and gave her a reassuring pat on the back. When he turned his gaze away from her, his eyes grew cold and unyielding. “If they refuse to tell the truth, we’ll use whatever means necessary. We won’t stop until we get the answers we need. Let’s see if they want to risk offending us.”

One reporter, unable to bear the pressure any longer, fell to his knees and began to confess, his voice trembling with fear. “You’re right. Someone did instruct us to do this. But we were left with no choice. If we anger the Martel family, we risk losing our jobs, the only means we have to support ourselves for the rest of our lives. Miss, we sincerely apologize. Please, let us go.”

With desperation written across his face, the reporter began to kowtow.

Other reporters couldn’t keep up their deceit anymore. Upon witnessing the scene, roughly half of them dropped their heads in submission.

Kallie was undeniably furious. How had Joanna managed to bribe so many reporters from the media? Joanna was intent on tarnishing her reputation.

Kallie couldn’t fathom what she had done to provoke Joanna or why Joanna seemed intent on destroying her. “I will leave these people to you. What do you plan to do with them?” Jake’s voice cut through Kallie’s thoughts, pulling her back to the present.

Kallie took a deep breath, her gaze steady as she spoke.

“I have no intention of causing any harm to them. My only hope is that they come forward with the truth. Some of them were asked to take pictures of my so-called scandals. They claimed they never intended to spread rumors. All I ask is that they reveal the truth about who I left the room with today and who I was seen with. Folks, do you understand?”

The reporters hastily nodded.

Jake’s voice was cold but unwavering as he said to the reporters, “Make sure you tell this correctly. I have known Kallie since we were abroad. She saved my life. I vowed to spend my life with her and was ready to marry into her family.”

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