“We didn’t see anything!” Madilyn smiled mischievously as she feigned ignorance. The children nodded along. “We didn’t either!” Then, Madilyn attempted to sneak away with the kids as though nothing had happened. Just as she turned around, Roxanne said, “Come over here. Let’s talk.”
Thus, Madilyn twirled around again and saw a resigned expression on her best friend’s face. Roxanne and Lucian, who was slightly displeased, proceeded to sit next to each other on the couch. Upon hearing their mother’s summon, the children rushed over to sit around her. Only Madilyn was left standing at the entrance of the room.
Glancing at the family of five, she cleared her throat, stepped toward the single-seat couch, and plopped down. Frowning, Roxanne questioned, “You said you’ve devised a way to handle the fallout. What do you suggest we do?”
In response, Lucian shifted his line of sight to Madilyn, too. Madilyn could still sense the cold look in his eyes, so she did her best to ignore him and focus on Roxanne. “It’s not that difficult. It just depends if you all are willing to spend some money.” A perplexed expression was set on Roxanne’s countenance. Meanwhile, Lucian asked, “How much?”
After a brief silence, Madilyn said, “Nowadays, news on the internet updates fast. While Farwell Group is an influential entity in Horington, the public still cares more about celebrities.”
She paused and stared at the people before her. The smart couple understood her intentions immediately. “So you’re saying we should buy and spread celebrity scandals on the internet to shift the public’s attention?” asked Roxanne.
Smiling, Madilyn nodded. “That’s right. Though the amount of money required to pull this off isn’t little, I don’t think it’s considered plenty for Farwell Group.” Since Lucian’s the one who caused the trouble, it’s only fitting for him to bring an end to this matter. I doubt he’ll refuse.
Upon understanding her plan, Lucian contacted Cayden to do as she suggested. The internet was set on fire again that afternoon. Scandals about various celebrities were exposed to the public. Almost every trending title started with the phrase “explosive news.”
The public swiftly shifted their attention from Farwell Group to the celebrities. Many reporters did the same as they promptly surrounded the celebrities with their cameras.
In just a short time, all reporters who previously encircled the research institute and Roxanne’s house were gone. Roxanne was stunned when she saw the drastic shift on the internet.
Glancing at Lucian, she remarked, “This… You must’ve spent a lot of money.” Earlier, I saw plenty of scandals on the internet and even an official announcement of a high-profile celebrity’s romantic relationship! No wonder the focus of the public changed so fast.
Lucian acted as though it was nothing noteworthy. “Money is never a concern for Farwell Group. Besides, not all matters can be solved with money.”
Deals with celebrities more often involved resource exchange than money. What they needed were fame, resources, and many more. Thankfully, Farwell Group’s contract with a product spokesperson had just expired. Therefore, when the high-profile celebrity proposed a collaboration, Lucian agreed.
“You don’t need to worry about that for Mr. Farwell, Roxanne. Farwell Group is so rich that they won’t even bat an eye at how much he spent! Moreover, minor celebrities would die for a chance to help Farwell Group!” Madilyn comforted.
Roxanne contemplated her best friend’s words and thought it made sense. Thus, she stopped speaking. Meanwhile, when Madilyn registered the point she made, she believed Lucian hadn’t done. enough to make up for the fright her best friend and the children endured.
In a concerned tone, she advised, “While the public’s focus has been shifted away, it’ll still be for the best if all of you stay out of the media’s sight for the time being.”
Roxanne nodded in agreement. “I don’t think it’ll be a problem. In my case, I’ll only be either at home or at the research institute, so unless the reporters specifically sought me out-” “That’s what I’m worried about!” Madilyn interrupted. “I’m concerned some reporters won’t give up!”
That outburst stunned Roxanne because she had more to say. Lucian’s expression darkened slightly while he gripped Roxanne’s hand as though no one was around. “For now, you shouldn’t go to the research institute anymore. Just in case.”
Upon detecting his movement, she felt her heart clenching. As she glanced at her friend, she tried pulling her hand away, but he was stronger than her. Hence, she reluctantly and awkwardly allowed him to keep holding her hand.
Madilyn gazed at Lucian assertively. “Don’t you think you should make up for the trouble you brought Roxanne, Mr. Farwell?” In response, Lucian knitted his eyebrows and gave her statement some genuine consideration.
Resignedly, Roxanne clarified, “It’s nothing serious. I can do overtime later to make up for the work I missed-” Madilyn shot her a glance, silencing her, before turning to look at Lucian. “You have a private plane, right, Mr. Farwell? Why not use it to bring her to Miralaea for a trip? You two can hide from the reporters there and use the opportunity to relax.”
Lucian was moved by her proposal. I did tell Roxanne I’d bring the children out for a trip when we went to Jadeborough some time ago. However, after she returned here, she was busy with her work, so I never got the chance to fulfill my promise. I suppose now is an excellent opportunity to do so.
Hence, he turned to Roxanne and inquired, “How about we visit Miralaea, Roxanne? We did talk about bringing the children on a trip before.” Roxanne hesitated because the collaboration with the Damaris family to develop a new. medicine had just been moved ahead of schedule.
Benny grabbed the hem of her shirt and asked excitedly, “Are we really going to Miralaea, Mommy?” Estella blinked and stared at Roxanne with anticipation. The children’s stares were making Roxanne waver. Still, she wondered, “What about school?”
Madilyn shrugged. “Just apply leaves for them.” Then she turned to the children. “Do you three want to go to school or Miralaea?” Without hesitation, the kids answered, “Miralaea!” “That’s more like it.” Madilyn nodded satisfactorily. “I’ve also been busy for a long while, so it’s about time for me to wind down-”
Suddenly, she shut herself up after realizing something. Roxanne narrowed her eyes at her best friend. “You just want to visit Miralaea without paying for the trip.”
Realizing her intention had been exposed, Madilyn argued, “Since you all need to avoid the reporters, you may as well visit another country instead of hiding in your home. Besides, I saved you, so I don’t think bringing me along on your trip is too much to ask for.”
Roxanne wasn’t sure what to do with her friend, so she turned to Lucian, asking for his opinion. In response, Madilyn tacitly raised her hand and vowed, “I promise I won’t disturb any of you!”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.