The Ex Who Became His Obsession novel Chapter 6

Chapter 6 Going Head-To-Head

“Aly, don’t believe those rumors.” On the phone, Beatrice was furious. “It’s all lies. They’ll say anything to get attention.

“You’re the one we’ve recognized as Leon’s future wife. No one else even comes close. I’ve already called Leon to give him a piece of my mind.”

But Beatrice couldn’t get through to Leonard, so she ended up venting to Joseph instead.

“Mrs. Rivera, thank you. I’m fine,” Alyssia answered calmly and gently.

Beatrice let out a deep sigh of relief. “Aly, you’re just too kind and considerate. That jerk Leonard does care about you, but he’s just got a sharp tongue.

“Don’t worry, I’ll straighten him out. Once you two are married, he’ll learn how to treat you right.”

Alyssia thought, ‘Leonard cares about me? Everyone in the Rivera family says the same thing. I used to fool myself like that too, but the reality tells me that when someone doesn’t show love, they probably don’t feel it either.

‘Otherwise, if Leonard loved me the way I once loved him, how could he have hidden it? He didn’t even care about me before marriage, and now I’m supposed to hope he’ll suddenly change after we’re married? That seems impossible.’

In the end, Alyssia still couldn’t bring herself to tell Beatrice about the breakup. She felt like the biggest letdown was to Beatrice.

However, Alyssia thought Beatrice would find out soon enough. The housekeeper and servants at Rosewood Manor didn’t exactly have the quietest mouths.

*****

“Alyssia, the Aurelius Awards are tonight. You and Nate Wright need to go to Ravendale for a business trip,” Lauren instructed.

She then lowered her voice. “Milena will be there too. See if you can get anything from her. If she admits it, let’s see if Leonard still has the guts to sue you.”

The Aurelius Awards were a joke in the film industry, and the senior reporters in the department weren’t too eager to attend.

Originally, Lauren had assigned someone else to this task, but now it was Alyssia, the newcomer. No one had any objections, and in fact, everyone was cheering her on.

Someone remarked, “Alyssia, go for it. Get the inside information and make Leonard lose face.”

Another person chimed in, “You’ve got this, Alyssia. We’re all rooting for you.”

Someone even said, “Alyssia, we believe in you. When Milena climbs into bed, you can lie underneath. As long as you get a picture of them in bed, you’ll win.”

Alyssia thought, ‘What nonsense.’

Lauren nodded. “That sounds a bit crazy, but there’s some truth to it. Alyssia, do your best.”

Although Charlie said he would take the heat for Alyssia, everyone knew the strength of Clairivera Group. The best outcome of a confrontation would be that both sides would be severely weakened.

They all thought, ‘If Leonard insists on suing Alyssia, will Vanguard Media really risk their relationship with Clairivera Group for a rookie reporter? They’ll probably throw her under the bus the moment something goes wrong.’

Lauren looked at Alyssia’s stunningly beautiful face, quietly sighing. She thought, ‘Alyssia has both good looks and talent, but no luck. Her first article was her peak, and that peak led to her downfall. Getting involved with someone like Leonard—she’s done for.’

*****

Nate had already set up the camera discreetly. Tonight at the Aurelius Awards, Milena’s mouth was firmly shut, just as expected. Reporters swarmed, trying to interview her, but her bodyguards kept them all at bay.

“Ms. Johnson, is it true that you’re in a relationship with Leonard?”

Alyssia knew that the more evidence she gathered, the higher her chances of success would be. She thought to herself, ‘If Leonard wants to sue me, fine. I’ll stand up to him. His lawsuit will be the launching pad for my career.’

Nate watched as Alyssia walked into the hotel lobby. Under the bright lights, her figure was slender and graceful, exuding an innate elegance and nobility. No one would suspect that she was a reporter.

Nate rubbed his eyes, thinking about Charlie’s attitude toward Alyssia. He wondered, ‘Mr. Dixon wouldn’t have sent his secret lover to the company to gain some prestige, would he?’

*****

Alyssia requested a suite on the fifteenth floor. The receptionist initially wanted to refuse, but after seeing the name on the membership card, she quickly called over the lobby manager. In no time, Alyssia’s check-in was taken care of.

Alyssia let out a small sigh of relief. Her biggest worry had been that Milena had booked the entire fifteenth floor. Fortunately, Beatrice’s membership card carried enough weight.

In the VIP elevator, Alyssia was alone. As the elevator ascended slowly, she unexpectedly received a call from Milena.

“Ms. Clairmont, I’m sure you’ve seen it.” Milena’s voice was filled with glee, carrying the pleasure and pride of a victor.

Alyssia remained composed. “Seen what?”

“The report about me and Leon being in a relationship,” Milena laughed aloud. “We went to pick out the engagement ring yesterday, and then we made the announcement. You didn’t miss all of this, did you?”

“Is that so?” Alyssia replied calmly. “But I heard he’s suing the reporters for spreading rumors. The announcement was just your word. Leonard hasn’t said anything.”

Milena sneered, and her tone shifted. She was provoked by Alyssia’s cool response. Milena said, “Alyssia, do you think the Johnson family is like the Clairmont family? Oh, I forgot, your family doesn’t even exist anymore.

“As for me and Leon, of course we’ll choose the right time to make our relationship public. He’s staying quiet now, but that’s only because he’s afraid our relationship might impact the strategic layout of both our families’ corporations.”