Chapter 73

"A hospital certificate?" Evelyn Sinclair's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Victoria, forging documents shouldn't be difficult for someone like you."

Victoria Henn narrowed her eyes. "Evelyn, are you threatening me?"

Evelyn calmly adjusted her cuffs. "I'm merely stating facts. Horizon Media has always upheld justice. We never wrong innocent employees."

A sudden commotion erupted outside the office.

"Who dares accuse her?" A commanding voice cut through the crowd.

People hastily stepped aside.

Melissa Lee and Victoria turned simultaneously, their faces draining of color.

Leading the group stood a composed man with scholarly elegance, his features bearing striking resemblance to Julian Ashford.

"Mr. Yearwood..." Melissa gasped.

William Yearwood, CEO of Horizon Media, had arrived.

He stepped aside respectfully, gesturing forward. "Mr. Sullivan, this way please."

The entire floor fell silent.

Vincent Sullivan entered arm-in-arm with his wife, followed by newly appointed Minister Lightfoot.

The real shock came from Madam Zade—the woman rumored to be imprisoned for years now stood radiant before everyone.

"Evelyn!" Madam Zade spotted Evelyn immediately, releasing her husband to rush forward.

Evelyn clasped her hands warmly. "Auntie."

Madam Zade studied her face intently. "I heard someone's bullying you? Tell me who, I'll handle it!"

"With you here, no one would dare." Evelyn smiled sweetly.

The stunned crowd watched their intimate mother-daughter dynamic. This poised, articulate woman bore no resemblance to the alleged mental patient.

Vincent's expression darkened dangerously.

"Explain this." He slammed a printed document onto the table.

Victoria turned deathly pale.

It was the fabricated article she'd substituted—the exposé about Vincent imprisoning his mentally ill wife.

"The byline says Duan Sheli..." Melissa forced out weakly.

"Lies!" Madam Zade interrupted fiercely. "Evelyn would never write such filth!"

Multiple sharp gazes pinned Melissa down. She immediately shrank back.

Victoria trembled violently, sweat soaking her blouse.

"Who wrote this?" William demanded.

Silence.

"IT," he ordered, "lock down all systems. Trace the original file."

Victoria knew the game was over.

"Mr. Yearwood..." Her voice shook uncontrollably.

She was finished.

Every ambition crumbled in this moment.

Regret flooded her. Why had she listened to Melissa? Why target Evelyn?

"Where did these photos come from?" William pressed.

"P...Photoshopped," Victoria stammered.

She'd paid for doctored images, though her informant swore they'd seen the imprisoned woman.

"Any other fabricated evidence?"

Victoria nodded hopelessly.

She knew Horizon would prioritize protecting the Sullivans' reputation.

Evelyn had won.

Had the article been published, Victoria would be standing triumphant now.

"Accomplices?" William's final question made Melissa tense.

Surprisingly, Victoria shook her head.

Not out of kindness—she kept Melissa's secrets for future leverage.

One hour later, Horizon issued a termination notice.

Victoria Henn was fired on the spot for fabricating news.

In the conference room, Minister Lightfoot smiled at Evelyn. "I've long admired your work, Ms. Sinclair. Let's collaborate sometime."

William gave a thoughtful glance.

Madam Zade never released Evelyn's hand. "Come visit soon, darling. It's time we made our relationship official."

Evelyn's cheeks pinked.

She remembered that fateful day in the Sullivan garden—

The dark room.

The chained woman with wild hair who wept upon seeing her:

"Evelyn, I'm your mother..."