Chapter 83
“Alice, do you think Suzanne will do as instructed? Jeanie asked worriedly from the side
Alice narrowed her eyes and curled her lips into a faint smile. She will she said. Then the picked up her phone and sent something out:
Suzanne had just stepped onto the stage when her phone vibrated in her pocket. The screen showed a message from Alice. Suzanne opened it and took a glance It was a picture.
Her mother and younger brother, who lived in the countryside, were tied up inside a small house and surrounded by four or five men in black suits
Alice has used both coercion and temptation, Suzanne thought. A hint of coldness crossed her eyes as she turned off her phone and said. “Hello, everyone. I’m Suzanne. I believe most of you know who I am. Although I don’t often appear in public, it’s not that I never do. You can look me up online if you wish.
Tm here today because of an issue regarding my author, ‘River. I’m sure everyone is curious to know who is the real River Is it truly the lady standing before us, Miss Selena Dalton?”
Suzanne spoke very slowly, deliberately dragging her tone as if keeping everyone in suspense. Someone in the audience grew impatient and shouted, “Ms. Heywood, stop keeping us in suspense! Just tell us quickly. We’re all waiting?”
Suzanne smiled faintly and said, “Alright then, let me explain. The real ‘River‘ is… Before she could say it out, she was interrupted
“Police!” A group of people in police uniforms barged into the venue. Leading them was a young man with well–defined features, looking about 25 or 26 years old. His name was Charles Melton.
With a stern expression, he showed his police identification card to the audience and then strode toward Selena. His voice was firm and authoritative. “Are you Miss Selena Dalton?” he asked.
Selena’s face showed a flicker of panic, and she nodded and said, “Yes.”
“You have been accused of impersonating another person and profiting from stolen work. Please come with us” Charles said. As soon as he finished speaking, the original calm reporters erupted into chaos, eager to rush onto the stage and get to the bottom of the story.
Maintaining a composed expression, Selena smiled and said, “Sir, you must have been mistaken. I’d like to know who accused me and what evidence they have against me.”
Leon hurried forward, still holding a microphone, and spoke loudly. “That’s right, sir. There are so many reporters present today. If you take my artiste away without explanation, it will tarnish her reputation. Please tell us what’s going on and resolve it right here, before the eyes of the media.”
Charles remained expressionless and said, “That would be against protocol. Miss Dalton, please come with us
Selena maintained her smile and asked, “How about this, sir? You tell me who filed the complaint. As the accused, I have the right to know who the plaintiff is, do 1?
Charles frowned slightly and answered directly, “It’s the real “River.”
Selena’s expression flickered with shock before she sneered and said, “Sir, you must be joking.”
Leon laughed right away. “Sir, you guys must have been too careless. Selena is River. Are you saying she’s suing herself?” Leon asked
Charles responded firmly. “The real identity of ‘River‘ will need to be verified in person.”
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13:27 Thu, 3 Apr
Chapter 83
Leon suggested Since Ms Heywood is here, why don’t we have the plaintiff come forward and let her confirm it on the ‘spot?” The reporters immediately chimed in, urging for the other party to be brought out
Charles made a phone call, briefly explained the situation, and quickly hung up. “The other party will be here soon he said.
homg
Meanwhile, Hailey on the other end received a call. “It’s all taken care of a rough, gruff voice mid
Hailey smiled satisfactorily and said. “Thank you for looking after Suzanne’s family
The caller on the other end was a banly man with a tattooed arm, clearly someone from the underworld. He did not know who this young woman was, but she had paid him a large sum to take his men and rescue a mother and child.
Rubbing his tattooed arm, he chuckled. After doing so many bad things, it was a fresh experience to take money for doing something good. “Don’t worry, Miss. I’ll make sure they’re well taken care of, he assured Hailey, grinning
Hailey chuckled and said, “Many thanks.” Then, she hung up and turned to the man beside her. “We can go in now” she said.
Owen nodded and said. “Alright. The two entered the hotel together.
At this moment, the lobby was still noisy and chaotic. The commotion had not died down for even a second. Selena was getting impatient. She glanced at her watch and then signaled to her manager.
Leon stepped forward and said, “Mr. Melton, everyone’s waiting. When is this person arriving? We can’t waste everyone’s time, right?”
“Why the rush: I’m right here.” A clear and pleasant voice rang out from the crowd.The crowd instinctively made way. turning their heads to look behind.
Hailey did not dress up deliberately. Her outfit was warm. She was wearing a white cropped puffer jacket and light–wash jeans. A black scarf covered most of her face, leaving only her beautiful eyes visible. She had no choice as her boyfriend was
strict
She let go of Owen’s arm, stepped onto the stage, and said, ‘Firstly, let me introduce myself. I’m Hailey Dalton Selena Dalton and I share the same father but have different mothers. Also, I am the author of Thrilling Suspense
At this point, she glanced toward the audience. Dolly, the editor in question, lowered her head in shame.
Hailey did not dwell on it and continued, “Later on, Dolly left for personal reasons and Bonnie replaced me. Then, due to work transfers, Bonnie moved on, and Ms. Heywood became my editor.
exclusive
Over time, Ms. Heywood and I developed a strong rapport. Subsequently, I left the platform and made her my editor. She even became the person in charge of my studio. I am incredibly grateful to Suzanne, she’s my best partner.”
Suzanne smiled at her, sighing with emotion in her heart. “I’m sure everyone has a lot of questions now. You’re welcome to ask, and I’ll do my best to answer,” Hailey said, and the stage had now become Hailey’s home ground
Leon was eager to snatch back the microphone, but it would be too impolite to do so in public. Someone soon raised a hand. “You claim to be the real ‘River. What proof do you have? Selena has manuscripts and many witnesses. What do you have?
“Wait a minute,” Suzanne interjected with a grin. “This whole time, I haven’t revealed the real identity of River yet, have I? She did not keep the people in suspense this time and pointed it out directly. “It’s the person beside me, Miss Hailey Dalton”
