Chapter 0005
Chapter 0095
Ella POV
“Several women have come forward in recent days to confess that their stories about Alexander Black were fabricated,” the female reporter said, her dark eyes fixed directly on the camera.
I wasn’t looking at the television; my gaze was locked on my mother, who stared at the screen, her mouth set in a firm line as she absorbed the reporter’s words.
After the confrontation at the shopping center, Gretchen and Hyacinth posted apologies on their social media pages, confessing that they had no history with Alexander and that their stories had been planted. Cassandra had deleted all her social media accounts.
It seemed the confessions from the others had prompted some women involved in David’s plot to step forward. Two more had confessed, guilt–ridden, that they had been paid by an unnamed person to spread rumors about Alexander.
They didn’t need to say it was David; I felt it was obvious, and it would only be a matter of time before everyone figured it out. David had never been as sneaky as he thought
Satisfaction coursed through me as I listened to the reporter speak. Clearing Alexander’s name was crucial, and I had not only managed to make that happen but also to portray him as the sympathetic victim of this smear campaign. People would feel empathy for him, which would help with his public support.
“Two women, confirmed ex–girlfriend’s of Alpha Black’s, will be speaking with him at a press conference set to begin in the next few minutes…”
The reporter’s words faded into the background as my mother turned to face me.
“It seems you were right,” she said apologetically. “I may have judged Alexander too harshly.”
“Your concern is understandable,” I replied. “I shouldn’t have gotten so upset about it. I know you only want what’s best for me.”
She smiled and shook her head slightly. “You’re not a little girl anymore,” she said. “I need to learn to trust your judgment. After all, you’re going to be the leader of our pack someday.”
A wide smile spread across my face at her words. My father believed I was capable of leading, but I felt my mother had always held back slightly, less convinced of my ability. So to hear her say something like that was incredibly touching.
“You will get to know Alexander,” I said. “And you’ll see that his reputation is not an accurate portrayal of him.”
“I suppose I should know better than to trust rumors and gossip,” my mother admitted
“I’m only glad the truth has finally come out,” I replied.
My attention was drawn back to the television screen, where I saw the image of Alexander standing with Nadia and Miranda on either side of him.
Dressed in a light gray suit that complemented his bright eyes, he looked remarkably put together, his hands folded in front of him, a serious expression on his face. He stood back slightly, giving the two women better access to the microphone.
Alexander didn’t speak a word as Nadia nervously stepped forward and cleared her throat.
“Thank you for coming today,” she said, presumably addressing the assembled reporters. “I’m sorry to have to call everyone here under these circumstances, but it’s important that the truth be told ”
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+25 BONUS
Chapter 0095
She took a shaky breath. “My name is Nadia Hernandez, and Alexander Black and I dated several years ago. I have made public statements about our relationship, which were all true, but I felt the need to clarify some things. While Alexander and I had a messy breakup, I want to make it clear that he was never violent with me, and I’ve never witnessed anything from him that could be described as cruel or criminal.”
Miranda stepped forward, her hands straight down at her sile as she nervously leaned toward the microphone. I’m Miranda Brown,” she said, her voice watery and thin. The statements I made about my past with Alexander were also true, but I wanted to be clear that I have never witnessed any violent or criminal actions from Alexander. Nor have I been the victim of any violence from him. Considering the campaign of lies that has come to light, I felt it was important to clarify my statements.”
Miranda took a step back and glanced at Alexander, smiling slightly as she looked up at him. Alexander returned the smile and then stepped up to the microphone.
“Nadia and Miranda contacted me a few days ago after they became suspicious of some of the stories they were hearing from other women,” Alexander explained. “We spoke, and I have already privately apologized to both of them for my behavior when we were together. But I want to make it clear once again that I recognize I’ve made mistakes in the past in my treatment of women, and I take responsibility for the wrongs I have committed. I hope that those who are fabricating stories about me will come forward and take responsibility for the lies they have told. My hope is that this will be the last time any of us have to speak publicly about this.”
