His Unveiled Passion

Stephen tilted his head slightly, shooting a piercing glare at Cassidy. "I don't hear a single hint of sincerity in your apology."

Cassidy was so frightened that she immediately started crying, pleading to Tessa, "I'm sorry, Ms. Yates. I'm really, really sorry. Please have mercy on me. I shouldn't have humiliated you like that earlier. Please give me a chance to right my wrongs."

Tessa's eyes were ice cold. "I want you to write a public apology and post it on all your social media accounts. I want it pinned to your wall for a month. Naturally, you'll also be compensating me 10,000 dollars."

Cassidy turned pale upon hearing Tessa's conditions. She looked discomfited as she said hesitantly, "Ms. Yates, I have over 10,000 fans on my Instagram and Twitter accounts. I usually rely on those accounts to earn a living. It'll affect my image if I post that apology."

"So, are you saying you won't do it?" Tessa regarded her coldly.

Cassidy worried her bottom lip, deliberately turning up the pathetic look on her face. "I didn't say I won't do it. It's just that going about it will be challenging. You're threatening my livelihood by doing this."

Just then, someone in the crowd piped up. "Ms. Yates, she claims to be a highly educated heiress online."

Tessa's voice was cool as she said, "You can choose not to apologize."

A flash of glee appeared in Cassidy's eyes. "Thank you, Ms. Yates. I knew you'd

She hadn't even finished her sentence when Tessa interjected, "Then, I'll have no choice but to pursue legal action."

The smile on Cassidy's lips froze right then and there.

The onlookers started whispering amongst themselves once more.

"Ms. Yates is so kind. If I were in her shoes, I would've used this opportunity to humiliate Cassidy."

Someone muttered lowly, "Are you sure that's kindness? Personally, I think Ms. Yates is ruthless. You've truly underestimated just how shameless Cassidy can be. Once everything blows over, she'll definitely use that account to rake in the cash."

"I agree. It's exactly as she said. You know how forgetful netizens are."

Cassidy's eyes flickered as she considered her options.

Considering how powerful the Jacobson and Yates families were, there was a high chance this wouldn't end with just an apology and monetary compensation if they were to go to court.

There was even a chance that she'd end up in jail.

Cassidy remembered an influencer named Wendy Cox who was found spreading malicious rumors about someone. She later heard that Wendy was sued for slander and promptly sent to the slammer.

she would much rather suffer online humiliation

made her

the bullet and said, "Ms. Yates, I'll do as you

So, he turned to Tessa

media accounts. I'll even compensate you with

glared at Bruno.

outrageous things Bruno had said at

Ms. Yates, don't listen to Bruno! You can't let him go

words echoed across the venue.

no time pinning Bruno down to the

Mr. Jacobson, I swear none of that has ever happened!" Bruno cried, his face smushed to the ground. "I didn't know you were a Yates. If I'd known who you were, I would have never dared to make such

to say such things toward the

what I meant!" Bruno

"He meant it exactly like that! Bruno's notorious for having his way with women without their consent

abusing his power to oppress

upon hearing their words. Then, she looked down at Bruno, demanding icily, "Is that

hastily defended himself, blurting, "No! Don't listen to

backstabbers trying to kick me when

into a frosty smirk. "I'll have someone

ringing. He looked at the caller ID before

person on the

reported solemnly, "Mr. Jacobson, Bruno Tatum, the third son of Sudmere's Tatums, has been

to do so. He gave them her picture and paid a large sum

contacted me the second he saw

line fell silent, seemingly unsure of how they should word

patience, so

as they tentatively continued, "That don told me that Bruno wants to hire 10 men

dared to mention

judging by

was obvious that they were terrified

knuckles turned white upon hearing that report. He lowered his gaze toward Bruno,

eyes made it seem as