Chapter 21
“She’s more manipulative than I gave her credit for.”
“Sir, the media is eating this up,” his assistant said nervously. “Her followers are growing by the second, and people are already turning on the Harris Group. We need a strategy now.”
Anthony took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain calm. “Get the legal team on the line. I want a public statement prepared by the end of the day. Make it clear that she’s a fugitive, a criminal, and that she has no ties to the Harris family.”
Within minutes, Harris Group held a press conference to address the chaos that Julie had unleashed.
The room was packed with reporters, cameras flashing incessantly as a representative from the Harris Group stepped up to the podium, a thick dossier
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in hand.
“The Harris Group categorically condemns. the false allegations made by Ms. Julie Osborn, who is currently a fugitive facing multiple charges, including embezzlement, blackmail, and financial fraud,” the spokesperson announced, their voice steady and firm.
A ripple of murmurs spread across the room as the representative continued. “We urge the public to remain vigilant against the spread of misinformation. Attached to our official statement are detailed reports. that prove Ms. Osborn‘ s malicious intent to sabotage the Harris Group and tarnish ..its reputation.”
Pausing for effect, the representative held up a document. “Additionally, the accusations regarding her pregnancy being linked to our CEO, Mr. Anthony Harris, are entirely false. As evidenced by DNA test
results, the child she is carrying is not Mr. Harris‘ s.”
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A screen behind the spokesperson illuminated with undeniable proof- screenshots of Julie‘ s financial
transactions siphoning money into her personal accounts, chat logs outlining her blackmail attempts, and the official DNA test results.
The reporters erupted into a frenzy of questions, but the spokesperson remained composed. “Thank you. That concludes. our statement. The Harris Group will not entertain further speculation on this matter.”
Online, the tides turned swiftly. Once filled. with sympathy, comment sections became battlegrounds of anger and outrage.
“She’s nothing but a scammer!”
“Anthony Harris did the right thing
clearing his name.”
“Lock her up!”
Julie’s breath quickened, her chest tightening as the weight of the backlash
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suffocated her. Desperately, she slammed her laptop shut, her pulse racing.
“This can’t be happening,” she whispered, pacing the room in panic.
Her mind raced, searching for a way to regain control, but deep down, she knew Anthony had outmaneuvered her.
While Anthony, leaning back in his chair, himself a moment of grim satisfaction. Julie had underestimated him, and now, the scales of justice were tipping in his favor.
His assistant entered the room cautiously, a tablet in hand. “Sir, we’ve located the address where Miss Osborn is currently live–streaming,”
Anthony nodded sharply. “Good. Send the security team immediately. I don’t care. what state she’s in–get her to the hospital.
“Make sure she’s safe from anyone who might try to harm her, including herself. I
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want her alive to face the consequences of everything she’s done. No exceptions.”
“Yes, Sir,” the team confirmed.
Anthony turned back to the screen, his jaw tightening.
He had given Julie every opportunity to leave quietly, but she had chosen war. So, he would ensure she faced the full force of her actions, no matter what it took.
In a desperate state, Julie stood near the window, as Anthony’s security team stormed into the hotel.
“Stay back!” Julie screamed, inching closer to the edge.
The team leader stepped forward, his voice. calm but firm. “Miss Osborn, you‘ re not going anywhere. This is over. Please step away from the window.”
Julie’s eyes darted between the guards. and the window. She could hear commotion outside–voices shouting,
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cameras flashing. They had surrounded the building.
The team leader signaled to the guards stationed below. “We anticipated this. There’s nowhere for you to go. Step away now, and we’ll ensure you‘ re safe.”
Julie hesitated, her grip tightening on the window frame. “Safe? You think I’ll be safe after what Anthony did to me?!”
The guards moved swiftly. One lunged forward and grabbed Julie’s arm just as she tried to climb onto the ledge.