The Billionaire’s Maid Bride (Flanagan and Allison)

Allison rose to her feet. Her voice was tinged with incredulity. "So, you know the girl in the photo is Penelope. Why the hell are you still covering for her? It doesn't affect me? If I release this video, it's game over for Penelope. She won't have a comeback. No way to play the darling future Mrs. Lindberg, right? So isn't everything you're doing just for Penelope?"

Lucian's gaze narrowed as he watched her lose her composure. He called out firmly, "Allison!"

She whipped out her phone and played the video. The explicit, unfiltered scene of Penelope entangled with several men filled the screen, accompanied by her moans. Lucian's eyes narrowed further, and his hands turned into fists. "Allison, enough!"

She stepped back, and let out a hollow laugh. "So, you acknowledge this woman is Penelope. This scandalous woman is Penelope, but you're still going to help her? Afraid I'll post it online and ruin her reputation? Is that why you promised me a whole day, and took me out to have fun? In this way, you could convince me to cancel the press conference, to squash the video release?"

Lucian understood that she was deeply mistaken about him, but he couldn't explain the truth to Allison right now. His feelings for Penelope had long since turned cold; she had deceived him for too long and even framed Allison, causing him to misunderstand her.

But Penelope... She had once saved his life. And his mother's.

His mother, Miranda, had been suffering from a chronic illness these past few days. If she saw the video, it might worsen her condition. Moreover, with an engagement binding him to Penelope, any damage to her reputation would also harm the Lindberg Corporation. If that happened, George might seize the opportunity, and the struggle for control of the corporation would be thrown into turmoil.

He owed Penelope for saving him and his mother. That debt would be repaid. After that, he'd find a way to break off the engagement.

The only woman he wanted to marry was Allison, the woman standing before him.

"Allison, I'll explain everything to you later," Lucian reassured her. “I know you don't understand right now, but I hope you can trust me." He had already managed to quell the online gossip; nobody was talking about Allison anymore. In half a year, the netizens would likely forget it, and with good work, Allison's reputation would recover.

After a long moment of silence, Allison said, "I need to use the restroom." After saying that, she turned and made her way to the ladies' room.

Inside the restaurant, Lucian clenched his fists. Without a perfect plan, he could only hope to temporarily placate Allison. Once he broke off the engagement with Penelope, he could vow to give Allison the grandest, most lavish wedding.

In the restroom, Allison cranked the faucet full blast, finally allowing herself to cry.

Grace had pleaded on her knees for Penelope, but Allison didn't cry. Now, Allison couldn't hold back any longer. The people she loved, the people who had cared for her, they all interceded for Penelope.

She had endured days of public scrutiny and countless insults, but even though she had the evidence to prove her innocence, she was now expected to discard it. They all protected Penelope, even knowing her promiscuous ways.

Staring into the overflowing sink, she bowed her head, submerging her face and holding her breath.

The suffocating sensation crept over her. And yet, Allison didn't lift her head.