Chapter 181

I looked at Savannah with excitement. "How was my acting just now?"

She gave me a big thumbs up, her eyes sparkling. "Absolutely flawless!"

Just then, Kathy called. She knew about my press conference and had been following it from home.

"Caroline, your performance was incredible! For a moment, I almost believed you were some poor woman who got swindled by a broke guy who then cheated on you and left you after he got rich."

I chuckled softly. "Isn't that exactly what happened? That's the truth."

Kathy paused, then nodded. "Right, right, I almost forgot. So, were those real emotions?"

I scoffed. "Of course not. It was all an act. I stopped caring about Brandon a long time ago. The only difference between the story I told and reality is that I saw through him ages ago."

"I had to play the part of a woman who just found out the truth and was heartbroken into a divorce. That way, the public would fully support me."

"Brilliant, absolutely brilliant."

"By the end of today's press conference, the entire city's media and public opinion will be on your side."

"And the most important thing is, the company still has a ten-million-dollar gap they can't fill. It won't be long before it collapses completely."

"And our plan will be a success."

Savannah and I went home, waiting for the public reaction to unfold.

As things escalated, everyone was condemning Brandon, but there was still no news about Karen's death. It seemed Brandon was deliberately keeping it under wraps.

So, I called Simon.

"Can you spread a rumor that Brandon's lover and his aunt kicked Karen to death in the hospital?"

"People love conspiracy theories about rich families. This will attract even more attention, especially from those who weren't following the story."

Simon agreed. "By the way, Francis told me today that Brandon's company can't cover Irene's ten-million-dollar gap, and suppliers are pulling out. The collapse is imminent."

I nodded. "Good. I want Brandon to lose everything."

After hanging up, I let out a deep breath.

Things were resolving nicely, which made me happy.

The only unexpected part was Karen's sudden death, and we hadn't caught Earl.

But that was okay. Earl would definitely show up at Karen's funeral.

Just then, I got a call from Leo.

He sounded hesitant. "Caroline, did you hear about Karen's death?"

"Really? I had no idea."

I played dumb. "I saw some rumors online saying Irene and the others killed Karen, but I didn't believe it. Is it true?"

As the mastermind, I pretended to know nothing, which made Leo hesitate. "It seems Karen really is dead, but I haven't been to the hospital. I just heard about it."

"By the way, I'm planning to visit the hospital later. Do you want to come with me?"

I sensed something was off and asked, "Leo, how did you know I was back in Skyview City?"

He realized he slipped up and reluctantly said, "I saw your press conference."

"So, you and Brandon are really getting divorced? There's no chance of reconciliation?"

It seemed Leo wasn't simple either. He was probably here to test my attitude.

"No chance. He hit me last time, and that's something I can't tolerate. Divorce is the only option."

Leo sighed. "Alright, don't overthink it. If you need any help, just let me know."

I nodded. "Thanks."

"And about Briar..."

He probably realized that since we were divorcing, it wasn't appropriate for Briar to stay with me.

"Don't worry, Leo. Briar can stay with my mom until school starts. She's having fun with my kids, so there's no need to worry."

"Even if we're not a family anymore, the kids don't understand that. They're still friends."

Leo nodded and sincerely thanked me before hanging up.

Meanwhile, Brandon's call came through.

After the press conference, Brandon had called me many times, but I blocked him. Now he was using another number.

I glanced at it and decided to hear what he had to say, so I answered.

On the other end, Brandon was shouting hysterically. "Caroline, do you have to be so ruthless?"

"Are you setting me up?"

I laughed lightly. "Setting you up? I just told the truth at the press conference. Haven't we reached this point? Did I say anything wrong?"

"Why did you have to do it when my mom just died?"

"How was I supposed to know? Leo just told me. How was I supposed to know your mom died?"

"Or do you think her death has something to do with me?"

"Besides, when I visited her, she still had the energy to curse at me. How did she die so suddenly? Maybe you should question the people taking care of her instead of blaming me."

"Did you say something to my mom?"

I rolled my eyes. "Why don't you ask her yourself?"

"By the way, I saw online that Shirley and Irene killed your mom. Is that true?"

"After all, we were in-laws for a while. You should tell me."

Brandon was silent on the other end.

I couldn't help but laugh. "Shirley must be your true love."

"Even now, you're still protecting her."

"She killed your son and now your mom. Are they both less important than Shirley? Let's just divorce so you can be with her."

"Caroline, can't we talk about this later?"

"Why should I? Why should I put up with your ten years of cheating? Don't think I don't know. In our ten years of marriage, did you ever stop?"