Chapter 5

"What did I lack?" That was Monica's caption for the video.

Ingrid was so furious that she slammed her hand on the table. "This is bullshit! That male intern was only responsible for backend work. He didn't even have access to any project data!"

The head of the PR department was anxiously scratching his head. "Ms. Campbell, public opinion is against us right now. Everyone is accusing us of workplace bullying. Shouldn't we release a statement to clarify the situation?"

I nodded. "A statement is indeed necessary."

But it wasn't going to be a clarification. Instead, it was to announce the lawsuit I had filed against Monica for spreading false information and damaging Rockstone Tech's reputation.

My actions once again enraged the Kovane family.

Soon, Graham contacted the TV station and arranged a live confrontation. He asked if I had the guts to show up.

I was about to agree when Milo hurriedly stopped me. "Don't, Rachel! He's already contacted tons of media outlets and paid off the host and guests for this live broadcast.

"They've even arranged the entire script. The moment you show up, smear articles are destined to flood the internet!"

I listened quietly and only asked him, "Can you get control of the live broadcast feed?"

He instinctively nodded. "I can, but—"

"That's all I need."

Immediately, I texted Graham back. "See you there."

After putting down my phone, I walked into the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror. The woman staring back at me wore a dark gray tailored suit. Her back was straight, her posture unwavering.

From the night Mom died a tragic death to this very day, I had waited 20 years for this very moment.

I looked at my reflection and whispered, "Mom, the day has finally come."

…

The live broadcast was scheduled for 8:00 pm three days later.

When I arrived, Milo was waiting for me at the entrance. He lowered his voice. "The studio is packed. Graham invited more than 20 media outlets. His people filled the entire front row.

"The host is Eric Stone. He's worked with Kovane Group for years. Are you sure you want to go in?"

"I'm already here," I answered. "Might as well, right?"

Milo looked at me for a second and didn't say anything else. He simply squeezed my hand gently.

When I entered the studio, Graham, Selena, and Monica were already seated across from me. The moment I sat down, Eric turned his attention toward me.

"Ms. Campbell, according to our information, Ms. Kovane performed exceptionally well during her internship at Rockstone Tech. Not only were her results outstanding, but she also led a project that brought substantial profits.

"And yet, at the final stage of the full-time conversion evaluation, you dismissed her without a reason. Could you explain your decision to us?"

Immediately, Monica's eyes turned red. She squeezed out a few perfectly timed tears.

"I… I really don't know what I did wrong. I just wanted to work hard and prove myself. But during my internship, Ms. Campbell constantly made things difficult for me. She even used baseless accusations to attack me."

As soon as she said that, whispers of sympathy spread through the audience.

"What a cruel CEO. She saw how beautiful the young woman was and decided to terrorize her."

"I bet she's jealous that Ms. Kovane is young, talented, and capable. She's nothing but someone who slept her way to the top. Who does she think she is?"

Eric looked pleased with the audience's reaction and passed the microphone toward me. "Ms. Campbell, can you tell us the truth? Or is there something you are unable to reveal to the public?"

Every camera in the studio panned toward me.