Unexpected Fiancée

Chapter 86: Slanderous Gossips

Chapter 86: Slanderous Gossips

Jane couldn't believe her eyes – she was trending online? She quickly retrieved her phone from herbag and logged onto Facebook, where she came across a viral post that had garnered quite someattention.

The post read: "An employee of Pansy Group has been accused of attempted murder and publiclyassaulting the victim's mother." Attached to the post were images depicting the alleged incidents.

The body of the post claimed that Jane had intentionally pushed Monica into Lover Lake, eventhough two eyewitnesses had testified against her. Strangely, the police had not detained Jane,fueling public outrage. The post also accused Jane of violently attacking Monica's mother, Joan,further misrepresenting the truth. The attached photos showed Jane pushing Joan to the ground,although Jane had only acted in self-defense.

The clever use of imagery painted Jane as the villain while positioning Joan as the pitiable victim.Harsh comments inundated the post, with people mercilessly condemning Jane.

As she looked at the screen, Jane's brow furrowed. This situation had escalated beyond herexpectations. The police investigation hadn't concluded, but the public was already quick tocondemn her for crimes she hadn't committed. It was baffling that everyone was prejudiced againsther, without considering her side of the story. Clearly, some trolls had been paid to stoke the fire,and it seemed that one of her numerous enemies was behind it.

Jane pondered over the possible culprits when her phone suddenly rang. She answered it to findAnthony on the line.

"Have you seen the viral post? Why are you trending?" he asked, his voice tinged with anger.

"Yes, I just saw it," Jane replied, offering a faint smile. "It's nothing, really. Someone is just trying totarnish my reputation."

"Okay, but do you know who's behind this? If you give me a name, I'll handle it immediately,"Anthony vowed.

"Damn it! How dare they slander you? I'll hack the media system and clear your name."

"You don't need to do that," Jane replied nonchalantly. Anthony was taken aback.

"Aren't you concerned that this will damage your reputation?"

Jane chuckled and retorted, "I've been feeling a bit bored lately. This scandal adds someexcitement. Let's watch the drama unfold. I have a feeling it's going to be entertaining."

Anthony pondered for a moment and then asked, "Do you mean..."

"Please run a check on Monica for me," Jane requested, leaning back in her chair. "Since sheattempted to harm me, there must be some clues she left behind."

Anthony grasped her intention and promised, "Alright, I'm on it. Expect some good news soon."

After ending the call, Jane's eyes turned cold. Her initial plan to enjoy a peaceful three months inGuavo seemed to have gone out the window. She couldn't sit idly by and let someone tarnish herreputation.

Jane had no intention of being a pushover. She had been through too much to let someone dragher down. Deciding to face this challenge head-on, she realized it was time to take action.

Having awakened early that morning, Jane felt a bit fatigued. She yawned as she rose from herchair and headed to the break room for a cup of coffee.

In the hallway, she noticed her colleagues stealing glances at her and whispering to one another.

"Do you think the rumors are true? Did that seemingly gentle woman really push Monica into thelake?"

"Looks can be deceiving. If it's going viral, there must be some truth to it."

"We can't say for certain. False rumors can be quite convincing."

"Even beautiful and gentle people can be murderers. It's a jungle out there in the countryside. Janemight have turned vicious after all those years there."

Jane chose to ignore the gossip and held her head high as she proceeded to the break room. Shedidn't give any satisfaction to the gossipers with her reaction.

The coffee vending machine filled Jane's cup with its dark contents as she continued to think aboutthe situation. Online comments had been particularly harsh, and the assumption of guilt had beenswift.

Normally, such backlash would have a significant impact on anyone's emotional state. To mitigatethe situation, Jane had received support from Patrick, who had taken steps to have the post takendown. Now he was here, checking up on her well-being.

Patrick's entrance into the break room was unexpected, given that it was primarily reserved forordinary employees. Jane greeted him with surprise, "Patrick?"

"Why are you here?" His usual custom was to be served beverages by his assistant, so hispresence here was unusual.

Patrick shut the door behind him and approached Jane, his gaze full of concern. "Are you okay?"

Jane sipped her coffee calmly and replied, "Huh? Why wouldn't I be?"

Patrick was taken aback. "Haven't you seen the viral post online?"

Jane smiled in response. "I did see it, but it doesn't bother me. I'm not guilty, so there's no reasonfor concern."novelbin

Jane's calm demeanor was unexpected, and it left Patrick searching for the appropriate response.The online backlash had been severe, and typically, it would have affected anyone deeply.

Quick to take action, he had made calls to have the post removed and had rushed to check onJane's well-being. However, he couldn't have anticipated her nonchalant attitude. Was shegenuinely this composed, or was she merely pretending?

Intrigued, Patrick reached out and took Jane's hand. He looked into her eyes and reassured her,"Don't worry. I've taken steps to have the post removed. If any employee here is caught speaking illof you, they'll be dismissed immediately."

Jane met his gaze with gratitude and relief, yet her facial expression puzzled Patrick. "Aren't youworried that this might tarnish your reputation?"

Jane snickered and responded, "I've been bored lately. This scandal adds a little excitement. Let'sjust enjoy the drama. I have a feeling it's going to be fun."

Patrick couldn't help but smile at her resilience. "Jane, you're my fiancée. It's my duty to protect you,understand?"

As he whispered in her ear, his warm breath sent shivers down her spine, making her blush. Herheart began to race, but she bit the inside of her lower lip to regain control.

Falling into his arms, Jane allowed herself to be momentarily carried away by his presence, but thenshe snapped back to reality and gently pushed him away. "Someone might see us," she remindedhim. "Besides, you shouldn't get too involved in my business. We aren't in a real relationship, and Ican take care of myself."

Jane detested being indebted to anyone, and she had been receiving significant help from Patricklately. She was cautious about setting a precedent.

Patrick's expression darkened as conflicting emotions flickered across his eyes. After a moment ofreflection, he regained his composure and pulled Jane toward him.

As she landed in his arms once more, Patrick questioned in a deep, intense voice, "Tell mehonestly, Jane. Do you see me only as your contractual fiancé?"

His warm breath brushed against her face, making her heart race once again. She met his gaze,unable to look away, but she quickly averted her eyes and bit

her lower lip. How could she let him affect her like this?

Jane finally replied, "Then wat else are you to me?"