CHAPTER 145: CHAPTER 145: THE MISTRESS GETS DOUSED WITH FILTH [CONTINUING TO PUNISH THE SCUM]

Timothy let out a faint self-mocking laugh, leaning back against the wide leather seat, closing his eyes wearily.

He murmured to himself, with a trace of pain he didn’t even notice, "Zoe, do you hate me this much? Do you really want to completely destroy me?"

He had never intended to go after her mother, no matter how much Sophia pressured him, or how much he was suffocated by public opinion, he always held firmly to that line.

Yet she left him no leeway, directly exposing his most disgraceful side to everyone.

At this moment, Jack Sullivan’s phone suddenly rang, the name "Ms. Kendall" flashing on the screen.

Jack Sullivan instinctively looked at Timothy.

Timothy had long since blacklisted his mother’s contact. Sophia couldn’t reach him, so she had no choice but to call his assistant.

Jack Sullivan didn’t dare not to answer, and could only press the speaker button with a stiff upper lip.

Sophia’s shrill voice immediately echoed in the office: "Timothy! Has that bitch Zoe gone mad? Does she really think our Xavier Family is something she can play with as she pleases? Let me tell you, if you don’t fight back soon, she might even reveal that Doris was adopted! By then, our Xavier Family will be completely finished!"

"She won’t do it."

Timothy suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze as cold as ice, "She loves Doris too much, she would never let Doris become the center of public opinion, never let the child be subjected to this filth. And, I want some peace, don’t ever call me with such matters again!"

"Peace? At a time like this, you still want peace?"

Sophia’s voice was more agitated, "Does she think that by exposing the equipment, her mother will be safe? I tell you, Timothy, things have reached this point, we’re already being cursed to pieces by netizens, we might as well go all out! Just cut off her mother’s equipment, and drag that old thing down with us! I’ll see how arrogant she can be after this, I want her to suffer for a lifetime!"

Timothy’s face turned completely dark, his eyes swirling with anger and exhaustion.

He no longer heeded his mother’s hysterics on the phone, and coldly instructed Jack Sullivan, "Hang up."

Jack Sullivan quickly disconnected the call, and the office finally returned to silence.

Timothy’s voice was full of gloom, "From now on, you don’t have to answer my mother’s calls, nor tell me about them."

"Yes, President Xavier."

Jack Sullivan hastily nodded in agreement, turning to leave.

But as he reached the door, he couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

If only he’d known it would come to this, why did it have to start?

Back then, Madam was so good, gentle and virtuous, managing the household impeccably, and was devoted to President Xavier.

But President Xavier insisted on getting entangled with the two from the Sawyer Family, turning a perfectly good life into a complete mess.

Now that Madam has completely turned against him, President Xavier starts reminiscing, putting on this facade of deep affection, it’s really hard to understand.

After Jack Sullivan left, the office door was softly knocked.

The secretary’s voice carried a noticeable timidity, carefully poking her head in through the door crack, "President Xavier, the shareholders are all waiting in the conference room, they... hope you can give them an explanation."

"Understood."

Timothy rubbed his aching temples, his voice full of fatigue.

He only felt his head about to split, but had no retreat, so he could only steel himself and head towards the conference room.

Just as he pushed open the door, the oppressive atmosphere rushed over him.

A dozen shareholders sat around the long table, each with a grave expression, none speaking, yet all fixing him with scrutinizing looks.

And what surprised Timothy the most was that the man sitting at the head of the long table was none other than his father, Douglas Xavier.

Seeing this man, Timothy’s gaze grew a bit colder.

He never had a good impression of this father, with his parents’ marriage being in name only since he was a child.

Douglas Xavier had long lived with Katherine Sheldon and her child outside.

In his memory, his father always had a severe demeanor, never giving him any fatherly love.

Years ago, Douglas Xavier was determined to divorce Sophia, even at the cost of giving up everything related to Xavier Group.

If it weren’t for his grandfather preserving Douglas’s "Chairman" title to stabilize the group before his death, Douglas Xavier would’ve long been an outsider to the Xavier Family.

Over the years, the "Chairman" title was nothing but an empty shell, with the true power of the Xavier Group firmly in Timothy’s hands.

Timothy never expected Douglas Xavier to suddenly come back when he was besieged on all sides.

He was about to speak, to mention Douglas Xavier’s promise to his grandfather not to meddle in Xavier Group affairs, but Douglas opened his mouth first.

The voice was not loud, yet it carried an undeniable authority: "I originally thought that handing the Xavier Group to you, you would manage it meticulously. Unexpectedly, you’ve turned the prosperous family business into such a state. If I hadn’t returned, the Xavier Group would truly be ruined at your hands."

Timothy’s face darkened a bit, as he was in the wrong, he couldn’t justify himself.

Seeing this, the shareholders immediately chimed in.

An elderly shareholder with graying hair adjusted his glasses and looked directly at Timothy, his tone carrying some dissatisfaction: "President Xavier, we, several old shareholders, jointly requested Chairman Xavier to come back and take charge. Although Chairman Xavier had scandals back in the day, he never pushed Xavier Group to such a brink, where even the stock price is about to collapse."

The shareholder paused, looking at Timothy’s tense face, and continued: "It’s clear now that you can’t control the situation. We hold shares in the Xavier Group, and we can’t just watch the group fall. When Chairman Xavier was in charge, we witnessed his finesse and boldness. We trust he can handle this. Please put aside your personal grievances with Chairman Xavier and consider the broader picture for the Xavier Group."

The surrounding shareholders nodded in agreement, all eyes fixated on Timothy.

Timothy clenched his fists tightly, resisting with all his might.

He knew the shareholders were right.

This media crisis was indeed triggered by him. If it weren’t for his entanglements with Serena, if it weren’t for Sophia’s interference, the Xavier Group wouldn’t have ended up in this predicament.

To calm the shareholders, he could only suppress his anger temporarily.

He tolerated Douglas’s sudden "power grab," taking a deep breath, and slowly spoke: "I understand your concerns, and I know the situation is urgent. Since everyone trusts Chairman Xavier, let’s have him assist in managing the group’s affairs temporarily."

His gaze swept over Douglas, with a hint of cold warning: "But I hope Chairman Xavier remembers, this is only a temporary measure. Once this storm passes, the operations of the Xavier Group are not for outsiders to meddle."

Douglas heard this, the corner of his mouth curled into a barely noticeable arc.

He turned to the shareholders and said: "Since everyone trusts me, starting today, the public relations and external collaborations of the Xavier Group will temporarily be handled by me. We’ll suppress the media first and then discuss subsequent plans."

The atmosphere in the meeting room slightly eased, but Timothy’s heart felt weighed down by a heavy stone.

He knew this battle with Douglas had only just begun.

...

The lights in the meeting room were on all afternoon; this meeting concerning the Xavier Group’s future lasted several hours.

When the meeting adjourned, the sky outside the window was completely dark.

The final resolution decided was for Timothy to face the cameras and apologize personally.

However, this was not due to shareholder pressure, but his own decision.

He was well aware he owed Zoe too much over the years; he owed her an apology, more than that, he owed her the rightful title of Mrs. Xavier.

Yet he never expected this "public acknowledgment" to come in such a humiliating manner.

Walking back to his office, the surrounding employees kept their heads down; no one dared meet his gaze now and risk incurring his displeasure.

He hadn’t eaten all day, yet he had no appetite; though his stomach was empty, it was filled with an even heavier emotion.

Upon opening the office door, he saw Sophia sitting on the sofa, her expression extremely somber.

"Why are you here?"

Timothy’s voice carried undisguised annoyance; he no longer had the energy to deal with his mother.

Sophia suddenly stood up, her face cold, as she approached: "You didn’t answer my calls, so I had to come personally! Zoe made this such a mess, what exactly are you going to do? You must make her pay, or our Xavier Family’s reputation is entirely ruined!"

Timothy furrowed his brow, his tone was bland yet incontrovertibly firm: "I will hold a press conference and apologize publicly."

"What?"

Sophia seemed to have heard a colossal joke, her eyes widened in shock, her voice sharply rising: "You want to apologize? Timothy, have you lost your mind? Isn’t this an outright admission that it’s all your fault? Everyone in the world will point at our Xavier Family and curse us!"

Looking at his mother’s agitated manner, Timothy suddenly gave a bitter laugh, his eyes full of exhaustion: "Mom, the affair between Serena and me has caused such an uproar, it’s known all over town, do I even need to personally confess?"

He paused, his voice lowered, with a hint of self-mockery, "This is the result I deserve, it’s my retribution. People must pay for what they’ve done, and what I owe Zoe, it’s time to repay."

Sophia wanted to argue further, but suddenly noise erupted outside the office, someone said: "The chairman’s wife is here!"

Timothy and Sophia simultaneously turned toward the door.

Uncertainty briefly flickered on Sophia’s face; it had been a long time since anyone referred to her as "the chairman’s wife."

Until the door was lightly knocked, a figure stood at the doorway wearing an elegant long dress, her gentle face showed a hint of unease; it was Katherine.

Sophia instantly realized, the "chairman’s wife" being called wasn’t her at all!

She stood up abruptly, her chest heaving violently, pointing at Katherine’s nose and uncontrollably started to curse, "You shameless old hag, what are you doing here? Are you here to laugh at my son’s predicament, or do you want to take advantage and trample us?"

Katherine turned pale from the scolding but still spoke softly: "Sophia, don’t get upset. I’ve come to tell Timothy that Douglas has come back temporarily to manage and help address the crisis. Once things settle, we’ll leave immediately and won’t disturb your lives, so you don’t need to worry."

"What... what did you say?"

Sophia Kendall looked as if she had been struck by lightning, staggering back a step, staring incredulously at Katherine Sheldon, "Douglas Xavier has returned? Why did he come back? I know! You adulterers, planning to seize Timothy’s position with your little bastard Ethan Xavier, aren’t you?"

"Sophia, you’ve really misunderstood us, we don’t mean that..." Katherine’s voice sounded somewhat aggrieved.

Timothy Xavier watched the chaotic scene before him, feeling a throbbing in his temples, an unexplainable anger rising in his heart.

He looked coldly at Katherine, his tone full of dismissal: "I’m aware of Xavier Group’s matters, no need for you to specially come and inform me. This is my office, a place you shouldn’t be. Please leave."

As he spoke, he cast a glance at Jack Sullivan nearby.

Jack immediately understood and hurried forward, gesturing to Katherine: "Ms. Sheldon, this way, please."

Katherine wanted to say something more, but was half-escorted, half-invited out by Jack.

But Sophia Kendall wouldn’t miss this opportunity, she cursed as she chased after her, her voice still clearly audible through the door: "Katherine Sheldon, hold it right there! Don’t think you can leave without explaining everything clearly today!"

Jack soon returned, standing at the door looking a bit awkward: "President Xavier, madam... she chased outside to confront Ms. Sheldon, if this causes a scene at the company’s entrance, it might get photographed by journalists again..."

Timothy Xavier closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.

When he opened them again, only numb fatigue remained in his gaze.

He waved his hand, his voice hoarse: "Let her be, I don’t have the energy to deal with this now."

Then, he looked at Jack, his tone becoming firm again, "Organize a press conference immediately, the sooner the better."

Right now, he just wanted to quickly resolve this trouble.

...

The next morning at ten, in the living room of The Sinclair Estate.

Jenna Sutton, Madam Sinclair, and I had just sat down on the sofa, the TV screen already showing the live broadcast of the press conference.

Jenna Sutton suddenly sat up straight, her fingers clenching the remote control: "Here it is, I really want to see what kind of nonsense Timothy Xavier can say!"

Soon, the camera cut to the Xavier Group’s press conference site.

Timothy Xavier wore an impeccably tailored black suit, his usually cool and dignified face now displaying an undeniable despair, bloodshot eyes clearly visible.

Standing before the microphone, he paused for a few seconds before speaking slowly, his voice carrying a barely noticeable hoarseness: "First, I want to apologize to the public following this matter. During this time, due to my failure in handling my marital relationship, I’ve occupied many public resources and deceived everyone, it’s my fault. Of course, the one I’ve wronged the most is my wife, Zoe Ellison."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the flashing lights below, speaking each word especially clearly: "I know everyone is speculating about my relationships with Zoe Ellison and Serena Sawyer. Today I can clearly tell everyone that Zoe Ellison is my legal wife, the only Mrs. Xavier I recognize. As for my involvement with Miss Sawyer, it’s not my intention, and it shouldn’t have happened under my married status."

At this point, his voice dropped a bit, carrying a touch of self-mockery and sorrow: "I’m deeply grateful to my wife for bravely exposing the marriage I’ve concealed all along, giving me the chance to confront my mistakes. At least from today onward, I no longer have to hide, and can proudly tell everyone that she is my wife."

Finally, he lowered his head slightly, his tone carrying an almost humble determination: "I have no intention of getting a divorce. In the past, I’ve owed her too much, and in the future, I’ll use all my time and actions to beg for her forgiveness. I also ask all the public to watch over me, and again, apologize to everyone and my wife."

No intention of getting a divorce?

When I heard this, I felt a numbness on my scalp, my blood froze as if it had solidified.

We’ve already torn each other’s faces, reached this point, yet he still has no plans for divorce?

So, Timothy Xavier’s revenge is just to hang me, until I’ve reached the end of my rope?

Jenna Sutton spat angrily, "Damn it! He’s challenging you in front of the whole nation! Not divorcing? Is he allowed to decide that!"

Madam Sinclair sighed lightly beside me, her eyes full of heartache: "If only Julian were here. I just asked the butler to inquire with people at The Sinclair Group; they said he’s in Kharos negotiating a diamond mine deal. It’s so remote over there; he might not even know the domestic situation. No idea when he’ll be back to help share your burden?"

I shook my head, a faint smile tugging at my lips: "It’s actually good that he’s not here."

Right now, the matter between me and Timothy Xavier is widely known, with gossip everywhere.

I don’t want to drag Julian Sinclair into this, nor do I want him to be criticized because of being close to me.

Madam Sinclair tightly held my hand, her eyes slightly red: "Good child, grandma didn’t misjudge you. These days, you’ve endured so much pressure, suffered so many grievances, yet never complained in front of us. Grandma can’t do much to help you, it truly weighs on my mind."

"You’ve already helped me a lot." I held Madam’s hand back, saying, "You help me watch over Doris and Sharon, letting me have no worries."

As we were speaking, Jenna Sutton suddenly picked up her phone.

She quickly tapped away on the screen, muttering, "I can’t let him get away with this! I just had my previously hired internet trolls go online and focus on the keywords ’divorce,’ ’hypocritical,’ ’shameless,’ bombarding away. Let’s see how Timothy Xavier can withstand the pressure of the whole internet, dragging this on!"

Seeing Jenna Sutton boiling with anger, warmth surged in my heart.

I’ve never been fighting alone.

Thankfully, they’re beside me.

...

In the hospital ward, the TV screen was still replaying Timothy Xavier’s apology press conference.

Serena Sawyer glared at the man on the screen who had completely shirked responsibility, her nails digging into her palms, almost breaking the skin.

The voices criticizing Timothy Xavier online seemed to have lessened, but the ones attacking her had grown louder.

The most frequent ones were "bitch," "low life," "scheming bitch"!

Serena Sawyer gritted her teeth in hate, her voice filled with venom, "What does he mean by those words? Does he think I pushed myself to seduce him? What do all my efforts for him over the years count for?"

Faye Warren sat nearby, looking at the endlessly refreshing comments on her phone, her teeth clenched in fury.

He slammed the phone onto the nightstand, "Timothy Xavier is such a bastard, heartless! Now that trouble has surfaced, he’s pushing all the blame onto you! Look at these comments, some even say he’s ’a repentant rogue is worth his weight in gold,’ praising him for admitting his mistake and acting responsibly! But look how they’re slandering you? Why should all the accusations fall on you?"

The mother and daughter were engulfed in anger and resentment when suddenly, chaotic noise erupted outside the ward, mixed with the nurse’s anxious protest: "What are you doing? This is the ward area, you can’t enter casually!"

"Less talking! Is Serena Sawyer, that bitch, staying here? This is the room! I already investigated this!"

A bunch of sharp voices carried undisguised hostility.

Faye Warren shivered in fright, instinctively rushing to the door, locking it hastily.

The mother and daughter huddled in the ward, barely daring to breathe, listening as the commotion outside grew louder.

At that moment, a familiar voice suddenly rang out, simmering with suppressed fury: "You’re overstepping! Invading the hospital and causing trouble; believe me, I’ll call the police and have you arrested right now!"

It was Serena Sawyer’s father, Peter Sawyer!

"Call the police?"

A sneering laugh sounded from outside, full of sarcasm, "Your daughter seduces other’s husbands, bought fake victims to help attack the original wife, fooling us online as idiots! Now exposed, she deserves to be drenched in filth! It’s what she gets!"

Immediately followed by endless curses and sounds of things being smashed.

Serena Sawyer turned ghostly pale, clinging tightly to Faye Warren’s shirt, her body trembling uncontrollably.

Faye Warren was panicked too, embracing her daughter tightly, silently praying for security to arrive quickly.

Unsure how long it took, the noise outside gradually subsided, faint security voices reprimanding as they dragged people away were vaguely heard.

Only then did Faye Warren breathe a sigh of relief, shakily walking to the door.

After hesitating for ages, she finally dared to slowly open a crack in the door.

But as soon as the door opened a bit, a pungent stench hit her, nearly making her gag.

She swung the door open forcefully, and the scene before her immediately froze her in place.

Peter Sawyer stood at the door, his shirt covered in yellow-brown filth, splattered all over his hair and face, emitting a revolting smell.

Even the door panel of the ward was splattered with the same substance, messy and disgusting.

"Dad!" Serena Sawyer screamed, covering her mouth.

Faye Warren was as nauseated by the scene, stepping back repeatedly, unable to suppress her retching.

Peter Sawyer’s face turned crimson, half from shame, half from rage.

He pointed at Faye Warren and Serena Sawyer, his voice trembling with agitation, "I told you long ago to behave! Stop stirring trouble, stop provoking Zoe Ellison, but did you listen? No, you didn’t! Now look, you’re blocked in the hospital getting drenched with filth; how do we face anyone outside now? Wherever we go, people will point and whisper, like we’re rats crossing the street! When will these days end?"

The mother and daughter looked at Peter Sawyer in his sorry state, recalling the vicious comments and strange looks outside, a deep despair overwhelmed them.

But soon, Serena Sawyer broke into a cold smile.

The smile was numbingly sinister, chilling Faye Warren and Peter Sawyer to the bone.

"Until Zoe Ellison learns her lesson, these days won’t end."

Her voice was light, yet carried a venomous ruthlessness, "We need to make her fear, make her taste losing everything."

Faye Warren frowned, her face full of confusion, asking, "What do you mean? How can we make her learn a lesson now? Timothy Xavier is clearly protecting her, even speaking of reconciliation; what leverage do we have?"

"Leverage? Of course, we have some."

Serena Sawyer’s eyes turned increasingly ominous as she lowered her voice, like revealing a monumental secret, "Have you forgotten? The equipment that Zoe Ellison’s mother relies on for survival is developed by my brother and my father!"

Peter Sawyer’s expression changed slightly, before reacting, Serena Sawyer continued, "What if my brother or father personally steps forward to report that their developed equipment has fatal flaws requiring immediate recall and reinspection? Do you think the hospital would dare continue using that equipment? Zoe Ellison, no matter how capable, can’t interfere with official reinspection notices, can she?"