CHAPTER 107: CHAPTER 107: BUILDING MOMENTUM

The drama between Rhonda Sullivan, Ethan Sterling, and Wenny unexpectedly made it to The Sterling Group’s entertainment news headlines, subsequently exaggerated into a sensational soap opera.

Unlike reality, the drama only portrayed Rhonda Sullivan enduring hardship and supporting Ethan Sterling for five years, without Ethan being the ex-husband of Rhonda’s sister.

Before the storm could settle, the previous incident at the cafe between Ruby Sullivan and Rhonda was released in a high-resolution version, without any face-blurring, as if Rhonda was determined to label Ruby as a slut.

The public was thoroughly entertained, with many hired commentators controlling the narrative, calling for a boycott of the perfumes crafted by "the mistress," and even of all cosmetics under The Sterling Group’s brand, claiming that such a scummy man doesn’t deserve to profit off women.

The ultimate bombshell was Rhonda’s dive into the sea on her birthday for love, expressing that if she couldn’t have the heart of her beloved, she would rather have nothing at all.

Due to the CEO’s chain of scandals, The Sterling Group’s stocks nosedived, causing Ethan Sterling’s net worth to shrink by billions within just three days.

Reporters besieged the entrance of The Sterling Group, and even blocked the gates of The Sterling Family’s villa compound daily.

Rachel Lawson was so infuriated she threw her phone, while Ruby Sullivan often sat in the bay window daydreaming, too afraid to go out, uncertain of the dangers she might face; overnight, she seemed to have become a public enemy.

Yet, she still could not reach Ethan Sterling. His disappearance simply condoned Rhonda Sullivan’s reckless behavior.

At this critical moment, Rhonda posted a personal statement on social media, claiming that she was inexplicably caught in a whirlpool of public opinions and was astonished and embarrassed that her personal relationship issues had become a nationwide hot topic. She admitted to being an intense woman but always hoped to resolve personal matters discreetly and urged people not to vent personal emotions onto The Sterling Group’s products, while stating she would hold responsible those violating privacy rights with the spread of videos online.

Such a statement was both beautiful and grand, not only absolving herself entirely but earning overwhelming sympathy votes.

No matter the impact on reality, Rhonda Sullivan had undoubtedly won this round magnificently.

Rachel Lawson was so furious she threw her phone, while Emma’s company had already sent people to negotiate with The Sterling Group to terminate the contract and to repay a hefty breach penalty, fearing the current situation’s impact on Emma’s image.

This matter was not something Cindy could decide on her own, but fortunately, she was sure that The Sterling Group wasn’t short on money.

Ruby Sullivan couldn’t comprehend Ethan Sterling’s purpose behind all this; wasn’t The Sterling Group what he cared about most? How could he tolerate a woman making such a fiasco of The Sterling Group? But what puzzled her most was Rhonda Sullivan’s capability to stir such a huge commotion; who was the mastermind behind her?

In the evening, she received a transatlantic call from her mentor.

Still in a playful tone, as if nothing ever needed to be taken seriously by him, "It seems like you’re in trouble."

The mentor surprisingly used "seems" as such a subtle adjective. Ruby Sullivan chuckled bitterly, "It’s big trouble, and I don’t even know how to fight back."

"Come back, you’re good at blending those wonderful ingredients to create an unparalleled fragrance, why make yourself so miserable?"

"Not yet." Ruby Sullivan wore a bitter smile on her face, "I’m not willing to give up yet." With that, she hung up, seemingly provoked by her mentor’s words. Why should she be so miserable and just accept what others say?

She dialed Ethan Sterling’s number, subconsciously frowning, actually afraid of hearing the phone’s off message.

Unexpectedly, after a brief silence came the melodious ringtone, and soon he picked up the call.

"What’s up?" Ethan Sterling’s voice was as gentle as before he disappeared, seemingly oblivious to the domestic situation.

Ruby Sullivan was puzzled and bewildered; how could he be entirely unaware? Even if he wanted to be, many people would tell him these things, let alone knowing about the plunge in The Sterling Group’s stock?

"When are you coming back?"

"Tomorrow."

"I’ll wait for you." Ruby Sullivan hung up the call, let out a long breath, feeling much more at ease. Let’s talk when they meet.

Upon Ethan Sterling’s return, the first announcement was to proceed as planned with launching Ambrosian, Emma’s advertisements were simultaneously unveiled across major television networks and on several influential media platforms.

However, dominating the public’s gaze concurrently were advertisements appearing on live streaming platforms and short videos by several popular influencers.

A truly captivating woman is one who can make a man give up everything to be with her, and Ambrosian will give you that allure.

Moreover, compared to Wenny’s mistress label, more women focused on her legendary rise to fame; no perfume lover wished to miss out on the genius perfumer’s work.

During Valentine’s Day, The Sterling Group held a banquet, attracting not only celebrities from all walks of life but also numerous journalist friends, and Ethan Sterling even auctioned the live streaming rights of the banquet at a high price, providing exclusivity to the media.

That evening, both Ethan Sterling and Ruby Sullivan attended the event in glamorous attire — one appearing handsome and suave, the other enchanting as a flower — such a pair, just days ago standing at the eye of a storm, faced the crowd’s curious gaze, yet smiled gracefully and naturally.

They had barely taken the stage when discussions began below, and the commentary was filled with accusation.

However, soon enough, three pictures appeared on the venue’s large screen: one of Ethan Sterling and Ruby Sullivan’s marriage certificate, the next of their divorce certificate, and the last of their remarriage certificate.

Ethan Sterling simply smiled and said one sentence, "Eight years, we circled around and finally came back together, grateful." After speaking, he tightly gripped Ruby Sullivan’s hand and lifted it.

A few scattered claps turned into growing applause, eventually erupting into a full-fledged ovation.

Ruby Sullivan slightly tilted her head to glance at him, playfully like a young girl, "Running away from home for eight years, losing all my meat. Luckily, I didn’t lose my way and finally found home."

There was another wave of heated cheers.

Ethan Sterling spontaneously replied, "No worries, we can grow the meat back; what matters is that we’re home."

With that, the two embraced each other.

The overwhelming display of affection across all platforms, released on Valentine’s night, was undeniably inescapable.

The subsequent dance party went smoothly; Ethan Sterling led Ruby Sullivan through the first dance before discreetly leaving the venue. They had been apart for too many days, and had too many things unsuitable for such an occasion to discuss.

Once back in the car, the smile on Ruby Sullivan’s face vanished, whereas Ethan Sterling maintained his leisurely demeanor.

At this moment, Rhonda Sullivan was already being watched while boarding a plane to Bellaza. Though she had "overachieved" her mission, she couldn’t escape the fate of being sent away. Little did she expect that upon landing, she would be taken away.