Chapter 10: The Accusation

Over the next two weeks, Lillian met with me twice to finalize conference decisions.

Finally, she handed me a document. "This big tourism project is state-backed. Announce it as your exclusive at the conference."

I hesitated, then thanked her.

Derek caught wind and whispered, "President Morgan’s on your side. Why not tell her Nathan’s messing with you?"

I edited my script, smiling. "No need. She’s not going to sabotage her fiancé for a rookie reporter."

On conference day, the hall was packed. Lillian’s seat at the center was empty.

Under the spotlights, I was announcing Morgan Group’s new collaborations when a stranger stood up and shouted:

"Where’d you steal that confidential info?"

I kept my cool. "My partnership with Morgan Group is aboveboard."

"Aboveboard? You? I have proof you got ahead through shady deals!"

Nathan strode onstage, staring at me, sighing as if he pitied me. "Tyler Evans, I get it. You’re just a small-time reporter with a crush on Lillian. I wanted to spare you, but you just don’t give up."

The screens behind me flickered—suddenly my face, half-dressed, appeared in a series of photos. Nathan’s voice boomed:

"You sent him these, snuck into his hotel room, and here’s security footage of you and your boss checking in together."

The screens changed again—me and my boss, side by side at a hotel entrance.

"Repeat offender!"

The crowd erupted:

"Disgraceful!"

"He’s finished."

"No ethics—ban him!"

My pulse thundered. I stared at Lillian as she entered, her eyes cool as steel.

Nathan pointed at me. "He tricked you, Lillian. Pretended to be your exclusive reporter to steal secrets. Even this hosting gig—he got it through dirty deals!"

Lillian turned to me. "Anything to say?"

Every camera in the room was aimed at me. This was trial by social media—America’s real court. My mouth was dry, palms itching to run, but I stood my ground, jaw set, head high.