Chapter 72

Harrison Montgomery's PR team was nothing short of brilliant—masters of distortion, weaving a web of deceit with surgical precision.

After planting seeds of doubt with a fabricated health report, they unleashed a storm of condemnation online. Then, like clockwork, they released a carefully crafted statement.

First, Harrison admitted to the "mistake" of hiding his marriage. Then, they teased a grand revelation during the live broadcast, subtly framing both Harrison and Vanessa Sterling as victims.

Evelyn Sinclair scoffed. Of course. They’re using the show’s hype to spin their lies, to whitewash their sins. They hadn’t outright condemned Natalie Whitaker yet—because they were giving her one last chance. If she caved to their demands, they wouldn’t need to drag her through the mud.

The Blackwoods were stunned. They’re really going through with this?

"Surely Natalie will speak up and defend herself," Margaret gasped, horrified.

"Natalie never wanted anyone to know about her illness," Sophia murmured, her brow furrowed with worry.

"Can you talk to her, Sophia?" Genevieve suggested anxiously.

As the hospital director, Sophia felt it was her duty to check on Natalie. But when she inquired, the staff reported that Natalie had seen the news—and it had shattered her. She’d locked herself away, refusing to speak to anyone.

If Natalie wouldn’t fight for herself, no one else could step in.

The next day, the promotional videos featuring Harrison and Vanessa dropped, reigniting fan fervor like wildfire. Public opinion shifted entirely—now, they were star-crossed lovers, torn apart by fate, while Natalie was painted as the villainous wife, clinging to a dead marriage.

Though never explicitly stated, the narrative was clear. The Blackwoods were speechless.

"Why do the unfaithful always come out on top, while the loyal ones suffer?" Genevieve asked Evelyn bitterly.

Evelyn smirked. "Because the loyal ones are shackled by guilt. The heartless? They thrive on selfishness. So here’s the lesson—throwing tantrums and never reflecting on your mistakes is the real key to longevity."

Just as Evelyn was mid-rant, Marcus Donovan called with an update.

"The first performance lineup is out. Whether by chance or design, we’re up against Harrison’s team. The theme? True Love. They go first, then us. The format seems fair, but let’s be real—no one’s paying attention to us. The producers are giving Team Young Again a platform to spin their lies. The rest of us? Cannon fodder. Keep expectations low. Stick to the safe script, ride out the storm."

Evelyn’s eyes gleamed. "Did they pick us specifically to humiliate us?"

Marcus chuckled darkly.

Evelyn tapped her chin. "True Love, huh? I’ve got ideas."

On filming day, Harrison sat clutching his phone, waiting for Natalie to explode. He’d expected rage, tears, something—but silence. It unnerved him.

"Harrison, maybe we should stop. This is all my fault," Vanessa whispered, eyes glistening.

"It’s too late now," Maxwell Thornton cut in. "The show’s airing. The divorce announcement has to happen."

Harrison exhaled sharply. "She won’t even fight back. Fine. Let the lawyers handle her."

Vanessa’s gaze flickered. "What if she refuses to sign?"

Harrison stiffened. "I’ll convince her it’s temporary. Once your reputation’s cleared, I’ll cut ties with you and stay by her side forever. She’ll forgive me eventually." He even smiled. She always does.

Evelyn, eavesdropping nearby, nearly gagged. The audacity. Does he really think life will just... go back to normal?

Meanwhile, Natalie answered an unknown call.

"Ms. Whitaker? We represent Mr. Montgomery. We’d like to discuss the divorce papers..."

As the lawyer spoke, Natalie’s mind reeled. Harrison had threatened divorce before—but never like this.

What if this time… he means it?

Onstage, the lights dimmed. A haunting voice echoed through the darkness.

"Why delay treatment? Were you trying to punish them by destroying yourself?"

A single spotlight illuminated Evelyn, frail on a hospital bed.

"I... don’t know," she whispered.

"If you could choose again—your health or him? Your parents or him? A world-renowned career or him?"

The light brightened. Evelyn sat up, clarity dawning.

In her hospital room, Natalie froze.

Onstage, Harrison’s smile faltered. A photographer?

Then—SLAP!

The sound cracked through the venue. The audience gasped. The livestream comments halted.

"You cheating bastard," Evelyn snarled. "You think you’re worth ruining my life?"

The internet exploded.

And Natalie?

She finally understood.