Chapter 766
Steven opened his eyes and fixed his gaze on her. “You have no idea what happened p>
“What?” Gianna blinked, looking completely baffled. “I’ve been at home the whole day. What could I possibly know p>
Her confusion looked genuine, almost too genuine. He lifted a hand and pressed his fingers against his brow again. “You really haven’t heard any of the rumors going around p>
She shook her head.
A shadow crossed her face as her mood sank. “I lost the competition and humiliated Dad and Mom… No, I guess that’s wrong now. I’m not even her daughter anymore p>
Her voice lowered, full of misery. “I feel terrible. I don’t want to go out or answer anyone’s calls. I’ve just been watching TV all day to pass the time. Steven, what exactly should I have heard p>
Her expression was flawless. Even the blank confusion in her eyes had no crack in
it.
Steven studied her silently for a few seconds before letting out a gentle laugh, which held no warmth.
“Steven Gianna’s heart tightened, though she kept her face innocent. “What’s wrong? Did I say something I shouldn’t have p>
Unease crawled higher in her chest. Something’s off. Extremely off. Is it possible that Steven discovered I am responsible for everything?
Her breathing faltered for a moment, yet she still forced a smile onto her face. No. I’m just scaring myself.
The rumors only started spreading today. No matter how capable Steven is, there’s no way he can trace everything back to me this quickly.
I planned it carefully. Even if he investigates, the trail will only lead him to the Quimby family. Everyone knows the Quimbys and the Malones have hated each other for years.
Gianna had only just managed to steady herself when Steven’s faint smile vanished completely.
“I used to think you were only a little jealous,” he told her coldly. “I thought you were the type to play petty tricks just to show off. Today, I realized I underestimated you. If nothing else, your acting skills are impressive p>
The color drained from Gianna’s face. Her hands curled into tight fists. “Steven? What are you talking about p>
“Stop pretending.” His eyes were sharp enough to pierce through her. “Did you really think that preparing a scapegoat in advance would keep you hidden p>
Gianna’s eyes reddened at once. Hurt, panic, anger, and helplessness all surfaced across her face in perfect measure.
“Steven, what do you mean? I know I’m not your real sister, and I know you never really cared for me. However, since I was young, I’ve always considered you my only real brother. You’re the person I’m closest to, the brother I rely on, respect, and admire the most p>
Tears spilled down her cheeks one after another.
“Steven, please don’t scare me like this, okay p>
She stepped toward Steven and reached out, trying to hold his arm.
She mused, He only suspects me. That has to be it. He’s trying to scare me into slipping up and admitting it myself.
I can’t confess or panic; I must hide any sign of weakness. Everything has been cleaned up, and Steven has no proof.
Her fingertips had not even touched
his sleeve when Steven jerked his
Farm
ar away Gianna lost her balance stumbled backward, and fell heavily beside the couch. fo
Steven lowered his gaze to her pitiful appearance. His voice was icy.
“Once a rumor gets out, it’s almost impossible to trace it back. It spreads too fast. One push, one careless word, and suddenly everyone is talking.
“By then, who can still find the person who started it? Isn’t that right p>
Gianna shook her head, her eyes wet and confused. “Steven, what rumors? What are you talking about p>
That had been exactly what she counted on.
The first group chat she used to spread the rumor had never been active. After she stirred up the topic, she had the group disbanded almost immediately.
The cleverest part was that two women in that group had once pursued Steven, only to be rejected by him without mercy.
As Gianna expected, those two wealthy young ladies quickly spread the gossip far and wide. Regardless of Steven’s abilities, he would only be able to trace the rumor back to them Consequently he wa assume they were upset forme admirers seeking revenge out of spite.
Even if he confronted them and revealed the truth, and even if they named the
person who started the rumor, that individual still had no link to Gianna.
The trail would lead to one of the Quimby family’s sons instead.
The Quimbys and the Malones had been enemies for years.
For extra security, she had even arranged for Thomas to leave the country and stay out of sight for
while Last night, be had senthera
photo
this plane ticket. Content”
Two layers of protection stood between me and the truth. No matter what, Steven
should never be able to trace this back to me.
Gianna held on to that belief like a lifeline.
Then, Steven took out his phone, made a call, and gave a simple order. “Bring him
in p>
He ended the call.
Soon after, noise came from the foyer.