Chapter 199
Unfortunately, the company had done little more than recall the fifteen bottles of perfume and apologize to the affected customers. It had issued no further statement.
As for Lexi’s scandal, Lila’s public-relations efforts had begun to have some effect. The story was gradually slipping down the trending lists instead of dominating the headlines.
But rather than reassuring Lexi, the silence made her even more anxious.
It felt like the unnerving calm before a storm.
With a sharp click, Lila switched off the television.
“If you keep watching this nonstop, you’re going to make yourself sick p>
She turned to Lexi, her face full of concern.
“I’m fine.” Lexi pressed her lips together and managed a bitter smile.
The truth was that staying cooped up in the apartment with nothing to do was agonizing.
At times, she felt that facing people’s criticism out in the open would be better than hiding away like a fugitive.
“Lisa’s company just bought a new yacht,” Lila said, turning her head toward Lexi. “She’s planning to host a private party on board. The guest list is small. Would you like to go p>
Her voice was cool and measured.
“Will there be reporters p>
Lexi thought for a moment before asking.
“It’s a private party. The paparazzi won’t be allowed in. But if one or two somehow manage to sneak aboard and ask about your situation, you know how to respond, don’t you? I don’t need to teach you that p>
Lila spoke slowly and deliberately.
No matter how serious the scandal became, Lexi would eventually have to face the media again once the storm had passed.
Avoiding the problem forever wasn’t a solution. It was better to face it sooner rather than later.
“I understand p>
Lexi’s expression settled into something calm and resolute.
She hadn’t done anything wrong, yet she was the one being forced to take the blame. It was deeply unfair.
And she was thoroughly sick of hiding from the world.
Sometimes, she even wondered whether she’d become a coward.
“I’ll prepare your clothes and shoes,” Lila said, walking over to pat her on the shoulder. “All you need to do is keep a clear head and stay calm p>
Her encouraging words finally allowed Lexi to release some of the tension she’d been carrying.
Whatever came her way, she’d face it head-on. She was Lexi, after all. There was no obstacle she couldn’t overcome.
The private party was scheduled for that evening, and by the time Lexi arrived after getting dressed, the sky had grown completely dark.
A few mischievous stars blinked against the hazy gray sky, struggling to cast a little light over the earth.
Lexi took a deep breath and followed a member of the yacht’s staff into the cabin.
The interior was lavishly decorated, and the guests filled the spacious room.
A massive crystal chandelier hung overhead, while the sandalwood chairs and luxurious furnishings reflected the owner’s extraordinary wealth and status.
“Look! It’s Lexi p>
“She’s the woman in those scandalous photos p>
Whispers and exclamations followed her the moment she stepped inside.
Lexi had experienced enough of life’s cruelty to know better than to let gossip and malicious speculation get to her.
She straightened her back and walked forward with poise and elegance.
“Lexi, over here p>
Lisa stood at the far end of the room, waving her wineglass as she called out.
Lexi smiled faintly, gathered the hem of her dress, and made her way over.
“Everyone else seems afraid to be seen with me, but you’re still willing to call me over p>
She took the wineglass from Lisa’s hand, her tone lazy and teasing.
“Don’t get the wrong idea. I’m not doing this because I care about you,” Lisa replied, winking mischievously. “Besides, I invited Shenna and Lauren to this party, too. They’re your sworn enemies, remember? This should be entertaining p>
Lexi raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow, looking utterly unconcerned.
“Aren’t they your enemies, too? Is it really a good idea to use me as your weapon and let us fight your battles for you p>
At this point, neither Lauren nor Shenna was Lexi’s biggest concern anymore.
Right now, the only thing Lexi was worried about was how Sebastian would get through this business crisis.
He had always been the one to stand by her and help her out. But now that he was facing trouble of his own, she couldn’t even stand at his side.
The realization filled her with a quiet sadness.
“Don’t worry. I’m not actually going to let you charge out there and start killing people,” Lisa assured her. “Lauren claims she’s lost her memory, doesn’t she? Well, I’d like to see exactly what this supposed amnesia looks like p>
No sooner had Lisa finished speaking than Lauren walked in with her sister, Isabella, accompanying her.
Quite a few of the guests Lisa had invited were close friends of Lauren’s. They immediately crowded around her to greet her.
When Lauren genuinely appeared not to recognize any of them, complicated expressions crossed their faces.
Isabella, however, handled the situation gracefully, introducing each person to her sister one by one. The two sisters worked together with surprising ease, as though they’d rehearsed the routine.
It had been a while since Lexi had seen Isabella. She seemed calmer than before, and her complexion looked healthy. Apparently, Sebastian hadn’t punished her too severely out of consideration for Lauren.
Still, Lexi couldn’t help feeling sorry for all the flowers Isabella had destroyed along the way!
As more and more guests arrived, Lexi began to feel stifled and decided to take a walk.
Lisa was determined to keep Lauren occupied, so she waved Lexi toward the deck to get some fresh air.
The salty sea breeze chased the waves, filling the night with a steady, rhythmic roar.
Leaning against the railing, Lexi suddenly thought of Jack and Rose from Titanic. A smile crept across her face at the memory.
She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn’t notice someone approaching from behind until a sharp voice rang out.
“What are you doing p>
Lexi spun around.
Logan stood a short distance away, dressed in a white suit with both hands tucked into his pockets. His expression was unusually grave.
“What is it p>
Lexi frowned, looking at him in confusion.
“Are you trying to get yourself killed? Why are you standing so close to the railing? There was a man behind you just now. It looked like he was about to push you overboard. I shouted, and he took off before I could catch him p>
Logan walked closer, speaking with complete seriousness.