Once Bitten, Twice Shy

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Two contracts were shown; one was a non-disclosure agreement while the other was an employment contract from Lychee TV.

The clauses within them were clearly presented before everyone’s eyes, and the entire venue turned silent for about a minute or so before there were murmurs in the crowd.

It turned out that Samantha really was the anchor who dealt with the madman and saved the child, but Harmony took credit for it silently and won the competition on the back of Samantha’s good deeds.

In order to continue supporting Harmony, Lychee TV did not hesitate to offer a position to Samantha as a condition to keep her quiet about it.

It was an eye-opener indeed for such a scandal to happen in a big-name television station that was so well-represented.

Walter’s expression changed drastically when he saw the two contracts appearing on the big screen. Even Harmony could no longer maintain her elegance and staggered back slightly.

The mutterings below grew even louder.

“Harmony doesn’t look like the kind to take away what isn’t hers, so I’m surprised to find out that a malicious heart lies underneath her pure facade. She just lied in front of everyone without batting an eye! How impressive.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me. Did I actually fail to see that Harmony is a two-faced woman? Looks really can be deceptive. I still sided with her when the kid said that she was not the lady who saved him, but now I feel like I’ve been slapped in the face.”

“I’m heartbroken. I thought she was an angel, but she turned out to be an angel in devil’s clothing.”

“Samantha has to be the one who has it worst in this entire fiasco, don’t you think? I thought she wouldn’t get bullied because her husband is Timothy Barker and she had the backing of the Barkers. But to be forced to sign this non-disclosure agreement and be robbed of her rightful throne? If this matter hadn’t been exposed, she would’ve had to suffer all that pent-up anger.”

“This incident made me look at Samantha in a whole new light though. If she really did use her influence to bully others, why would she end up being bullied to such an extent? At the end of the day, she’s standing here today because of her own ability and strength. I can officially declare myself her fan now.”

“Do you wonder if Harmony feels guilty about winning the competition? Isn’t it ridiculous for her to still hold the competition trophy? She takes away the glory from others rather than relying on her own strength, but even if she wins this time, will she be able to continue stealing credit for the rest of her life? Sooner or later her true colors will show!”

Harmony stood on stage and did not fully understand what the audience was talking about, but she had a clear view of the contemptuous looks that everyone shot at her.

The trophy in her hand suddenly felt very heavy, making her feel somewhat unsteady.

She had excelled in everything ever since she was a child. People had nothing but praise for her and she had never faced such an embarrassing situation before.

Despite her excellent mental fortitude, she could not control her eyes from turning slightly red at that moment.

The scene was already in a state of chaos, and the general manager sitting below had an extremely sour look.

Victoria looked disappointedly at Harmony on stage. She had earlier been very optimistic about Harmony after watching the rescue video several times. While professional acumen and technical skill could undoubtedly be honed, character and morals were more important than anything.

Harmony’s ability to stand up in times of crisis and keep a level head in the face of danger was proof of courage and resourcefulness. Such qualities were rare, and Victoria was more than willing to take someone like that under her wing.

Unfortunately, Harmony was not worth that at all.

Victoria got up unhesitatingly and said to the general manager, “That’s it. I’m leaving.”

As soon as she said that, she got on her feet and left immediately.

The general manager massaged his temples and got up. He picked up the microphone and said, “Settle down, everyone.”

Everyone still accorded respect to the esteemed general manager and the venue became silent.

The general manager said in a deep voice, “I’m terribly sorry that all of you have to leave disappointed after coming here with high spirits. Regarding the truth of the matter and the question of the rightful winner, we will reassess the situation and discuss it internally. An explanation will definitely be given to all of you. This marks the end of the awards dinner today. Thank you everyone.”

After that, the general manager handed the microphone to a staff member beside him and narrowed his eyes at Walter and Harmony who were standing there. After letting out a cold snort, he immediately turned away.

Walter’s face paled in an instant.

The general manager’s words and that final look were the clearest sign that he was done for.

The big screen was switched off and the lights came on again. The audience knew that there was no follow-up to what happened and so had no choice but to get up and leave.

Billy’s mother rushed over to Samantha and looked embarrassedly at her. “I’m sorry for not recognizing you before this, Ms. Larsson. I almost ended up acknowledging someone with bad intentions as a savior. Thank you very much for saving Billy that day.”

Samantha smiled and shook her head. “Don’t worry about it. I must thank Billy today too. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have been able to get justice.”

She rubbed Billy’s head lightly with her hand. “Thank you, Billy.”

Billy shook his head. “You were the one who brought a doctor to cure me. It was the doctor who made me speak again. I should be thanking you!”

Billy’s mother was surprised. “Something like this happened?”

The mother looked at Samantha with an even more thankful expression. “I don’t know how else to thank you, Samantha.”

“To tell you the truth, the doctor was not a hundred percent sure at the time but I thought that I might as well bring him to Billy and give it a try. I didn’t tell you in advance because I didn’t want to disappoint you. In the end, it was Billy whose willpower was strong enough to break past that psychological barrier.”

The mother hugged Billy right away. “Atta boy, Billy.”

“It’s time for us to go back to the hospital. When Billy’s is fully recovered, I’ll pay you another visit with my husband.”

Samantha nodded. “Sure. Be careful on your way back to the hospital.”

After Billy left with his mother, Samantha was about to leave when a figure appeared in front of her and blocked her.

Samantha looked up and saw Walter with a fierce expression on his face.

Her expression did not change at all and she even stopped walking. She opened her mouth and said nonchalantly, “What can I do for you, Mr. Schuck?”

Walter’s fists cracked and he wanted to kill her right then.

She ruined everything!

With a trace of reason being the only thing restraining him, he looked at her gloomily and gritted his teeth while saying slowly, “You ruined me, Samantha. You can’t escape. You’ve signed a non-disclosure agreement, so now that you broke it, I’ll make sure to pursue this until the very end! Don’t think you can enjoy yourself after ruining my life!”

Samantha smiled and even her eyebrows formed little arcs. She looked so beautiful that anyone who laid eyes on her would feel their heart throb.

She took one step closer to him as her red lips parted open as she spoke, “You seem pretty interested in playing with the lawyers of the Barker Group?”

“You…” Walter’s eyes widened suddenly.

“Why are you so surprised? Didn’t you enjoy swaying public opinion on the internet and getting everyone to call me a bully? I guess I should show you how I use my power to bully you.”

Samantha fiddled with her hair lazily. “You may contact my lawyers if you need anything, Mr. Schuck. Goodbye.”

After saying that, she walked across him and headed toward the door on her high heels without looking at him again.

Harmony stood at the door and looked straight at her.

Samantha walked right past Harmony as if there was no one there. Harmony did not stop her like Walter did, but merely uttered a soft sentence when she passed by..