In a blink of an eye, the day of the press conference arrived.
By 5:00 p.m., the reporters from different media outlets gathered in the largest hall of the hotel, setting up cameras and adjusting angles, eagerly waiting for Astrid to arrive.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"By the way, I thought it would be Lance or James, but I didn't expect Astrid to be the one stepping up. She's really impressive. Her husband is behind bars. How does she still manage to sleep at night and have the energy for a press conference?" "Oh, those men of the Iverson family are sly. They're just using Astrid as a shield, letting her take the bullets!" "Sigh, these rich people really are so inhumane. Astrid is really having a rough time." "Rough? Councilman Savoy allegedly took in tens of millions of dollars in bribes. That's certainly enough to keep him behind bars for good. Do you really think none of that cash found its way into her hands? It's every person for themselves when trouble hits!" At 7:00 p.m., Astrid approached the stage with a solemn expression, clad in black attire and bowing her head as she faced a cluster of microphones.
The bright camera flashes highlighted her tired face as she bowed deeply to the countless reporters.
The journalists started firing tough questions.
"Ms. Iverson! The sudden arrest of Councilman Savoy has shocked the nation! After all, he was a leading candidate in the Savrow mayoral election. Were you aware of his actions?" "I didn't know..." Astrid portrayed herself as an innocent, helpless woman with tears in her eyes and a face full of sorrow.
"I'm just an ordinary housewife. I took care of my husband and children every day without getting involved in his work. I didn't know anything about his private affairs or any bribes he might have received! I cfrom the Iverson Group, one of the four big families, so there's no way I'd compromise my conscience for such petty sums and ruin my reputation!" "Do you really have no knowledge about what Councilman Savoy did?" A male reporter suddenly spoke up, catching everyone's attention. "It's no secret that Councilman Savoy's career has taken off remarkably, from a regular prosecutor to a potential mayor. The Iverson family has undoubtedly played a significant role in his success. I've secretly interviewed sources close to you both who claim that you, Ms. Iverson, have been the brains behind Councilman Savoy's operation, guiding and advising him every step of the way to help propel Councilman Savoy forward using the influence of your family name. Are you truly innocent?" Astrid shot a fierce look at the ournalist, tears still flowing as she irmly denied No, that's not true. I don't know which media you epresent, using these baseless accusations to targetand my amily. As I said, I had no knowledge of my husband's actions! However, his wife, I bear sSW esponsibility, as I should have kept better eye on him. That's why I am olding this press conference to pologize to the country for what he did." sw.ne Just as she was about to finish, the journalist pulled out a recorder and played a recording. It turned out to be a statement from someone who had worked closely with Theodore, confirming exactly what the journalist had described! Before she could finish, the journalist took out his voice recorder and played a recording.
It was a testimony from someone who had worked closely with Councilman Savoy. He corroborated exactly what the journalist had described! The crowd looked at Astrid suspiciously, waiting coldly for her explanation.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"He's lying! He's just taking advantage of the situation, attackingwhen I'm vulnerable!" Astrid's legs were trembling under he table, and her face was drained of color. She could no longer hold up Inder the immense pressure. "He's ntentionally trying to tarnish my eputation! After seeing my husbanc ail, he must have been influenced your competitors. That's why he'd nake such ridiculous claims! Who exactly is this person?! Does he dare not admit it? Tell me, who said this? must sue him." ¡wBefore she could complete her sentence, a sudden, piercing screech echoed throughout the room.
Then, a clear recording began to play over the speakers.
-"Mrs. Lee, the girls you've setup with lately are really attractive, and the big bosses are very satisfied. Plus, their style seems to be a perfect match for our guests, bringing in good luck. You know what these powerful and influential people are like. They take this stuff seriously. It's no wonder your business is doing so well." "Haha, my business is doing great, all thanks to Ms. Iverson's loyal support over the years! You have brought in a lot of wealthy clients who have been really generous." "It's a win-win situation. Don't forget to sendany eligible ladies you know of. We can always discuss the price." The recording caused a commotion among the audience, their angry stares piercing Astrid like sharp thorns, causing her deep distress.
Who would have imagined that a woman of such elevated status and elegance-a lady from a prestigious family-would be linked to prostitution?