Chapter 549:

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“I didn’t release this video to attack Hayley. I just want those who are suffering to receive fairness,” Emmalyn said softly, her voice trembling as she dabbed at her eyes with a tissue, careful not to disturb her makeup. “My sister grew up in the countryside. She never learned proper behavior, and later, she was even imprisoned for dangerous driving. Our parents believed that time in prison would help her reflect, that she would return changed. But we were wrong.”

Her voice quivered as she continued, “Not only did she fail to change, she became worse. She insulted family members and lashed out at anyone who disagreed with her. I love this family. Even as an adopted daughter, everything I have comes from my parents and my brothers. But now, Hayley is trying to tear this family apart. I can’t stay silent anymore. I have to stand up and tell the truth.”

Emmalyn’s words provoked widespread outrage.

These emotional accusations effectively portrayed Hayley as a vindictive and unrepentant villain.

The live stream exploded with activity. Comments rushed by at a dizzying speed, filled with insults and condemnation, all demanding that Hayley be punished.

𝗙𝗂ո𝘥 𝗻о𝗏𝖾l рD𝖥𝘴 on 𝗀𝗮ln𝗼𝘃е𝗹ѕ.𝖼𝘰𝘮

At the same time, in Pioneer Group’s top-floor conference room, the floor-to-ceiling windows blocked out the city’s noise, but they couldn’t drown out the storm raging online.

Emely stared at the tablet in her hands, her body trembling with anger. “Emmalyn might as well have ‘bitch’ written across her forehead! After being exposed so many times, she still dares to act innocent!”

“Miss Morgan, things are spiraling out of control,” Violet said anxiously, looking at Hayley. “If this continues, extremists could pose a real threat to your safety. Shouldn’t we respond now?”

At the center of it all, Hayley remained composed.

She lifted her slender fingers, holding a porcelain cup, and took a slow, deliberate sip. Her expression remained distant, as if she were simply watching from the sidelines.

“It’s not the right time yet,” she replied flatly.

“Why?” Emely and Violet asked in unison.

They stared at each other, their faces etched with confusion.

Emmalyn’s online smear campaign had turned public opinion so strongly against Hayley that even Hayley’s own past scandals were temporarily forgotten. Wasn’t this the right time to strike back?

“Hayley, does she have another plan?” Emely asked, her voice laced with anxiety.

Hayley set down her coffee cup, the porcelain making a sharp clink against the tabletop. She leaned back in her chair, her gaze fixed on the screen as if she were studying an overconfident fool.

“That’s right. She still has one last trump card. If I counterattack now, it will only make her wary and hesitant to play it.” A cold, mocking smile touched Hayley’s lips. “Only when she’s convinced she’s backed me into a corner with nowhere to escape will she deliver the final blow.”

Hearing this, Emely’s heart sank.

It meant they had to watch helplessly as Emmalyn slandered Hayley, unable to say a single word in her defense.

“Emely, stay calm. We’ve been through so much over the years. These online attacks are nothing to me.” Hayley’s voice was calm, yet it carried a powerful, reassuring strength.

“But…” Emely lowered her head, her nails digging so deeply into her palms that they broke the skin.

She could tolerate being treated unfairly herself, but she absolutely could not stand seeing someone slander Hayley like this.

No one knew better than her what a good person Hayley was.

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