Chapter 448
Chapter 448
“Yes,” he continued. “If they keep withholding Eli’s status and presence, we force public opinion to move p>
Selena’s brows lifted slightly. “Go on p>
“We spread it through a targeted media release,” he said without hesitation. “Exclusive. Structured. Impossible to erase easily. Eli’s status as Chase Miller’s biological daughter. The child who’s been hidden all this time. The child denied the same rights as
Grace Miller p>
Selena fell silent for a few seconds-not out of doubt, but calculation. Without realizing it, a thin, sharp smile curved her lips. Harold’s proposal wasn’t a bad plan at all.
“We emphasize equality,” the man went on. “We throw a moral question to the public, wrapped in a dramatic narrative. Why is one child fully acknowledged while the other is left outside comfort and protection? The media will love it. The public is far more receptive to heartbreaking stories. And I’m sure the response will only grow p>
Selena leaned back as the wind blew again, colder this time. “You want to pressure them through guilt p>
“And reputation,” he added. “Riana Miller cares deeply about the family’s image. So does Nathan. They won’t allow Chase’s name to be stained p>
Selena laughed softly. “That’s… not a bad idea p>
“You agree?” the man asked, a hint of surprise in his voice.
“Why not?” Selena replied lightly. “If the door won’t open from the inside, we knock from the outside. Loudly. Let them call it coercion if they want. They’re the ones who forced us to take this route, aren’t they p>
“But this is an aggressive move,” the man warned. “Once that stomy breaks, there’s no turning back p>
Selena smiled-a sharp, cold smile, full of calculation.
“We’re not looking for a way back p>
“And what about Eli?” the man asked. “Public pressure isn’t easy on a child her age p>
“Eli will be fine,” Selena replied without a flicker of emotion. “She’s used to living under the arrangements I’ve set for her. Besides, public sympathy will favor her. A marginalized child always tugs harder at the heart p>
“And Grace?” The voice was low, loaded with meaning.
Selena narrowed her eyes. “Grace is the benchmark. Without Grace, this story has no weight. Aim the coverage at her. Doesn’t that make it even more compelling p>
The man let out a short laugh. “You’re truly ruthless p>
“I’m efficient,” Selena corrected. “After this, the Miller family will have only two choices: fully acknowledge Eli and bring her into the main house-or be seen as hypocrites who turn a blind eye to their own blood p>
Silence fell again. This time it wasn’t hesitation, but an unspokengreement taking shape.
“All right,” the man finally said. “We’ll prepare the scenario. But there’s one thing I want to know p>
“What is it p>
“What if they fight back p>
Selena stood. Her hair fell loose again, lifted by the wind. Her gaze was straight, cold, and unwavering.
“If they fight back,” she said softly, “it means they’ve already admitted Eli is important enough to protect-or to eliminate. And whatever choice they make, I still win p>
“My plan was only a rough outline, but you’ve made it look flawless. I’ll prepare everything to smooth the way. How long do you
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Chapter 445
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need to carry it out your way p>
“Maybe… two more weeks p>
“If there’s no meaningful movement within two weeks, I’ll put all of you into a story that will shake SunCity p>
Selena laughed lightly. “I’ll make sure to dress beautifully.” She lifted her gaze to the clear sky, feeling certain their plans were nearing their destination-victory.
The voice on the other end dropped lower. “And what about Oscar? Any new updates p>
“Oscar is no longer relevant.” The tone from the other side was dismissive.
“But he’s our informant p>
“He was,” Harold corrected. “Now he’s just dead weight, pushed aside by circumstances p>
“You’re sure p>
“I don’t need people who get caught so easily,” Harold said with contempt. “If he disappears, it only proves he wasn’t smart enough to survive p>
Selena felt a flicker of unease, though she didn’t show it. She kept her voice steady. “If he talks p>
“He won’t say anything, Selena,” the man cut in sharply. “People like Oscar always talk to save themselves. But there’s no one left who wants to listen p>
“You’re underestimating the risks, Harold. We still have to accoun for unpredictable variables p>
“And you’re exaggerating them,” Harold replied coldly. “Just focus on your part. Apply pressure to the Miller family-especially
Riana p>
“Fine p>
“I’ve done my part,” the man continued at last. “Callister Group is on the brink of collapse. Don’t make me regret trusting you p>
Selena let out a soft laugh. “You won’t regret it. We’ve gone too far to turn back now p>
She glanced at the watch on her wrist. “Eli will be home soon. And believe me, every small step she takes makes it harder for
them to breathe p>
“Make sure the girl doesn’t stray off course p>
“She won’t,” Selena replied lightly. “She wants to be accepted by hat family. And I know exactly how to use that desire p>
The call ended.
Selena lowered her phone, her expression flattening once more. The wind continued to toy with her hair. Until-
“Mom p>
Eli was home.
“Yes, sweetheart p>
Mark