Reclaiming Her Heart
Chapter 684 Just a Small Fry

Selena didn't want to say more. If there was regret, it was between those two.

Behind her, Lori's hysterical voice echoed, but Carol was already gone, and crying wouldn't help.

Lori struggled to get Rodolfo inside; they seemed to age ten years instantly.

She washed Rodolfo's face with cold water, and he finally sobered up.

For the first time, they were both silent.

The next day, they seemed a bit more energetic but still clung to false hope.

"Penny might just be talking nonsense."

"Carol always respected us."

Their conversation was dry; neither wanted to take responsibility for Carol's death.

Then Bryan called, saying none of the three scripts were selected. "I know you're sad, but I'm really sorry."

Rodolfo's grip on the phone tightened, thinking of the recording he heard, wishing he could fight Bryan!

But this was Bryan; they couldn't fight him.

And that recording could never go public, or Carol's death would be endlessly debated.

Now that Rodolfo had made this known, adding this truth would likely lead many to say Carol had seduced Bryan.

This society is harsh on women.

Carol was already dead; they didn't want her talked about like that.

Thinking back to their daughter buying contraceptives alone, they were now full of regret.

It was all Bryan's fault!

"Mr. Ward, since Carol's script wasn't chosen, please return it to us," Rodolfo said.

Now that he had the script, Bryan couldn't be bothered. "The script was taken by the investors. They get thousands of scripts every day, so it's hard to replace. Once I replace it, I'll return it to you." These were just excuses to brush them off.

Lori finally snapped and started cursing, "You bastard! I'll take you down with me."

But before she lost control, Rodolfo had already hung up.

Lori looked at the cowardly Rodolfo, overwhelmed with sorrow.

On Selena's side, she had made several backups of the script and applied for copyright registration.

She found out all three scripts were sold to Rachel, who reportedly gave Bryan fifteen million dollars.

Selena also consulted Andrew, and now both funds and personnel were ready; they could start filming immediately.

But Rachel's side was just beginning preparations.

A smile crept onto her face. All Star Entertainment was great at hype, and they'd probably start buying trending topics from the casting stage. So, no need to figure out which script they'd shoot first; the trending topics would reveal "Storm" as their first pick.

Selena called Andrew. "We'll shoot 'Storm' first. Let's aim to shoot and broadcast simultaneously, and crush All Star Entertainment's show right from the start."

All the hype All Star Entertainment created for "Storm" would end up benefiting S.M Corporation.

Thinking of Bryan and Rachel's reactions when they found out the truth, Selena's smile widened.

Now, she just had to wait for the show to air, but she didn't want to be idle. She anonymously posted online that Bryan had stolen his student's work, put his name on it, and wouldn't share any profits. This was linked to Carol's suicide and quickly gained traction.

The hottest news was still Carol's suicide.

Bryan was shocked when he saw the news.

He quickly wanted to call Rachel to get the news taken down.

But then, he received a recording on his phone.

He knew this recording well; it was from that day in the office.

He had insulted Carol and spent a few minutes venting his sexual desires.

It came from an unknown number, which also sent a message: [Mr. Ward, if you take that news down, this recording will be released immediately.]

This recording would ruin his reputation. Was it Penny?

That day in the office, only he, Carol, and Penny had been there.

Carol couldn't have recorded it, so it had to be Penny!

Bryan couldn't sleep; he had to deal with Penny before the recording was released!

'Just a small fry,' Bryan thought.

Selena had a social engagement tonight; it was her last meeting with Alan from Cornerstone Construction. The renovation of Manston Manor was finally complete, and they had to have a symbolic meal together. She and Alan were already familiar, and the dinner was pleasant.

She had a few more drinks and wobbled into the hotel elevator.

Then, three men entered. Although in suits, the clothes didn't quite match them.

Selena sensed danger and was about to press the button, but the men suddenly grabbed her hands and feet, pinning her against the wall.

One even started to pull down her pants, already taking out a phone to take pictures.