Chapter 128: Stepping Down As The Chairwoman Of The Singers

Upon hearing Tony's question, Andrea lapsed into silence. In reality, she had not yet decided whether to publicly reveal that she had not married Valentine Anderson, but his twin brother Lucas Anderson, a year ago.

"Andrea, are you in love with Lucas Anderson?" Tony's voice grew louder, tinged with anxiety and paranoia from not getting an immediate response.

Caught in a daze by Tony's second question, Andrea struggled to confront her own feelings. Deep down, she sensed her emotions were dangerously tilting towards an admission of love for Lucas.

Before Tony could press further, his phone chimed with a notification, and his expression shifted dramatically. He had set that particular tone for alerts regarding imminent threats to the Singers Group.

Quickly, Tony pulled his phone from his pocket and scanned the screen. With each word he read, his features darkened.

Noticing Tony's grave reaction, Andrea asked, "Tony, what's wrong?"

Instead of answering, Tony handed his phone to her without a word. Andrea read the article from the country's largest marketing social media account and, to Tony's bewilderment, a smile crept across her face.

"Why are you smiling, Andrea? You're being accused of murdering your husband and marrying his brother, and all you can do is smile at the news? Do you find this funny?" Tony's voice was laced with panic and frustration.

Rolling her eyes, Andrea was anything but amused by the article. Her smile stemmed from her realization of who was likely behind the smear campaign.

"Tony, just take a deep breath," Andrea said calmly. "I'm not upset about the article because I'm pretty sure Valentine is the one orchestrating all these posts. He's probably purchased a slew of online trolls and bots, and has top search results and media outlets in his pocket."

Tony was taken aback by Andrea's speculation, which seemed entirely plausible, especially if Valentine was acting out of jealousy and suspected Andrea and Lucas of being involved in the bombing that nearly claimed his life.

This realization helped Tony understand why Valentine had not come forward to reveal his identity, nor had he returned to Andrea.

A smile broke across Tony's face before he asked, "Andrea, what do you plan to do about it?"

"Nothing," Andrea replied with an air of nonchalance, stunning Tony into wide-eyed shock.

"What did you just say?!" Tony exclaimed, unable to hide his disbelief.

Andrea covered her ears, looking utterly forlorn at Tony's agitated state. "If I deny the accusations now, Valentine will just keep spreading lies. So there's no need to refute them. When he sees that I'm not reacting or planning to respond, it will only frustrate him more, and he'll probably come running back to Vegas City by tomorrow."

Tony managed to suppress his anxiety slightly, yet his face was still lined with concern. "What about the company? This news will definitely impact the stock market and our reputation."

"That's simple," Andrea said with a composed air. "Arrange a press conference and invite media houses that won't focus on the current internet scandal. I will step down as the CEO of the Singers Group until this is resolved."

Tony hesitated but ultimately concurred. With Agatha in charge of the Singers Group, effectively a stand-in for Andrea, the company was in good hands. Agatha was trustworthy and could maintain the position until Andrea sorted things out.

Tony looked on, his displeasure palpable, as Andrea approached Lucas Anderson and murmured something to him. He couldn't make out their conversation due to the distance and Andrea's low voice.

Seeing Lucas so close to Andrea, Tony clenched his jaw in frustration. No matter how he tried, he couldn't find anything to like about Lucas.

"I'm going to change," Andrea called out to Tony before jogging towards the house.

After Andrea's departure, Tony no longer concealed his animosity. He approached Lucas Anderson with a scowl and snapped, "Are you a horse rearer?"

Lucas paid Tony no heed, simply grabbing a bucket of water to take back to the stables. Tony, however, swiftly blocked his path, his voice icy with warning, "Your brother's on his way back. It's best you make yourself scarce, don't complicate things for Andrea, and quit hanging around like a leech."

With a serene smile, Lucas assured him, "No need to fret. I'll head out as soon as we've cleared the air with him."

Circumventing the visibly irked Tony, Lucas continued his chores and placed the bucket back in the stables. Tony clenched his jaw in frustration—once again, Lucas had not given him the reaction he was hoping for.

Recalling Andrea's instructions, Tony begrudgingly set about organizing the press conference.

Exiting the stables, Tony, with a contingent of bodyguards, escorted Andrea to the headquarters of the Singers Group. Upon arrival, they were met by a throng of journalists who had crowded the entrance, eager for a glimpse or a statement from Andrea.

As Andrea's motorcade made its way through the gates, the reporters swarmed the vehicles, bombarding them with questions. In response, the bodyguards sprang into action, forming a human shield that allowed Andrea to make her way into the Singers Group building without incident.

The preparations for the press conference were meticulous; Tony had ensured that all the journalists present were selectively chosen by the Singers Group, and the questions and responses had been prearranged to avoid any unexpected complications.

One of the reporters, a presswoman, managed to ask a question as part of the orchestrated event. "Mr. Singers, could you comment on the recent allegations that have surfaced online?"

Andrea answered with practiced composure, "No comment at this moment. However, in due time, the truth will be made clear, and the falsehoods will be distinguished from the facts."

Another journalist, a pressman, followed up with a question that seemed to have been planned. "You've hinted at making a significant announcement today. What might that entail?"

The room fell into a hushed anticipation as Andrea delivered her unexpected revelation. "I have decided to resign from my position as the chairwoman of the Singers Group."

Meanwhile, Valentine Anderson was watching the live stream of the press conference. Upon hearing Andrea's announcement, he was overtaken by a sudden surge of anger, causing him to hurl his glass of wine to the floor, where it shattered in a fit of rage.