While they had expected Marco to tender his resignation voluntarily, they had preemptively released


    the news to forestall any resistance from his end.


    Once the statement was issued, it sparked a tumultuous uproar online, with discussions revolving


    around Marco’s background spiraling into a viral debate.


    Thement section was brimming with deliberate instigations.


    “With the news of his expulsion, it’s now confirmed. Marco is indeed not a true member of the Bryant


    family!”


    There was even an individual iming to be an employee of the Bryant


    Group who posted disparagingments such as, “I work at the Bryant


    Group, and frankly, the rank-and-file employees have harbored resentment towards Marco for a while.


    He is overbearing and dogmatic, turning a deaf ear to any input from others. His demeanor resembles


    that of a dictator. Additionally, his personal conduct leaves much to be desired. Despite his affluence,


    he treats his own family poorly, curtailing their rightful expenses!”


    The issue surrounding Laura and Marina’s restricted expenditure was no secret. With this fabricated


    narrative now in cirction,izens became all the more convinced. A bandwagon effect ensued, with


    a majority joining the torrent of negativity or purposefully tarnishing


    Marco’s reputation. For a time, the inte was awash with unfavorable reports about him.


    Loraine’s expression hardened as she read through the vitriolicments.


    Having previously been a victim of cyberbullying herself, she was acutely aware of the sting such


    disparaging remarks could deliver. Now, as these insults were directed at Marco, she felt an even


    deeper pang of sorrow.


    Ang’s Library


    Unable to stomach the distressing content any longer, Loraine cast her phone aside, silently seething


    with frustration.


    The man beside her, eyes still closed, seemed aware of her inner turmoil. Suddenly, he grasped her


    hand.


    Startled, Loraine’s instinct was to pull away, but she felt Marco’s hand subtly trembling. It conveyed a


    raw vulnerability, as if he was fearful she would retract her hand.


    This unexpected reaction caught Loraine off guard. She gently held his hand, moving closer to him.


    The icy silence Marco had upheld throughout the journey was merely a facade. It was only in her


    presence that this hardened veneer began to soften.


    As she studied Marco’s impassive yet profound profile, a wave of sympathy washed over Loraine. In a


    soft voice, she asked, “Marco, do you still n on taking me out for dinner tonight?”


    Marco’s dense ck eyshes trembled, but he managed to open his eyes to look at her.


    Loraine saw the confusion and unease in his eyes.


    He resembled an injured beast, vignt of his surroundings and using a cold, fierce facade to protect


    himself. It was only in her presence that he revealed a vulnerable side, seekingfort like a


    domesticated dog.


    Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Loraine’s heart melted when she saw these feelings in his eyes, and she looked at him with even more


    tenderness.


    “Dinner?” Marco suddenly asked her.


    Loraine smiled and pointed at the single rose flower that was still pinned to her gown. “You invited me,


    but since one rose doesn’t count as a meal, you owe me a proper dinner.”