“In truth, all real migrant workers are doing honest work. We live in a civilized society now—if you're truly putting in the effort, how could you possibly not get paid?”
I stumbled across this video at the time and discussed it with Aaron MacBricc. “This influencer is so irresponsible. She didn't even investigate properly before making such reckless statements.”
Aaron's expression turned grim after watching the video.
“My wife is right. Who would threaten their own life on a rooftop just to claim what's owed, unless they were driven to desperation?”
“This influencer has no attitude. She should be banned.”
He reported the video with a click and then buried his face in the crook of my neck.
“I absolutely can't let this kind of nonsense appear in front of my wife and make her angry. I'll make sure you never have to see it again.”
Half a year later, unexpectedly, Cecilia posted a video saying that Aaron, the heir of the MacBricc Family, had invited her to join the “Million-Follower Influencer Training Program.”
In the video, Aaron, wearing his wedding ring, held Cecilia's waist and the two of them were acting very affectionate.
Seeing it, my eyes rimmed with red and I demanded an explanation, but Aaron only chuckled and tried to soothe me.
“Barbara, you know I've also started a media company and am looking for promising influencer candidates.”
“Cecilia Jarrige may be a little reckless, but she's still young. With some guidance, she might just become a big influencer.”
He looked admiringly at her photo on the promotional poster.
“Plus, she's straightforward and bold. Honestly, she reminds me of you back in your school days.”
Though I felt a strange sensation, I didn't think much of it.
What I never expected was how his attention always drifted back to Cecilia.
He mentioned that girl more and more often and nights away from home became frequent.
Until one day, an assistant hesitated before confiding, “Mrs. Barbara, there's something I'm not sure if I should tell you.”
“Mr. Aaron bought a villa in the suburbs a few days ago and said he wanted to keep it a secret from you. And that villa is...”
I looked up sharply. “What about it?”
“It's for Miss Cecilia to live in.”
As soon as the assistant finished speaking, Aaron's message came through.
[I'll be working late tonight and won't be coming home. You go to bed and don't wait for me.]
Hands shaking, I simply replied “Okay,” then stormed off to the villa with the assistant.
The moment the door was kicked open, I saw scattered underwear on the floor and a torn jacket thrown on the sofa.
The tie I had personally picked out for Aaron was tied tightly around Cecilia's wrist.
They clung together against the giant window, lost in each other's arms. When Aaron saw me, his face was drained of all color. “Barbara ... How did you find out about this place?”
But his first reaction was to tear off his jacket to shield Cecilia. The young girl hid behind him, flashing me a smug and victorious smile.
I coldly dropped the words “divorce” that day and ran out. My assistant was fired and we were in a cold war for several months.
Until my mother had an accident.
After calling my mother “Mom” for three years, I thought Aaron would at least stand by her and help us seek justice.
But instead, he was deeply in love with Cecilia, ensnared in their swirling romance, recklessly sacrificing my mother's reputation to boost her follower count.
I forced a smile and pulled out my phone, preparing to consult a lawyer to take legal action and sue everyone who had slandered and defamed my mother.
But just then, my mother's caretaker called, panic in her voice, “Miss Barbara, come to the hospital immediately! Something's happened to your mother!”
I rushed to the hospital like a madwoman. Before even reaching the building, I saw a crowd gathered below the inpatient ward.
