章 168: People don’t care about the truth.

Resignation? The word hit Ava like a punch to the gut.

"What nonsense?" Ava's eyes blazed as she slammed the phone onto her desk, the fury in her chest nearly choking her. "What link up you are talking about? Nicholas and I are just friends, nothing else."

Jodie raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence but clearly relishing the chaos. "But the photographs suggest otherwise," she said slyly. "You know how it works, ma'am. People don't care about the truth. They believe the story that sells."

"This is bullshit," Ava spat. "I won't let anyone slander me over some baseless gossip." Her resolve simmered beneath her anger.

Knock-Knock…

Before Jodie could respond, a sharp knock echoed through the room. "Come in," Ava barked with impatience.

The door creaked open, and a man in a sleek black suit stepped in. His face was grim, his posture stiff. Ava recognized him as an assistant to one of the directors, and her instincts screamed trouble.