Chapter 32
Julia’s POV
I remember! Yes, I finally remembered! I remembered that in the previous life, there was a report that this journalist, William, had died from an overdose of banned drugs.
The news had barely made a ripple. A disgraced reporter, found in a cheap hotel room, his career already in shambles. They called it an accident, but anyone who had followed his downfall knew the truth.
Determined, I reached out to him over the phone. His mobile number was everywhere, so it wasn’t difficult to get.
“Mr. William Pratt.” I called out, my voice sounding professionally as I didn’t give him any chance to respond and then I continued.
“I have a job offer for you. Something big.” I paused and then continued. “With huge pay.”
Then, he finally spoke. “I’ll be sending you my address. Looking forward to seeing you.” He added and then ended the call.
I arrived at the address William had given me earlier, a small office tucked away in a nondescript building.
William sat behind his desk, fingers drumming on the wood table. He was in his late forties, though the deep lines on his face made him seem older compared to his face in the photo. His hair was slicked sideways, but it did nothing to hide the wrinkles in his face. He was in casual black trousers and a blue shirt with a black shoe.
I could see the shift of expression in his eyes the moment he saw me, perhaps he recognized me.
“What brings you here?” He questioned. I didn’t respond. I only stood still, studying him with a face that spoke of no emotions. Then he spoke again.
“Have a seat.” He gestured to the chair across from him.
I didn’t sit. Instead, I let my gaze sweep the room, noting the half–empty bottle of whiskey near his typewriter, the stack of old newspapers piled on the floor. This was the office where he stayed, scandaling people’s reputations on social media.
“You’re aware of why I’m here,” I said.
William leaned back, smirking. “You’re here because you don’t like what I’m about to publish. And you think you can stop me.”
I tilted my head slightly. “I don’t think, William. I know.”
His smirk faltered, but he covered it up with a dry chuckle. “You sound confident. But Scarlet has given me a good deal. A very good one. Enough to make me risk annoying you.”
Mr. William’s eyes were sharp as he let out a smirk before he continued. “Scarlet’s message was clear. I’m to publish how you’ve been laundering money and are too incompetent to lead this company, and you’re nothing but a child playing at business. And how you’ve warmed Lynwood’s bed several times in exchange for his investment into your company.
Scarlet said all of that? It wasn’t surprising. “She’s paying you to fabricate stories about me,” I stated. It wasn’t a question.
William didn’t deny it. Instead, he reached for a folder on his desk and slid it toward me. “Let’s not pretend this is a one–sided game. You have your secrets, just like everyone else. And let’s just say, the public loves a good scandal.”
I glanced at the folder but didn’t touch it. “You think this is leverage?”
He shrugged. “I think this is business. Scarlet pays well, and in my line of work, loyalty follows the money.”
I met his gaze, unflinching. “And what happens when the money stops?”
William narrowed his eyes, his fingers tightening around the armrests of his chair. “Is that a threat?”
“It’s a reality,” I said smoothly. “Scarlet doesn’t care about you, William. She cares about the story. When you’re no longer useful, she’ll cut you off. And what happens then?”
He chuckled, but it was forced. “I’m a survivor and I don’t expect anyone to care for me.”
“No,” I corrected. “You’re a man drowning, clawing for anything to keep you afloat. Right now, it’s Scarlet’s money.
He said nothing. His jaw tensed, and uncertainty flickered in his eyes.
I leaned forward slightly, placing my hands on the table as my gaze met his intensely. “You see, William, I know things too. For example, your
secret.”
+25 Bonus
He stiffened, but I continued, my tone professional, almost casual. “How about I tell everyone including the police you are a low–key drug dealer? Huh?
His eyes darken as he shitt
comfortably. Obviously wondering how I knew about it,
“Is that a threat?,”
“No,” I said simply, “I’m giving you a choice.”
I reached into my coat and pulled out a single sheet of paper, placing it on his desk. He didn’t touch it, but his eyes scanned the words, and I saw the moment recognition dawned.
“A police report?”
I nodded. “Of course. Enough to raise questions about your dealings.”
His expression darkened. “If this were real, I’d be behind bars already,”
I allowed a small smile and ignored his words as I spoke with the confidence and audacity I didn’t know how I suddenly got them.
“24 hours. I’m giving you 24 hours.”
His hands clenched into fists as he spoke with gritted teeth. “You wouldn’t dare,”
Theld his gaze. “I don’t need to. You’ll destroy yourself long before I ever have to lift a finger.”
Silence stretched between us. He swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing. For the first time, his confidence wavered.
“What do you want?” he asked, his voice hoarse.
I reached into my coat again, this time pulling out a small envelope. I placed it on the desk between us.
“In here is a better offer,” I said, “Enough to make Scarlet’s deal look insulting. In exchange, you walk away. No story. No fabricated headlines about me.
He hesitated. “And it I don’t?”
Tilted my head. “Then I suppose we see how much pressure you can handle,”
William’s fingers twitched as they hovered over the envelope, He was weighing his options, but I had already seen the hesitation in his eyes. He knew I had him cornered.
“You want me to betray Scarlet?” His voice was quieter now, the bravado from earlier fading,
I leaned forward, “I want you to tell the truth, William. Something I’m sure you’ve forgotten how to do.”
He let out a sharp, humorless laugh. “The truth? No one pays for the truth, Julia. They pay for the version that entertains them the most.”
“And I’m giving you a choice,” I said coolly. “You can take my offer, walk away with your reputation somewhat intact, or you can refuse and let me destroy what little is left of you.”
His fingers finally reached for the envelope. He didn’t open it immediately. Instead, he tapped it against the desk, his expression guarded. ” How do I know you won’t screw me over after I turn against Scarlet?”
I smirked. “Because unlike Scarlet, I don’t break my deals.”
William sighed heavily, rubbing his forehead. “Scarlet won’t let this slide. She’ll know I flipped the moment I publish anything against her.”
I leaned forward. “And do you think Scarlet will protect you after you spill lies about me? William. Once you’ve served your purpose.”
He remained silent, staring at the envelope for what felt like an eternity. Then, with a slow nod, he finally spoke.
“Fine,” he muttered “P’ll do it.”
Reliet settled in my chest, but I didn’t show it. Instead, I gave him a sharp nod. “Good. I expect the article about Scarlet to be published within the next twenty–four hours.”
I stepped backwards. “Time is a luxury neither of us can afford.”
Without waiting for his response, I turned and walked out of his office.
William was weak, motivated by money and self–preservation. He would do as I asked.
