Chapter 134
arms crossed, a look of barely contained frustration on his face.
A month later, the family of four was in their living room watching the television, the news anchor's voice cutting through the tension like a knife. Katrina sat on the couch, Theo nestled in her arms while Clarence played quietly on the floor. Kylan stood by the window, his "...In a shocking twist, Isabella Stone, the former personal assistant of Kylan Ross, has claimed she was wrongfully accused of orchestrating the attack on his wife Katrina Ross. Isabella's legal team has released a statement, citing her as a victim of a targeted." Katrina tensed, her grip on Theo tightening slightly. She glanced at Kylan, whose jaw clenched as the broadcast continued.
The screen switched to footage of Isabella in her prison uniform during a recent interview. Her expression was one of practiced sorrow, her words dripping with manipulation.
"I loved Katrina like a sister," Isabella said, her voice trembling. "To be accused of something so vile, of attacking her, it breaks my heart. The truth is, I'm being used as a scapegoat. Kylan had always been close to me. When I started working, he was seducing me. He tried to do what he did to his wife before. And I didn't know anything about him being that manipulative. Kylan Ross is a billionaire. He can do whatever he wants. When we..." Isabella paused to control her sobs. "When we went on a business trip, he drugged me. He..." she paused again.
The camera cut to reporters, who were shocked at her revelation.
"After everything failed, Kylan Ross turned the media against me, and now I'm paying the price for his lies." She looked at the camera with tears falling from her eyes. "Katrina... I know you loved Kylan so much. But don't let yourself be deceived."
The screen then switched to the headlines casting doubt on Katrina and Kylan's claims.
"She's playing the victim card again," Katrina muttered, her voice low but filled with anger.
Kylan turned, his eyes narrowing at the screen. "She doesn't just play the victim, she's a master at rewriting the narrative."
The anchor continued, "Despite her imprisonment, Isabella's claims have sparked debates online. Public opinion remains divided, with some questioning whether the couple fabricated the allegations to protect their own interests."
"That's it," Kylan said, his voice sharp. He grabbed the remote and turned off the TV. "We're not letting her win this."
Katrina nodded, her mind already racing. "She's counting on her image to sway people, but we have the truth on our side. We just have to show it."
~0~0~0~
Katrina, with renewed strength and knowledge of her work in the past, gathered trusted media, and even a few of Isabella's media supporters in a conference.
Two days later, Katrina and Kylan sat side by side in the private studio of their home in New York. Then one of the respected journalists greeted them warmly before turning serious.
"Thank you both for giving us the opportunity to interview you. There's been a lot of speculation regarding Isabella's recent claims regarding Mr. Ross. I think many viewers want to hear your side of the story."
Kylan leaned forward, his demeanor calm but resolute. It was rare to make Kylan appear in front of the camera like this and the reporters and journalists marveled how calm and collected he was compared to before he married Katrina Morgan. Maybe before they became a thing even. "We appreciate the opportunity. It's been difficult, watching someone who caused so much pain to my family and twist the truth like this."
The reporters nodded, and then one of them turned to Katrina. "Mrs. Ross, this must be incredibly personal for you. What was your reaction to Isabella's recent statements?"
Katrina took a steadying breath. "It was hurtful, but not surprising. Isabella has always been skilled at manipulating people and situations to her advantage. But what she's doing now isn't just about us, it's about protecting her own interests, no matter the cost."Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
The police officers, who were with the couple, pulled out documents that had been submitted to the police department before handing them to the reporters. Then the first reporter raised his hand.
"You provided records, including text messages and financial statements, that connect Isabella to the hired attacker. Including evidence that Isabella was the one trying to seduce and take Kylan Ross as hers. These have been verified by authorities. Why do you think some people still doubt your claims?"
Kylan's expression hardened. "Because Isabella is a master manipulator. She's playing on people's emotions, framing herself as the underdog, while conveniently ignoring the overwhelming evidence against her."
Kylan looked at Katrina who nodded, encouraging him to keep going. He returned his gaze to the reporters. "As you all know, I have been faithful to my wife and daughter. When Isabella was accepted as my new assistant, she was viewed by her colleagues as a... free- spirited woman. My relationship with her was strictly work-related. In fact, I have given the authorities permission to retrieve some calls with Isabella to prove that I had no relationship with her aside from business."
"Mr. Ross, you mentioned that she is a free-spirited woman. Wasn't this how your colleagues viewed Mrs. Ross at the time she was your personal assistant?"
Kylan clenched his jaws as he glared at the reporter. It was clearly Isabella's supporter, someone who would find anything to destroy his and Katrina's image in their marriage. He was about to retort when Katrina caught his hand. She shook her head and smiled.
He took a deep breath and turned to
the reporter. The rage was still in his eyes but the way he answered was now calm. "My wife was a professional worker during her time at Ross Corporation. Anyone in Ross Corporation can testify how
efficient, effective and productive she was in her work. She is far from Ms. Stone."
Before the reporter could say anything more, the reporters started to raise their hands and Kylan let one of them talk over him.
The screen behind them then
displayed snippets of the evidence, messages from Isabella to the hired assailant and transactions from her accounts. Evidence from her apartment, with the help of a search warrant, showed her deep obsession of Kylan Ross and her hatred on his wife.
The reporters who supported Isabella wasn't heard throughout the rest of the conference.
After the presentations of the evidence, Katrina leaned in.
"This isn't just about her trying to destroy my husband's reputation. She tried to destroy my life," Katrina said, her voice firm but tinged with emotion. "That night, I thought I wouldn't make it. And I won't let her rewrite what happened just to save face." The reporters nodded solemnly. "If we may ask, what's next for you both?"
Kylan answered, his tone resolute. "We're focusing on our family. Isabella's trial will bring more clarity, but our priority is making sure our children grow up in a world where the truth matters. However, I will make sure she will stay in prison." ~0~0~0~
Hours after the press conference aired, social media erupted. Clips of Katrina's heartfelt testimony went viral, with hashtags like #JusticeForKatrina trending.
In contrast, Isabella's supporters struggled to defend her in light of the evidence presented. Public opinion began to shift, and media outlets previously sympathetic to Isabella started retracting earlier claims.
Katrina scrolled through her phone, the support pouring in making her heart lighter. Kylan walked in, holding a glass of water.
"You did amazing," he said, sitting beside her.
"So did you," she replied, resting her head on his shoulder.
He wrapped an arm around her. "She might have had the upper hand for a moment, but the truth always comes out."
Katrina nodded, her eyes closing briefly as a sense of peace settled over her. For now, their family could breathe again, knowing they had turned the tide back in their favor.
"What if you go back to Ross Corp.?"
Katrina moved her head away from his shoulder and looked at him. "Kylan..."
"I know. It's hard to take care of two children. But what if I ask Alois to come and live with us, and hire a nanny for the two?" Seeing Katrina's alarmed expression at the mention of a nanny, Kylan sighed. "You trust no one."
Katrina shook her head. "After
Isabella, I can't trust any strangers to
get near to us anymore, Kylan." She smiled at him reassuringly. "This is a lesson to be learned for you. It's okay to go back to the old ways of handling the company. Just don't let your emotions get the best out of you. And besides, I have already proven it to you. I can help whenever you need me."
Kylan smiled and nodded. "Well then... A male assistant it is then."
"With a good work history," she added.
Kylan couldn't help chuckling as he nodded again.