Chapter 122: Chapter 122: My Husband Is Julian Fordham
Ever since Rachel Hayes first exposed herself, news about her and Julian Fordham has frequently hit the entertainment headlines.
This live broadcast has sensationalized their relationship even more, partly due to Rachel’s deliberate behind-the-scenes manipulation, and partly because yesterday’s highly-rated show attracted a lot of casual fans.
A perfectly normal live variety show ended up turning into Victoria Monroe’s trial by public opinion.
Various negative rumors swirled online, and after a night of fermentation without any public relations intervention, even some bystanders turned against her.
[I was a fan of this lady before. I heard she worked so hard during filming that she almost broke her back. How come she has such poor character?]
[These are all anonymous allegations without solid proof. Everyone, don’t get misled. I trust Ms. Monroe.]
[You fans who only care about looks are disgusting. Was yesterday’s live broadcast fake too? Victoria Monroe threw herself at someone’s husband in front of so many cameras—who knows what kind of mess she is behind the scenes?]
[Exactly. If this wasn’t true, the public relations team would have clarified it ages ago.]
[Enough arguing, there’s a message from Victoria. A press conference will be held at ten.]
[Serves her right for offending Mrs. Fordham. President Fordham, that wife-adoring maniac, is forcing her to apologize to Mrs. Fordham.]
[Come on, let’s watch the show!]
Victoria Monroe not only clearly announced the time but also the location, drawing a large crowd of netizens to witness the event in person.
They thought she was forced by Julian Fordham to come out and apologize to Rachel Hayes and wanted to witness this once-in-a-lifetime scene.
Aunt Xu accompanied her in the rest area, looking a bit nervous. She had just had a miscarriage yesterday, so could she hold up?
"Do you want to put on some makeup? You look terribly pale."
"No need. I won’t be on camera for a while." Victoria Monroe’s career dreams vanished with the loss of that child.
She didn’t care about her image, nor her future.
All she wanted was to put an imperfect end to her eighteen years.
Outside, the noise was buzzing with people rushing over after seeing the message.
Reporters had already set up their cameras early, ready for the live stream.
There were extra security guards on site to contain the crowd that threatened to erupt at any moment.
When the time came, Victoria Monroe emerged from backstage.
She could faintly hear some shouting: "Victoria Monroe seduces other women’s husbands, shameless."
"Outdated winner, get out of the entertainment industry!"
As she appeared, those cursing lost their tongues for a moment.
Yesterday, Victoria Monroe wore light makeup in the live broadcast and seemed to be in good spirits.
However, today she emerged wearing a thick down jacket, and the high-definition cameras focused on her face.
Her face wasn’t just haggard—it was sickly pale, as if all her vitality had been drained overnight.
Without makeup, her slightly red-rimmed eyes were especially noticeable.
Some sharp-eyed people noticed her walking posture was different, as if her knee was injured.
Some wondered if she was ill, but Rachel Hayes’ die-hard fans started to viciously insult her in the live chat.
[Acting, playing the victim.]
[No wonder she’s a winner—look at that acting. Our Rachel hasn’t even cried, but she’s already tearing up.]
[Poor Rachel, who’s to say this home-wrecker didn’t seduce President Fordham like this in private?]
The crowd at the scene buzzed with discussions, and the reporters were armed with their cameras, ready to blast Victoria Monroe with questions.
Victoria Monroe stepped to the stage, bowed deeply, and silenced those who were ready to pounce.
After the bow, she returned to her seat behind the table, took a sip of water, and spoke only after she’d gathered herself a bit.
"I’m sorry. I had agreed with Director Lancaster to participate in the first episode’s filming, but due to personal reasons, I stopped. I apologize to Director Lancaster and to all viewers who like this show."
Everyone was stunned. She wasn’t apologizing to Rachel Hayes, but to the show?
In the past, many in the industry had spoken about her dedication, and her actions and attitude confirmed this point.
A reporter spoke up: "Ms. Monroe, the internet is very concerned about your relationship with Mr. Fordham. Yesterday’s live broadcast clips have been widely shared online, causing a lot of disturbance to Mr. Fordham and Mrs. Fordham. Do you have any explanation?"
"Ms. Monroe, didn’t you already leave the industry and secretly get married and have children? Why suddenly return to the public eye—did something happen to your marriage?"
"Ms. Monroe, online reports say you intervened in a wealthy man’s marriage and had an illegitimate child intending to marry into a wealthy family. Is this true?"
"Ms..."
Aunt Xu in the backstage, hearing these sharp questions, could hardly bear it and wished she could glue these foul mouths shut with 502 glue!
She was trembling with anger, but Victoria Monroe remained calm. It wasn’t until the last question had been asked that she picked up the microphone.
"I never imagined everyone would be so interested in my love life. Indeed, I left the industry years ago to secretly marry for a man. Coming back to the public eye is indeed because there were some problems with my marriage."
Rachel Hayes’ fans became even more arrogant. "I knew it, her own marriage has issues, and she can’t stand others being happy."
Someone shouted, "So that’s your excuse for interfering in Mr. Fordham’s marriage?"
Victoria Monroe looked at that person and smiled gently, without sarcasm or threat, but said in a calm tone: "I’m sorry. I forgot to introduce my husband back when I chose to secretly marry."
Everyone found it strange. Was she trying to divert attention? Why bring up her husband at this moment?
In the midst of everyone’s shock, Victoria Monroe stated word by word, "My husband is Julian Fordham, the president of Fordham Group."
With these words, the scene was like boiling water instantly erupting.
"What did you say? You are Mrs. Fordham?"
"Impossible, if it’s you, then what’s with Rachel Hayes?"
"Victoria Monroe, don’t you have any shame? Fabricating such a lie... you..."
Before the person could finish, the cold male voice abruptly interrupted the venue: "My wife has always been Victoria Monroe from start to finish."