'She's good. I'll give her that. Men will do anything for her. She talked about proof, ' Carlos thought. 'I wonder what that's going to look like.
If she can prove she didn't cheat on me... well, that would be good.'
When Debbie was back home, she took a bath first, rinsing all the liquefied egg yolk from her body and hair. Then she scrubbed the rest for good measure. Afterwards, she poured herself a glass of wine and came out to the balcony. Resting her arms on the rail, she let the breeze caress her long hair. The hem of her silk robe rippled in the wind. The moon hung above her high in the sky, so bright, as if it were keeping her company. The night was so peaceful and beautiful. But her mind was not. She dialed a number and said, "Release the proof tomorrow. When it's time, upload the video about James' affair."
Debbie gulped down the wine and decided it was time for bed. There was a fierce battle to be won. She'd need her rest.
Before she hit the hay, she called Curtis. "Hi Uncle, thanks for taking care of Piggy. I couldn't take her with me. If James found her... I miss her."
Piggy was her life. Even more important than her life. The little girl was all she had, the only thing of Carlos. It kept her going. If anything happened to her, she would have nothing to live for.
"Don't worry about it. Do what you gotta do. Just be careful. Piggy will be waiting here for you when you're done." Curtis put down the newspaper, rolled off the bed, and went to the kids' room to check on them.
"I can take care of myself. I've been preparing for this for the past three years. I practice tae kwon do every day," Debbie assured him. She was always cautious. If she couldn't even protect herself and get stronger, how could she get revenge?
"The concert went well. Sold out tickets, happy fans. I hear that Carlos has asked Frankie to negotiate with Wen Group about your contract. If ZL Group signs you, you've got it made."
Debbie smiled. "Signing with ZL Group was the goal."
In fact... she specifically asked Yates to bring Carlos to the concert, thinking that if Carlos heard her sing, she'd stand a better chance of signing with Star Empire.
Curtis was surprised. With a smile, he commented, "Not bad. You're not the reckless kid you used to be."
"I had to grow up." Only she knew that this wasn't what she wanted.
She wanted to drift off to sleep in Carlos' arms like she did three years ago. She wanted Carlos to love her like he did three years ago. He spoiled her so much she was totally carefree. All she needed to do was to have fun and travel and have his baby.
Three years. It was a lifetime. She'd learned a lot during that period. Nothing was like three years ago now, though.
She used to have everything. But now, she had to strive and work hard for what she wanted.
Curtis sighed inwardly at her words. "Yeah, everyone does. But you need to have faith. You and Carlos are meant for each other. You'll find your way soon enough." All of Carlos' friends knew how much he used to love Debbie. That kind of love wouldn't just disappear.
Debbie smiled and said confidently, "I know that. But he needs to, as well." He was going to get engaged to another woman. So what? Stephanie Li stole him from Debbie. And thieves get what they deserve. She was going to turn everyone's life upside down!
"Okay. Call me if you need me. Good night!" Curtis said.
"Good night. Say hi to my aunt for me."
"She'll be happy."
After hanging up, Debbie played a video on her phone. It was so disgusting her stomach churned.
'James, this one's for you. Hold your breath.'
She was trending online. Her amazing concert. Who showed up. People were guessing about her relationships with them. Debbie scrolled past it. She texted Carlos through WeChat. "Good night, old man."
She knew before she sent it he wouldn't reply. Then she turned her phone off and went to sleep.
The next morning, she was awakened by her doorbell. She came to the door with messy hair. Too sleepy, she stood by the door and asked, "Who is it?"
"It's me, Ruby."
Debbie opened the door.
"I've called you a million times. Why is your phone off? Do you know you're the #1 trending topic online right now? There's so much news and so many commenters you've slowed down social media," Ruby prattled on enthusiastically as soon as she walked in.
"No and wow." Debbie was surprised. 'It was just one night. How did this happen so fast?'
"Do you know—"
"No."
Ruby scolded her slightly, "Be serious. Know why this is happening? Because the news isn't just about you. All the news about you involves Carlos Huo too. So not only your fans are interested. So are Mr. Huo's fans, casual readers, and businessmen."
"Oh," Debbie remembered, "Xavier did his job?"
"Bingo! And it's solid proof. Turn on your phone and see for yourself. You're famous now. Universally famous," Ruby said excitedly. She had racked her brains about how to make a superstar out of Debbie in the past, but nothing had worked well.
To her surprise, all she needed was a piece of news about Carlos and the other big shots. And then, "Bang!" She became a star overnight.
Debbie turned her phone on slowly. The proof had cost her a fortune. She didn't have to read the news. She was curious about what everyone was saying.
The article had been released by SG Law offices. Debbie opened their official account.
The post consisted of only one word—proof, along with nine pictures.
Yet it had been powerful enough to shake the Internet. Debbie was impressed by Xavier's savvy.
Some people who used to hate Debbie had become her fans. "Holy shit! She was framed! So that's what happened."
"So apparently someone had it in for her."
"Didn't see this coming. All right, you win."
Debbie read on to find that the next several comments all said "All right. "
Before she could finish reading the comments, her phone rang. It was Ivan.
"Ivan, what's up?"
"Frankie approached me. Star Empire wants to sign you."
"Oh," Debbie said. It didn't surprise her.
"I said yes," Ivan told her.
"Oh, thanks. That's what I wanted," she said readily.
However, Ivan wasn't ready to let her go yet. "I've been worried about you. You don't seem happy. But once you're back, remember you promised me to help me. I'll need that favor soon."
His mom had been pushing him to get married. It drove him crazy.
"Sure. I remember." Ivan had been a great friend to Debbie. She was grateful for it and was glad that she could do something for him. All he needed to do was ask.
After Ivan hung up the phone, Ruby asked Debbie, "Debbie, we've got some advertisers wanting you. You in?" I've picked some out for you. The pay is several times higher than before."