Chapter 221

Candy Wilson's schedule was packed tonight.

First, she attended a luxury brand's gala. Then she rushed to South Lake TV station for a live speech program.

Her prepared speech was about her Cinderella story—how she rose from obscurity to marry into wealth. But her agent noticed her recent patriotic posts had gone viral.

The team held an emergency meeting. They decided to change the topic last minute.

"Patriotism" was always a safe bet in showbiz.

Under the spotlight, Candy wore a white dress with flawless makeup. She delivered an emotional speech about loving her country. At the climax, she choked up with tears.

"I'll never forget the first time I saw our national flag rising..."

The audience was moved. Applause filled the room.

Live chat comments flooded the screen:

"A true national goddess!"

"Much better than that foreign-loving Susan Thompson!"

Candy bowed gracefully, ready to exit. Suddenly, a young man in black-framed glasses rushed onstage.

Security moved to stop him, but Candy waved them off with a gentle smile. "Let him speak."

Her expression was encouraging.

"Miss Wilson, you claim to love your country?" The man's voice trembled.

"Of course." She tilted her head, flashing her signature sweet smile. "It's in my blood."

He suddenly raised his phone. A faded photo appeared on screen.

"Then explain this."

The photo showed a younger Candy wrapped in a foreign flag, fawning over a foreign man.

Her smile froze.

Her mind went blank. This was from her early career—a desperate attempt to please a wealthy foreigner. She thought it would never surface.

"This...this is photoshopped!" Her voice shook.

"Foreign media reported it extensively back then." The man smirked. "You wore their flag and publicly renounced your citizenship!"

The live feed zoomed in on the photo.

The crowd erupted.

Candy's legs weakened. Her carefully crafted image crumbled instantly.

Worse—she realized Vincent King might see this.

"Security! Stop him!" Her agent screamed, rushing onstage.

But it was too late.

Viewership skyrocketed. Comments exploded:

"Liar!"

"Traitorous gold-digger!"

"Does Vincent know how dirty you are?"

Staff shielded Candy as she fled. Outside, a shadow lunged at her.

"Die, traitor!"

A bucket of foul liquid drenched her.

She stood frozen, soaked, the stench making her gag.

Camera flashes lit up the scene.

She knew—it was over.