Chapter 277 Ambush
Esme’s sudden shift in demeanor left Renee feeling uncomfortable. Throughout the entire situation, Renee had barely uttered a word. Esme had orchestrated everything: she enlisted William’s PR team to shape the narrative online, asked Eric to use his influence to pressure the media, and for bloggers spreading rumors–particularly the prominent ones—she arranged for people not only to send legal warnings but also to launch full -fledged lawsuits.
Esme even went as far as organizing a gathering with her close circle of friends, many of whom were investors in the entertainment industry and had connections with celebrities. With a little strategic maneuvering, how could they not outmatch Etta?
The entire family sprang into action, making Renee, the one actually involved in the matter, feel like a mere outsider in the situation.
As the online backlash against her intensified, Renee found herself largely untouched by it. Being outside the entertainment industry, there was nothing people could demand of her–no role to have her removed from. They couldn’t get her fired from her job, either.
The online crowd, particularly Etta’s passionate followers, were seething with anger toward Renee.
They combed through her social media, tracking her every move, with some even making plans to corner her.
But how could they possibly succeed?
These online trolls were regular people, completely disconnected from Renee’s personal circle.
After hours of relentless searching, they still couldn’t even get the chance
to see her.
Meanwhile, Renee paid little attention to the hate swirling online. She ignored the news and went on with her day.
Today, she had gone to the mall to pick up some clothes for Felix. With the fans blocking the entrance to Rose Villa, she didn’t want to go back, fearing she might lose her temper and end up hitting someone.
Not that a little confrontation would be an issue; Ryder would clean her mess up for her. But she wasn’t about to get involved with people who were just being manipulated.
As she exited the mall, Renee sensed someone trailing her.
She assumed she had been recognized by someone. Originally, she had planned to head to the underground parking, but something told her to take a different route. She crossed the street instead.
Her follower kept pace behind her, confirming her suspicion. Renee’s lips curled into a smirk, a dangerous glint flashing in her eyes.
Ahead of her was an old alley, once bustling but now largely deserted after the mall’s opening. It was mostly frequented by elderly residents. Renee entered it, and after a few steps, turned into a narrow passageway.
The alley was wedged between two towering new skyscrapers–long, narrow, and dim even during the day. One end led to the busy main road, while the other stretched into an isolated area of buildings soon to be demolished. By night, the area was pitch dark, the perfect setting for anything shady.
Renee slowed her pace deliberately, waiting for the person following her to catch up with her. But after a while, there was still no movement.
Frowning, Renee wondered if they had decided to give up.
She waited a little longer, and when no one appeared, she let out a mocking laugh and turned to leave.
Just then, she saw a group of about a dozen people walking toward her. Their body language was unmistakable–they were here for her.
Renee blinked. So, the earlier silence had been a signal for backup. A clever move. A few wouldn’t have been enough to take her on, but with a dozen, she had to stay alert.
The narrow alleyway was now jam–packed with people. Even if Renee wanted to run, she might not be able to outpace this many people.
Besides, she was not the type to run away from such a situation.
Did they honestly believe she would back down?
Not a chance!
