As the situation spiraled out of control, Tian Tian began to feel a growing sense of fear, intimidated by Alex's calm demeanor and unwavering resolve to uncover the truth.
Shen Zhen, a seasoned veteran in the field, listened intently to the exchanges and grasped the essence of the matter. He smoothly navigated the situation, saying, "Since both Alex and Mr. Keller are insistent on clearing this misunderstanding, we must indeed do so. However, we cannot rely solely on one person's word. There must be more to the story."
"Absolutely," Alex replied, precisely the opportunity she had been waiting for. "There are surveillance cameras here. To find the truth, we need only review the footage."
Upon hearing this, Tian Tian's complexion paled instantly.
How could she have forgotten about the cameras?
It was no wonder Alex had been so insistent.
Casting a glance at Tian Tian's tense expression, Alex smirked, mocking her lack of foresight. Conducting such a stunt here spoke volumes about Tian Tian's intelligence, but Alex could understand the impulse; love, after all, often clouded one's judgment. Tian Tian was intelligent, albeit not meticulous enough.
"Miss Tian, are you alright? You look pale," Alex said, her voice tinged with concern, drawing the attention of everyone towards Tian Tian. Under the scrutiny of those gazes, Tian Tian's nervousness intensified, rendering her speechless. Her reaction, however, spoke volumes to the truth, and the crowd's disapproving murmurs only heightened her embarrassment.
Ethan's expression turned to disappointment. "I never imagined you to be this kind of person!"
In his heart, Tian Tian was pure and kind, not manipulative or cunning.
Desperate to explain, Tian Tian quickly wiped away her tears and grasped Ethan's hand, her eyes red-rimmed with emotion. "Ethan Keller, please hear me out. I didn't mean for it to happen. I love you too much, and I acted impulsively…"
"No more explanations! I don't believe you anymore!" Ethan's disappointment was palpable as he shook off Tian Tian's hand and stormed off.
"Ethan Keller—!" Tian Tian called out sorrowfully, casting a vengeful glance at Alex before rushing after Ethan.
Alex merely smiled indifferently in response.
The so-called virtuous and just heroine, with her impeccable character, was merely a product of her ease in obtaining what she desired, without resorting to deceit or manipulation. However, when faced with the same struggles as an ordinary person, she too resorted to underhand tactics to achieve her goals.
With Tian Tian and Ethan's departure, the crowd gradually dispersed.
"Alex, I apologize for any inconvenience caused," Shen Zhen said, looking apologetic.
"It's not your fault, Mr. Shen," Alex replied with a warm smile. "Considering the magnitude of this incident, it's strange that the hotel manager hasn't made an appearance, and that an employee would dare to frame a guest. This doesn't make sense."
Alex's words jogged Shen Zhen's memory, and he turned to a nearby waiter with a stern expression. "Summon the manager to me immediately!"
Moments later, the manager arrived, a tall and well-groomed man named Fu Licheng.
Alex would never forget this man. He was infatuated with Tian Tian and had done her many favors, even orchestrating her previous abduction to the mountains.
Therefore, she would not let him off easily.
"Mr. Shen, may I inquire what the matter is?" Fu Licheng asked, a smile plastered on his face. Unlike Ethan, who hailed from a privileged background, Fu Licheng had struggled through poverty and a limited education, ending his formal studies after high school to work. His current success attested to his cunning and adaptability.
"What matter? Haven't you heard about the commotion here?" Sheng Xiangdong interjected angrily before Shen Zhen could speak. "One of your employees framed a guest, and as the manager, you've been nowhere to be found. Is this your standard of professionalism?"
"Mr. Sheng, I was occupied with other matters and unaware of the situation," Fu Licheng explained, looking sincere. "Please believe me when I say that I will handle this matter appropriately."
"And how do you intend to handle it?" Shen Zhen inquired.
"Those responsible will be punished accordingly, and I will take the blame for my oversight by requesting a deduction in my salary for this month."
Upon hearing Fu Licheng's response, Alex couldn't help but admire his deft handling of the situation. By punishing the employees and taking responsibility for his oversight, he presented a 'sincere and conscientious' attitude that would dissuade most from pursuing the matter further. But Alex was not like most; she would not show mercy to her enemies.
"As a manager, your negligence could have caused me considerable harm if this misunderstanding hadn't been resolved. I demand to speak with your boss for a proper explanation."
"Alex, I apologize for any inconvenience my oversight may have caused. However…" Fu Licheng began to explain, only to be interrupted.
"Alex, I deeply regret the injustice you've suffered. I will dismiss the employee who framed you and take disciplinary action against the manager to make amends," a voice interrupted.
Turning towards the source, Alex saw a middle-aged man in his forties, exuding an air of composure and stability. He was undoubtedly the hotel's General Manager, Chen He.
"General Manager!" Fu Licheng's expression soured upon hearing the man's words. He had never anticipated that this incident would cost him his job.
The man seemed to ignore Fu Licheng, approaching Alex directly with sincerity in his voice. "Alex, is this satisfactory?"
Alex nodded in satisfaction. "As the General Manager suggests."
With Fu Licheng's fate sealed, Alex felt a sense of relief. The rest of the evening at the gala proceeded smoothly, with Alex interacting effortlessly with those in the film industry.
After the gala, Sheng Xiangdong offered to drive Alex home.
The journey was silent, and as they arrived at Alex's villa, Sheng Xiangdong parked the car but didn't open the door.
"I'm sorry, today… I shouldn't have doubted you," Sheng Xiangdong said.
"It's alright," Alex smiled, genuinely not minding.
Sensing her indifference, Sheng Xiangdong felt a pang of sadness but refused to be discouraged. As Alex exited the car, he followed, determined.
"One day, I will make you fall in love with me," he vowed, looking at her intently.
Alex chuckled to herself, saying nothing as she turned and walked away.
In the days following, Sheng Xiangdong frequently sought out Alex's company, even if she often left him to his own devices. It wasn't intentional; Alex was simply too busy managing the Andra Group's operations and overseeing Huaguo Cultural Media Co., Ltd. However, witnessing the growth of her own power and influence gave her a profound sense of security and accomplishment.