Chapter 436

Chapter 436:

In a private room at a club, Gracie gripped a long whip and lashed it against the tiled floor, the sharp cracks echoing harshly through the room.

The photographer was forced flat against the cold tiles by two bodyguards, his face pale as he stared at her in panic. “What do you think you’re doing? This is against the law p>

“Against the law? At worst, it’s a heated disagreement. After all, you tried to hit me first; someone just happened to step in before you could succeed.” Gracie let out a soft laugh. “If I end up hurting you, I can easily cover your medical bills. Though with skin as fragile as yours…” She paused briefly, then smiled. “Oh—almost forgot. I should show you something first p>

She crouched down, pulled out her phone, and opened a message Jessie had sent her thirty minutes earlier.

“You’re quite the celebrity in photography circles, praised as a prodigy, showered with awards year after year. But how many of those celebrated works were actually created by you? You’ve intimidated junior photographers, forced them into silence, and taken credit for their work to build your own reputation. And if this evidence goes public, you’ll be hunted down just like I was until you’re permanently driven out of the industry p>

The photographer’s pupils shrank violently as he stared at the screen. Threatening messages. Records of money transfers. Even hotel check-in logs clearly documenting his exploitation of female subordinates.

Gracie clicked her tongue disdainfully. “Honestly, you disappoint me. Once you got famous, you thought the world revolved around you. Someone like you never earned the right to stand where you are p>

She rose slowly to her feet and casually tossed her phone to one of the bodyguards. “Now tell me—what did they offer you that made you bold enough to provoke me and the Stanley family? Be honest, and this evidence stays offline. Otherwise p>

The photographer’s veins bulged as he shouted hoarsely, “You’re forcing us into mutual destruction p>

“Mutual destruction? You might be ruined, but I won’t be.” Gracie smiled faintly. “I’ve already promised consumers that if the truth can’t be uncovered, I’ll compensate them three times their losses. I can afford it. When that happens, public opinion will turn in my favor. They’ll see me as the victim, and my reputation will only grow stronger. Aside from losing some money, I lose nothing p>

The photographer froze, his eyes widening as the reality sank in.

Your next journey starts at gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs․𝒸o𝗺

She truly had the means to do exactly what she said. But he didn’t. Once his secrets were exposed, his career—and his life—would be finished. Besides, he had wasted his earnings for years and saved almost nothing. How would he survive after that?

Noticing the change in his expression, Gracie knew she had him cornered. A man like this had no loyalty—only fear and self-preservation.

“Tell me everything, and I’ll not only erase this evidence, but I’ll also make you internationally famous. Make your choice.” She leaned back into the sofa behind her, the whip resting loosely in her hands.

The photographer’s eyes darted around the room before he finally bowed his head. “Can you really guarantee that p>

“Of course,” Gracie replied, a smirk on her red lips. “I never break my word p>

“It was Delia Campbell,” he blurted out. “She arranged the shoot under the excuse of promotional photos, then sold the images to overseas companies. They used your likeness to market inferior products. She promised to boost my online exposure and push my fame even higher.” Terror flashed through his eyes. “I never meant to target you specifically. I didn’t expect things to spiral this badly. Please, give me another chance p>

“So it really was Delia…” Gracie scoffed coldly as she straightened and walked toward the door.

The photographer twisted desperately against the restraints and shouted after her, “I’ve told you everything I know! Why won’t you have your people let me go p>

Gracie stopped and glanced back at the bodyguard. “Take him and the footage to the police station. I’ve already gotten what I came for p>

“Gracie Sullivan!” The photographer’s eyes went wide with panic. “You’re going back on your word p>

Gracie found it laughable. “A scumbag like you actually thinks he deserves my loyalty? You insulted me first, then shamelessly sold my photos. Delia may be the mastermind, but you were her willing accomplice. Don’t pretend any of you are innocent p>

Saying that, she slammed the door shut behind her and walked away.