Chapter 9 Gossip

Harper took a deep breath and forced a smile. "Leaving the Smith family is just a matter of time, but I need to handle the assets and connections properly. You know, it's not something I can just walk away from."

Matthew nodded, acknowledging her point.

Harper seized the opportunity to ask, "What about the project proposal? What do you think? If there are no issues, shall we sign the contract first?"

Without even looking up, Matthew signed his name with a few swift strokes. Just as Harper was about to take the contract, it was intercepted mid-air.

She looked up and met his cold, icy eyes. "Remember, you only have a few days."

Harper's heart tightened, and she quickly nodded. "Don't worry. I won't forget. I'll leave now; I have to prepare for the project meeting."

"Offer expires after the deadline," Matthew said indifferently.

"I understand. I won't delay."

Harper coughed lightly and took the opportunity to slip away, finally escaping Matthew's office.

A few days later, Harper unexpectedly made the headlines, with her name prominently displayed next to Matthew's.

Before she even reached the company, the media had surrounded her car, buzzing with speculation.

"Who is Harper? Why did Matthew take an interest in her?"

"Harper must be really skilled to get close to Matthew!"

"Isn't she James's fiancée? Is the Smith family trying to use her to connect with the Stellar Group?"

The trending topic soared, and the photo was of Harper getting drunk at the bar.

Harper instantly realized that these people didn't care about her; they were digging into Matthew's privacy! The buzz only increased, giving Harper a headache.

Just as she was worrying about how to handle it, the Stellar Group's official website suddenly posted a statement.

They admitted that the people in the photo were indeed Matthew and Harper.

As soon as the post went up, netizens flooded the comments.

[What's the big deal? I heard the Smith Group and the Stellar Group had already signed a contract and held a banquet. Even hotel staff confirmed it!]

[Then it's not a private meeting between a man and a woman, right? It's all above board. Some people just look at things with a biased perspective. Ms. Anderson has been holding up half of the Smith Group on her own!]

Seeing the post, Harper tapped her keyboard lightly and replied: [Just a normal business meeting!]

As soon as she posted, netizens were ready to argue.

Suddenly, a comment appeared out of nowhere, overshadowing all others: [Why not take a closer look at the Stellar Group's legal notice? It's the first time our Stellar Group has been this lively; it's truly an honor.]

This comment not only dominated the top spot but was also personally posted by Matthew!

The Stellar Group, with its immense wealth and top-notch legal team, had never lost a case. Who would dare to provoke them? The netizens immediately backed down, and the post's popularity quickly waned.

Harper exhaled a sigh of relief, the crisis averted.

The next day, Harper not only delivered documents but also made a point to thank Matthew. "Thanks, Mr. Moore."

He smiled faintly. "No need to thank me. I don't want to be inexplicably labeled as a 'homewrecker.'"

Harper blushed, feeling extremely awkward.

"Shall I give you a ride?" Matthew offered.

"No need!" Harper waved her hand. "I still have work at the company."

"Are you sure? Over at the Smith Group, you're quite the hot topic right now." Matthew hit the nail on the head, leaving Harper stunned.

The media was indeed swarming her, with photos everywhere. Keeping a low profile was impossible.

"Mr. Moore, the car is ready." Pax appeared at the right moment. Harper had no choice but to follow Matthew, feeling a mix of emotions.

Behind the crowd, a figure stood silently, taking it all in.

Inside the car, the city's noise was shut out, and the skyscrapers unfolded like a painting, creating a calm vibe.

Suddenly, Harper's phone rang. It was James.

"Where are you?" James's voice was demanding.

"I..." Harper started, but he cut her off.

"Come home immediately!" James's tone left no room for argument.

Harper frowned but still replied, "Okay."

No doubt, James had seen the news.

In this circle, good news traveled slowly, but bad news spread like wildfire. Overnight, it was all over town.

After hanging up, the car was dead silent.

Matthew spoke leisurely, "Want me to handle it for you?"

Harper gave a bitter smile. "Mr. Moore, I have to face it."

His eyes darkened, and she quickly corrected herself, "I mean, I need to break up in person."

"How do you plan to explain today's incident?"

"Haven't you already explained it?"

Matthew chuckled, but his laugh was cold. "Do you think anyone will believe it?"

The project proposal wasn't successful, and being photographed like that, only a fool would believe it was a coincidence. The paparazzi only held back because of Matthew's influence.

In Harmony City, Matthew's words could turn black into white.

"I understand." Harper lowered her eyes and said no more.

When the car arrived at the Smith Villa, Pax reminded, "Mr. Moore, we're here."

"Mr. Moore, thank you. I'll handle the rest myself." With that, Harper stepped out of the car without looking back.

Inside the car, Matthew's brows furrowed, his fingers grasping at the air before finally resting on the seatback.

"Nowadays, paparazzi can capture anything," Matthew muttered to himself.

"Exactly, could it really be a coincidence?" Pax was momentarily stunned, then realized.

"Are you saying someone deliberately leaked the news to ruin Harper's reputation?" Matthew's voice was as cold as ice.

"Tonight, make those news articles disappear," Matthew ordered.

"Yes."

"And find out where the photos came from and who's behind this."

"Understood."

In the rearview mirror, Matthew's profile was stern.

As soon as Harper stepped into the Smith Villa, she was met with a crowd.

Ava, Aiden, and James were all seated, waiting for her with serious expressions.

Although the online buzz had died down, there were always a few who weren't afraid to stir the pot.

[Look, the Smith family is in the spotlight again! Harper and Mr. Moore's gossip needs to be dug deeper!]

[I heard Harper was pregnant before marriage and had a miscarriage, and now she can't have children.]

These comments were just seen by members of the Smith family, and Ava was very angry.

"Harper, how dare you come back? You've disgraced the Smith family!" Ava was like a cat with its fur standing on end.

Harper retorted, "Do you believe what's online or me? Do you believe everything others say?"

"It's all out there; how can it be fake? I wondered how you could do business, and it turns out you use these underhanded methods, sleeping with men and cheating on my son!" Ava was on full blast, not stopping.

"James, didn't I tell you not to indulge her too much? Now her true colors are showing! What a disgrace to our family!" She didn't forget to drag James into it.

James's face grew darker, his expression complicated.

Harper's heart felt like it was being pricked by needles, the pain unbearable.

This family was really too much!

"Harper, what you did was wrong! Even if you can't have children, James has been so good to you. How could you do this? You've disgraced the Smith family!" Aiden chimed in.