Chapter 78

Lainey knew people, and how to bend their instincts, better than most.

Her carefully cultivated persona fit Enigma perfectly, and fans ate it up. They saw her every gesture, every expression, as proof of the legend they adored.

Some even went so far as to take aim at Lillian, eager to curry favor with Lainey.

"The donation mess? That's clearly Lillian stirring trouble!"

"Exactly! Enigma doesn't need to fake anything. One dress from her, and it's worth millions!"

A particularly zealous fan dug up photos of Lillian scolding Lainey at a party and shared them online,twisting the story for maximum effect.

Outrage erupted immediately, and before long, Lillian was drowning in criticism across social media.

The Brooks Group's official account didn't escape the backlash either. Comment after comment poured in.

"Lillian Brooks is abully. How could she treat Lainey like that?"

"Lainey's too kind. That's why she keeps getting walked over by people like Lillian!"

"Down with the Brooks Group!"

"Couldn't agree more!"

"I've never trusted Lillian. I once saw her with eight different men in one day. You know exactly what l mean!"

···

Meanwhile,Lillian was sitting at the Brooks bar, sipping her drink, completely oblivious to the chaos online.

It wasn't until she went to leave and found herself hemmed in by a crowd that she finally realized what was happening.

Bullying Lainey? That was absurd.

She had only ever spoken the truth!

A surge of anger shot through Lillian. She instantly rolled up her sleeves, ready to make her point, not caring that she was outnumbered.

However,before she could get a word out, people closed in around her.

The atmosphere was tense, and a clash seemed likely.

Seeing all that, the bar manager freaked out.

If anything happened to Lillian on his watch, it would be on him.

He barked orders, sumnmoning the security team. "Move! Get her out of here! Protect Ms. Brooks!"

The guards, all retired special forces, immediately sprang into action.

In no time, Lillian was escorted to a private lounge on the second floor, safe from the crowd.

Never had Lillian, a Brooks, felt so humiliated.

Her thoughts immediately turned to Lainey.

Seething,she cursed.Lainey and hoped her lies would be exposed so the online chaos would finally stop.

Grabbing her phone in frustration, she called her brother. "Ryland, I'm cornered at the bar by some wild Lainey fans. Send the bodyguards and get me out of here."

Ryland's worry was instant. "Stay put. Don't move. I'm on my way."

After hanging up, he muttered to Nolan, who was nearby, "Can you believe this? Lillian just said a few words supporting Eleanor, and now she's surrounded by Lainey's crazed fans! That woman can't possibly be Enigma. Honestly, at this point, I really wish Eleanor was..."

He suddenly stopped, not saying the last word, "Enigma," because even he thought it was silly. After all, Eleanor had grown up in an orphanage, far from high society. How could she design such luxurious dresses?

And if she truly were Enigma, why would she marry a loser like Jonny?

Nolan, reading Ryland's thoughts,remained calm.

He sipped his wine, placed the cup down, and offered a faint smile."D。on't underestimate her,"he said.

Eleanor was full of hidden depths, more than most realized.

Ryland chuckled wryly. "I wouldn't dream of it. I'm just... never mind. I'll go pick up Lillian."

With that, he grabbed his coat from the sofa and hurried out the door.