Chapter 59

Serena's POV

"Thank you all for coming today," I said, my voice steady and clear through the microphone. "I'd like to address the photographs that were released yesterday."

More flashes erupted. From the corner of my eye, I caught Nina shifting uncomfortably in her seat.

"First, I want to confirm that yes, these photographs are authentic." I paused, letting the murmurs ripple through the crowd. "They haven't been manipulated or doctored in any way."

The admission sent a fresh wave of excitement through the room. I could see reporters frantically typing on their phones, no doubt racing to be the first to break this confirmation. But I wasn't finished.

"However," I continued, "context is everything. These photos were taken during my time working in public relations at Whitmore Group, when the company was facing significant financial difficulties."

A reporter from Radiant Times shot up his hand. "Ms. Sinclair, are you suggesting these were business meetings? The intimate nature of some of these photos-"

"What you're seeing," I cut in smoothly, "are carefully selected moments from standard corporate social events. Every person in those photos was a potential investor or sponsor for Whitmore Industries."

I maintained eye contact with the room, my voice never wavering. "During my relationship with Ian Whitmore, I was completely faithful. These photos have been deliberately chosen and timed to suggest impropriety where none existed."

"But let's ask ourselves an interesting question," I said, my tone shifting slightly. "Who would have had the resources and access to take these photographs? Who would have had the motivation to hold onto them for all these years, waiting for the perfect moment to release them?"

Nina seemed even more uneasy than before. The room grew quieter, the reporters sensing a bigger story emerging.

"Nina," I turned to face her directly, "you seem nervous. Perhaps you'd like to explain why these photos - photos that were taken while I was working at your boyfriend's family company - have suddenly surfaced now?"

She jerked in her seat, color draining from her face. "Serena, what are you implying? I-I would never..."

"Never what, Nina? Never orchestrate a campaign to discredit me right when StarRiver Group is about to announce its new strategic partnership?" I kept my voice calm.

Camera flashes punctuated the silence like irregular heartbeats, casting harsh shadows across Nina's increasingly pale face. I watched as her fingers twisted the hem of her designer blazer.

"Sister, you can't possibly misunderstand me like this," Nina's voice wavered, dripping with manufactured sweetness. Her eyes darted between the reporters and me, desperately seeking allies in the crowd. "I've always respected you..."

I remained silent, studying her performance. The corner of my mouth twitched slightly as I caught Vincent's subtle nod from the back of the room. Everything was ready.

"Miss Sinclair," a reporter called out, his pen poised eagerly over his notepad, "can you identify who was behind the recent allegations?"

I maintained my composure, my voice steady and clear. "The person who's currently with Ian Whitmore..." I paused, letting the weight of my words sink in. "Or rather, the person who was already involved with him while we were still together - that's your answer."

Nina's artificial smile faltered for a split second before she recovered, turning to the reporters with practiced concern. "My sister has been under tremendous pressure lately. She's probably just trying to deflect attention from the real issues." Her voice took on a wounded tone. "I've always supported her, but to think she'd accuse me of such things..."

I almost admired her commitment to the act. Almost.

"Vincent," I called out softly, "the lights, please."

The room dimmed, and the projector hummed to life. The first image filled the screen: Nina and Ian at his 27th birthday celebration, their faces intimately close. The timestamp in the corner was unmistakable - a night I remembered all too well. I had been securing a crucial sponsorship deal, apologizing profusely for missing the celebration. Ian had been so understanding, so considerate.

The irony made me want to laugh.

"That... that night was different!" Nina's voice had lost its sweetness, taking on a shrill edge. "You weren't there, so I went to represent the family. There were others present-"