News of Ellen buying her championship spread like wildfire online. Many media companies also grabbed this chance to gain traction and cash in on the opportunity.
However, at 6.30PM, all the media outlets fell silent, and any discussion of Ellen vanished. It was as if a large hand had taken firm control of the situation behind the scenes, halting all the slander and insults aimed at Ellen.
Without the internet to spread the word, the fans quickly diverted their attention to something else. As for the incident with Ellen, it was limited to small offline talk. After all, Ellen wasn’t a major celebrity.
A force had seeped into the chess world and begun investigating this incident that targeted Ellen.
Meanwhile, Alden was feeling a little accomplished, for he didn’t expect to ruin Ellen’s reputation just because of something he said while venting about his defeat in the competition.
He was on good terms with Jay in private too. Even though he didn’t know why Jay had suddenly asked him to do this, it was just a piece of cake for him to slander and attack the newbie with just a few sentences.
Now that the deed was done, Jay invited Alden to a meal and some drinks at night as repayment for his favor. Because of Alden’s help, Jay’s problem was solved as well, and everything was settled after he transferred the money to Selena.
After a few drinks, Alden was still curious as to why Jay would target Ellen. Jay had nowhere else to vent, and Alden wasn’t an outsider either, so he decisively told Alden about Selena blackmailing him..
When Alden heard everything, he felt like he had helped Jay tremendously, so it was considered a huge favor. Hence, Jay would gladly return the favor if Alden ran into anything in the future.
“Jay, I was putting myself at risk to help you, but I don’t like Ellen that much either, you know? I’ve been coveting the championship for almost eight years, and I swore I would get first place this year.
Who knew that a brat would appear out of nowhere and block my path? That’s just infuriating. Alden was furious at the mention of Ellen. It was terribly humiliating for a veteran like him to lose to a newbie.
If he were going up against another veteran in chess, he wouldn’t be this worked up. However, Ellen had just entered the scene this year, and she was just a young woman in her 20s. She even disregarded his seniority in the competition, making him so mad that he vented his frustration out on the chess pieces.
Jay sighed. “It’s miserable for me too! I fell right into Selena’s trap. If you hadn’t helped me, I wouldn’t know what to do!”
“Who would know about this incident if we don’t tell anyone?” Alden held the wine glass in his hand as he said in satisfaction, ‘Just one sentence from me is enough to ruin Ellen’s reputation. Also, she has a powerful boyfriend, doesn’t she? That’s the perfect opportunity for people to doubt her skills. Let’s see if she dares to complain anymore now!”
Jay brushed it off as well, then clinked glasses with Alden. “We’re brothers from now on.” Just then, Jay’s phone rang. Jay glanced at it, then answered the call in annoyance. “What else do you want, Selena?”
“Didn’t you see the news? All news reports about Ellen are gone. If someone asks you about it, don’t mention me, or I’ll send those photos to your wife immediately’ Selena’s voice sounded anxious on the other end of the line.
“What? What is going on?” Jay asked in surprise.
Selena had personally experienced the consequences of defying Ellen. She could sense something dangerous on the horizon, and she felt that Ellen was about to launch a counterattack.
“Just remember what I said.” With that, Ellen hung up. Jay had yet to come to his senses. Alden asked curiously, “What’s wrong? Is that girl asking for your money this time?”
“No.” Jay pretended everything was fine as he continued drinking with Alden.
Meanwhile, Selena checked out of the hotel and walked outside, tensing up. She had been in jail not long ago for threatening Ellen several times. Now, she had ruined the woman’s reputation out of anger.
