Chapter 176

The headline prominently featured the scandal between Vivian Bennett and Zachary Hudson.

Several clear photos accompanied the article.

The first showed Vivian helping Zachary select a wristwatch at a luxury boutique.

The second captured them walking side by side into the lobby of a five-star hotel.

The final shot was a candid photo of Zachary holding Vivian's waist as they exited a private club.

Liam Sullivan stared at his phone screen, his expression darkening instantly.

The oppressive atmosphere around him made Ryan Johnson hold his breath.

Suddenly, a loud crash echoed as the phone was violently smashed against the floor.

The screen instantly shattered into a spiderweb pattern.

"When did this happen?"

Liam's eyes churned with a terrifying storm. His voice was piercingly cold.

Cold sweat beaded on Ryan's back. "It broke this morning... Mr. Hudson's trending topics always spread quickly."

He added with difficulty, "Because Miss Bennett is so recognizable, many people at the company have already identified her."

"Suppress it."

Liam's command was absolute. "I don't want to see any related keywords."

Ryan responded immediately. "I'll handle it right away."

"How many people at the company are discussing it?"

Liam's fingers tapped lightly on the desk. Each tap tightened Ryan's nerves.

Ryan answered cautiously. "There's discussion in every department... Should we issue a gag order?"

"Release an internal announcement immediately."

Liam's gaze was icy. "Anyone caught discussing the scandal will have their entire annual bonus revoked."

Ryan quickly noted the requirements.

Zachary Hudson's scandalous news usually flared up and died down quickly.

Suppressing the heat would work. Attention would naturally shift once new gossip emerged.

But this time was clearly different.

A dark glint flashed in Liam's eyes. "Find out who is pushing this from behind the scenes."

The photo angles were too precise.

It resembled premeditated stalking and secret photography.

As Ryan turned to leave, he hesitated. "Should we investigate the relationship between Miss Bennett and Mr. Hudson?"

The photos were far too intimate.

Anyone seeing them would draw conclusions.

Liam's chest tightened abruptly.

His knuckles turned white from clenching.