Chapter 18
Colette became even more low–key.
Her social media, once a quiet space, now held not even a whisper of her existence. Not a trace of her life remained.3
Even the photo on the school bulletin board, marking her part–time job, had vanished without a trace.
But with the Ferrero family making such a bold move, the world could hardly ignore v
what was happening.
The internet buzzed with talk. 8
Some dismissed it as just another marketing ploy by the Ferrero family, an attempt to stoke the flames and expand their foreign market claiming Colette didn’t even exist.
Yet others found old articles from the US.
Despite the Ferrero family’s efforts to wipe away any trace of Colette, a few crumbs of evidence still slipped through the cracks.
And soon, a new wave of frenzy began, spreading like wildfire across the internet!
The heat was only escalating, reaching new peaks.
But it had to be said that Magnus and Spencer’s actions proved effective.!!
Not only did many people buy their products just to fuel the gossip, but others who had crossed paths with Colette during her travels took to posting old photos online.
Even her students, during a supplementary class, pulled out once–popular, scandalous images from the news, eagerly asking her about them
To be teased in class with such photos was too much.
Colette’s face drained of color, her anger bubbling to the surface. She felt humiliated to her core.
For the first time, she lost her composure, snapping at the students and confiscating their phones.}
The school administration had approached her multiple times, their words laced with delicacy. They claimed the rumors were likely baseless, but they couldn’t ignore the damage they had caused to the school’s reputation.
With a gentle but pointed suggestion, they hinted that she should find another job.
Colette stayed silent, her thoughts heavy with a quiet resolve, she handed in her resignation the next day.
Back home, the weight of it all finally crushed her.
She retrieved the card Lucian had given her and, with trembling hands, dialed Magnus’s number.
The call connected almost instantly.
.But the voice on the other end sounded more worn than it had in the video, weighed down with exhaustion.8
There had been too many false leads, too many empty promises, and too many failed attempts.8
After all those cycles of hope and disappointment, hearing the unfamiliar number, their first instinct was fear.!! “Hello, is there any new lead?”
Colette suppressed her rising anger, forcing herself to speak in a calm, measured tone:
“It’s me.
The line went silent for a few seconds as if they couldn’t quite believe their ears.
it wasn’t until Colette spoke again that Magnus broke down, his voice cracking as he finally let out the words.
“Colette… Colette, it’s really you!”
“I finally found you! You’ve contacted us at last!”
Before long, Spencer’s voice came through, trembling with emotion. The usually composed one now sounded as though his control was slipping &
“Colette…please, come back. We need you… we all need you..“!!
Colette listened in silence, her expression unreadable, her face betraying none of the turmoil she felt inside.}
“Are you done?”
Sensing the cold detachment in Colette’s voice, both Magnus and Spencer froze.!!
Colette glanced at the resignation approval form in her hand, her gaze hard, ignoring their shock. She continued, her words sharp.
“I don’t owe the Ferrero family anything, do I? What exactly do you want from me?”
“Why, after everything I did, helping you, leaving voluntarily, you still won’t let me go? Trying to drain every last ounce of what I have?” Magnus and Spencer were utterly taken aback, the words hitting them like a slap. They had never imagined Colette would respond this.
“Colette? When did we ever drain your blood? We only want to make things right with you!”
Colette’s laugh was cold, devoid of humor
“Make things right? Have you seen the internet? Have you thought ab me?“1
thought about what this is doing to me? How is this ‘making things right for
“I’ve already moved on. I have a new life. I don’t want to move again because of you.“!! “If you continue using me as your marketing tool, I’ll sue you.”)
12:29 PM ct c
“If you continue using me as your marketing tool, I’ll sue you.”
With
A
those last words, she ended the call, cutting them off without a second thought.
