Chapter 213

213 A Christmas Scandal

On Christmas Day, the official social media account of Clearwater Contemporary Art Gallery wished everyone a blessed festive season. At the same time, it announced the installment of a new section in the art gallery that was devoted to helping emerging artists rise to fame.

In accordance with the holiday season, the first theme was dubbed “Winter Wonderland”. All submissions must be made before the year ended. The three best artworks would be selected in the first week and displayed at the art gallery in the second week of January.

The post, titled “Launch of ‘Hidden Treasures Under The Sea’ by the Clearwater Contemporary Art Gallery”, was quickly reposted by the Silverback Corporation’s official account as well.

As a hardworking pack member who loved her job above everything, Mara Keenthorne made it her habit to check social media for any news pertaining to the Silverback Corporation every morning.

It was barely necessary, because his team worked around the clock in shifts to make sure that the name of the group did not get dragged into the mud without any counteractions.

The picture was posted by an anonymous account without a single tag or any caption. Posts like these did not usually attract anyone’s attention, but once they attracted the right crowd, they spread like fire and burned the whole forest.

Re-posted many times with various tags, the image finally reached Mara Keenthorne’s feed.

The PR Head gasped audibly. She almost got a heart attack then and there.

It was a picture of Ronan and Lucien, kissing each other at the entrance of the art gallery.

.....

The picture itself was already quite disastrous, but the comments were a lot worse.

“What the hell? Why is that hunk snogging another man? Is he gay?”

“Duuuude, if I had a pregnant wife as fine as Lillian Woodland, I would not even blink at another woman, let alone a man!”

“All these rich men are cheaters.”

“Poor Lillian Woodland. @LillWoodland, I am rooting for you! Go grab your man, girl!”

Mara Keenthorne quickly called one of her subordinates.

“Thomas, prepare for a meeting right away! We must address the picture quickly before it causes more damage!”

The Silverback Corporation’s PR Team was very capable. Before long, they managed to stop the distribution of the picture. Mara Keenthorne contacted Milroy to ask to meet with Ronan. The latter naturally already saw the picture in question.

The Alpha welcomed Mara in his private quartier. He was dressed casually in a dark green sweater and a pair of grey pants. A total contrast from Mara, who was dressed in the Silverback Group’s official executive suit.

Lucien entered the living room a few minutes after Mara arrived. The woman had to swallow when she saw Lucien. Although the name Lucien Clearwater was already connected to the Luna position in a lot of conversations, it was the first time Mara caught sight of the person himself.

“Mr. Clearwater, it is my honor to meet you,” Mara quickly said.

Lucien smiled at her in return. “Mine as well.”

Mara thought that her eyes might deceive her, because she seemed to catch Lucien glaring at Ronan when the latter took his hand and led him to sit on the couch.

The PR Head proceeded to inform the Alpha and his mate about the circulating picture and the action that her team took.

“Let it be. Lucien and I are legally bonded as mates. What’s with a little kiss in public?” Ronan responded casually.

Ronan’s words stunned Mara.

Did the Alpha forget about Lillian Woodland and the pup inside her belly?

She was thus more than thankful when she heard what Lucien had to say.

“Ronan, don’t take this matter lightly. In public eyes, you are a cheating bastard who pays no attention to the pregnant woman who carries your child.”

Ronan rubbed at the spot between his brows.

“Mara, excuse us. Lucien and I need to talk.”

Mara Keenthorne bowed and left right away. She would hate to be caught in an argument between the Alpha and his mate.

“Lulu, I don’t give a shit about Lillian,” Ronan said viciously. “I care even less for her stupid fans.”

Lucien lowered his eyelashes. Lillian Woodland’s reappearance caused a huge ripple in their relationship, but Ronan’s words were too harsh.

“Think about the baby,” Lucien murmured without looking up. “A distressed mother will affect the fetus.”

‘Whether or not you wanted the fetus.’

Ronan groaned in his heart.

It was not even his fetus!

The Alpha slammed a fist against the wall in fury.

Lucien left the couch and approached Ronan. He took Ronan’s reddened fist in his hand and rubbed at it.

“Ronan, don’t be agitated. Let’s just not meet up in public for a while, let alone hug and kiss for all eyes to see.”

Ronan sighed. He bumped his forehead against Lucien gently.

“Are you upset?”

“No,” Lucien answered. “I already decided to stand by you. I am not going to make a scene every time something happens.”

“Lulu...”

Ronan circled an arm around Lucien’s waist.

“I still don’t think that this is right. I am going to make a public statement that you are my legal partner.”

“I don’t think it’s necessary,” Lucien shook his head. “Rumors like this one will disappear eventually. You can just ignore it. When they don’t see us together in public anymore, they will automatically forget that I even exist.”

“Or they will know that you belong to me,” Ronan insisted.

“That will cast an unfavorable light on you,” Lucien pointed out. “You are a father who is expecting a child. You should not be affiliated with anyone but Lillian right now. At least in public.”

In the end, Ronan had to give in and choose to ignore the vile post and comments.

Just like Lucien said, the rumors eventually died down. Unfortunately, it did not come without consequences. When the art gallery reopened in January, five employees submitted their resignation first thing in the morning.