I gave him a calm nod, but as soon as he left, I followed him straight to his office.
The moment I arrived, a call came through his desk phone.
"Mr. Hoffman, we can still remove the trending search in time. We guarantee to wipe the video from every platform."
Sean’s response made my blood run cold.
"No need. I arranged for the video to be posted. What I want you to do now is increase its visibility. Make sure everyone sees it."
There was silence on the other end—stunned hesitation. Then, a quick, obedient response.
Sean hung up, and before I could react, I heard a voice I knew all too well.
"Sean, let’s just forget about this. The baby and I don’t have to be heirs."
"If my sister ever finds out that you ordered this and spread it across the internet, she’ll hate you forever. I don’t want that."
Mandy’s voice was soft, filled with worry.
Sean wrapped his arms around her, his eyes full of tenderness.
"Mandy, I made a promise to Alden before he died—I would take care of you. The entire Hoffman Group is my gift to you and the baby."
"At tomorrow’s press conference, I’ll declare that Marie is no longer fit to be the Hoffman family’s young lady because of this scandal."
"And I’ll also announce that the baby will be registered under my name, ensuring that when he grows up, he can inherit the Hoffman Group without opposition."
Inside the office, Mandy’s eyes filled with emotion at his words.
Meanwhile, outside the door, I felt like I had been plunged into an ice-cold abyss.
My body trembled uncontrollably as I realized the extent of Sean’s cruelty.
Soon, the entire world would see those videos. My humiliation would be eternal.
I staggered back, my fingers accidentally knocking against a trash bin.
The noise startled them.
Sean whipped around and opened the door, his eyes flashing with a momentary panic before he quickly composed himself and strode toward me.
"Marie… what are you doing here?"
"Didn’t the doctor say you weren’t fully recovered? You should be resting in the hospital for a few more days."
Before I could say a word, Mandy stepped out of the office.
The gold pendant engraved with the name "Mandy" still hung around her neck.
"Sister, long time no see."
Mandy—the daughter my stepmother brought with her after my mother passed away.
She had never once called me sister growing up.
This was the first time I had ever seen her act so obediently.