"Mr. Evans, rumors say you prefer men and deliberately sought out muscular partners, landing yourself in the hospital. Would you say this is karma? How do you feel about it?"
"With such promiscuity, did you use your ‘skills’ in bed to secure your position as a software developer?"
"Mr. Evans, you can’t even move now—have you been left completely crippled? Do you have unirary incontinence?"
As they spoke, one of the reporters suddenly reached out and yanked away the thin blanket covering me.
I wasn’t wearing anything—my injuries made it impossible.
Humiliation crashed over me like a tidal wave. My chest tightened. My breath came in painful gasps.
"Oh god, how disgusting! So many wounds!"
"Tsk tsk, his limbs are completely deformed. Pretty face, but a total freak. Quick, take as many pictures as you can—pure gold for the headlines!"
Their sneers and contempt cut into me like knives, stabbing straight into my chest.
I wanted them to leave. But my throat felt clogged—thick with the taste of blood.
"Mr. Evans, are you refusing to answer because we hit the mark? Were you born to do this?"
Seeing my panic, a cameraman shoved the lens in my face and began a live broadcast.
"Renowned software developer Jayce Evans has a promiscuous lifestyle, and twisted sexual orientation. Let this be a warning to the public—treasure your bodies. Don’t end up like Jayce, crippled from reckless indulgence."
I was nothing more than a stripped-down clown, unable even to curl up in humiliation.
The relentless camera flashes immortalized my most wretched, disgraceful moment.
"What the hell are you doing?! Who let you in here?!"
Wyatt burst in, his voice thunderous as he ordered them out.
Clara rushed forward, shrugging off her coat and wrapping it tightly around me. Tears streamed down her face as she scolded the guards.
"Where the hell are the bodyguards? Are they dead?! How could you let the press in? Fire them all—get them out of my sight!"
Their performance was flawless—so flawless that it made me sick.
I couldn't stop trembling.
Clara gripped my freezing hand, her eyes filled with guilt. "Jayce, I’m so sorry... It’s my fault for not protecting you, for letting these reporters take advantage of the situation. Don’t be afraid—I’ll suppress the news. I swear, I won’t let anyone tarnish your name. I promise, I will never let you suffer again."
How laughable.