---- Chapter 21 An hour later, Eve stood in the garden of the Costa family's manor. There were countless cameras focusing on her face off the stage. "I have three statements regarding today's false reports. First, | didn't assault anyone. It is nothing but maliciously editing the video. Second, when Vickie had a sudden heart attack, | called the ambulance immediately. Third, my father has promised to cover all of Vickie's medical expenses." However, the online uproar did not subside. Instead, it sparked new frenzied attacks "She is pretending to be pure and innocent! Her vicious look in the video says it all. It's great to have money. It can even clean up murder, huh." "| heard her dad toyed with many women. She is as bad as her father. | support Alina in suing this wicked woman. We must gather at her doorstep and let her experience our wrath! Eve glanced absentmindedly at the barrage of comments flooding the live stream. She paused for a moment. "We have solid evidence proving it is a carefully orchestrated slander. Please remain calm. If you cause trouble again..." ---- Eve gave a faint smile and left her warning unfinished. But its meaning was clear. As if to validate Eve's words, a commotion suddenly erupted outside the gates. Five black Mercedes sedans were parked neatly behind the protesting crowd. And twenty suited men silently stepped out. They wore the Costa family emblem on their chests and uniformly donned white gloves. The oppressive atmosphere was palpable, and the protestors ' shouting stopped suddenly. The lead bodyguard removed his sunglasses and revealed a scar on his face. He said nothing and only took out a list from his pocket. Then he began checking the reporters' identities one by one. "This... this is illegal!" The scarred man suddenly laughed. He reached out to straighten the young man's crooked collar. His finger lingered momentarily at the latter's throat. "Kolton Ricci, you live at 47 Sycamore Street, District Three." He leaned in closer to Kolton's ear and whispered, "Your mother's tiramisu is delicious." Kolton's face turned ashen instantly, and his protest sign ---- dropped to the ground with a thud. Not only he but also those who had been spewing insults fell silent. They were fearful of being the next target. The scarred man gave them a taunting smile before respectfully handing Eve a flash drive. "We just intercepted it," he whispered. "It is the hospital surveillance when Vickie stays there." Eve played the video for everyone to see. In the footage, Alina furtively closed the hospital room door and patted Vickie on the shoulder. "Mom, they're all gone now. It's just the two of us." Vickie yawned coquettishly and sat up in bed. "Send another fifty thousand dollars to the media to keep the slander going. | want to ruin Eve's fame. After she is ruined, you'll be Robert's only useful daughter." The reporters present gasped in shock. Eve turned off the video and said coldly, Does anyone have questions now?" Everyone was silent. The reporters bowed their heads and deleted Eve's photos from their cameras. None of them dared to meet her gaze. On the terrace of the second floor, Samuel leaned against the ---- marble railing and held a cigar. He was watching the scene unfold below. Though he appeared indifferent, he was keenly observing anyone who might pose a threat to Eve. As Eve turned to leave, Samuel immediately extinguished his cigar and said into his earpiece, "Clear the area." The five black Mercedes silently drove away, and the twenty bodyguards retreated at the same time. Yet, the intimidation of the Costa family remained etched into the core of everyone present.