Official Statements, Unofficial Nicknames, and Fame Nobody Wanted
Alex was halfway through reviewing reports when the familiar chime sounded.
DING
A translucent screen unfolded calmly.
System Notice:
Host successfully damaged Leon Ashford and Lunaria Valencrest's reputation
Leon Ashford — Luck: −2000
Host Points: +20,000
System Points: 51,000
Alex stared at the number for a second.
Then nodded.
"Clean."
Kirlia floated closer and peeked at the screen.
It clapped softly.
The Internet Knocks on the Wrong Door
By afternoon, social media had shifted targets.
Not Leon.
Not Lunaria.
Runcandel Group.
"Why did the engagement really end?"
"Was Lunaria innocent?"
"Did the Runcandels overreact?"
Alex skimmed through the trending posts, unimpressed.
He stood up and walked into his mother's study.
"Mom," he said simply, "they're asking."
Evelyn didn't need clarification.
She looked up from her documents, eyes calm and cold.
"…So it's time."
Victor, standing nearby, cracked his knuckles.
"They want answers?"
"They'll get answers."
Alex nodded once.
"Release it."
Both parents nodded.
The Press Meet That Ended Careers
The next morning—
Every major news outlet gathered.
Cameras.
Microphones.
Live streams.
Evelyn Runcandel walked onto the stage.
Elegant.
Composed.
Terrifyingly calm.
Victor stood beside her like a dragon pretending to be human.
Evelyn spoke clearly.
"The Runcandel family terminated the marriage contract with the Valencrest family for one reason."
The room went silent.
"Lunaria Valencrest engaged in an inappropriate relationship with Leon Ashford during her engagement to our son, Alexander Argus Runcandel."
Flashbulbs exploded.
Evelyn continued, voice steady.
"We do not interfere with personal choices.
However, we will not accept betrayal within a marriage contract."
She paused.
"Therefore, the engagement was annulled.
That is all."
Victor leaned toward the microphone.
"And for the record," he added bluntly,
"We don't want them."
The conference ended.
Just like that.
The Internet Chooses Violence
Social media didn't slow down.
It detonated.
"CONFIRMED. SHE CHEATED."
"Runcandels dropped them like trash."
"Leon Ashford really climbed this far by sleeping around."
Then came the nickname.
It spread fast.
Painfully fast.
"The Golden Cheaters."
Leon Ashford.
Lunaria Valencrest.
Rich connections.
Shiny lies.
Zero shame.
Memes followed.
Edits followed.
Hashtags followed.
Valencrest House Goes Silent
Reporters surrounded Valencrest headquarters.
Questions flew.
No answers came.
No statements.
No denials.
No explanations.
The silence only confirmed the story.
Stocks fell harder.
Sponsors pulled out.
The house that once climbed using Runcandel backing—
Started sliding back down.
Fast.
Leon Makes It Worse
Leon Ashford finally spoke.
On a live stream.
Angry.
Defensive.
Arrogant.
"Why are you people so obsessed with my life?" he snapped.
"You're all jealous! I don't owe anyone an explanation!"
The comment section went wild.
"There it is."
"Mask off."
"Bro really thinks he's the victim."
Clips spread everywhere.
Leon scolding the public.
Leon calling people "pathetic."
Leon Ashford became famous.
Not admired.
Infamous.
Quiet Victory
Back at Runcandel Mansion, Alex watched the clips briefly.
Then turned his phone off.
Kirlia floated beside him, holding his sleeve.
"…They're loud," Alex said again.
Evelyn sipped her tea.
"Noise fades."
Victor crossed his arms proudly.
"Reputation doesn't."
Alex leaned back.
Leon had lost:
Luck Money Public trust Silence
And Alex?
He gained time.
And points.
System Whisper
DING
System Status:
Protagonist fate resistance weakened
Further actions will yield increased returns
Alex smiled faintly.
"Good," he said.
Kirlia nodded seriously.
Somewhere far away—
Leon Ashford refreshed his feed.
And wondered why the world suddenly hated him.