Filed to story: Returning to Her Not-So-Poor Family
“The Ar-Bl-Clear Group is a well-known brand in Dawnstar. Do you think they would disregard consumer safety for profit?”
Romeo, surrounded by a barrage of questions from over twenty media outlets, spoke with confidence.”I’ve been using the Ar-Bl-Clear Group’s men’s skincare and have had no issues.”
The crowd was taken aback. No one expected the business tycoon to indulge in skincare, let alone come to Ar-Bl-Clear’s defense, especially since the two companies had never crossed paths before.
“l’ll stand by the Ar-Bl-Clear Group’s products with my personal guarantee. If there is an issue, I will personally compensate each affected individual a million dollars. In cash.”
The flash from the cameras intensified, and a glimmer of hope flickered in the eyes of the disfigured.
“However Romeo continued, his voice cutting through the noise, “if anyone is found spreading false allegations, trying to tarnish the Ar-Bl-Clear Group’s reputation, and Ar-Bl-Clear chooses not to pursue, I will seek justice on their behalf. Anyone found guilty will owe a million dollars. Each”.
The hopeful glint in the victims’ eyes dimmed, replaced by a wave of panic.
“I’ve already reported this to the police on behalf of the Ar-Bl-Clear Group. All your receipts, surveillance screenshots, and test results will serve as evidence in court.”
Ared sports car roared into view, drawing closer with every second. Behind the wheel was a woman with cascading curls and lips painted a fierce red.
She exuded a charm that was both captivating and rhythmic in its allure.
Whispers rippled through the crowd as she stepped out. Wasn’t that Bard’s wife, Eunice, who had vanished from the social scene for so long?
What was she doing here?
And looking even more stunning and flamboyant than before.
Eunice gracefully alighted from her vehicle, her high heels clicking on the pavement. She carried herself with an elegance that sparked envy in the hearts of onlookers. She was like a dazzling pearl, impossible to ignore, no matter how much time had passed.
“Bring those cameras over here,’ she commanded, her presence never faltering in front of anyone.
“And bring the mics a little closer, will you?”
The journalists and cameramen, upon hearing Eunice’s voice, hesitated for a mere second before scrambling to get closer to her.
Once all the mics were pointed her way and the cameras were rolling, Eunice began, “I’m here on behalf of the Griffith Group to make a statement. If there’s any issue with a product from the the Ar-Bl-
Clear Group, you’re welcome to pick any skincare product from the Griffith Group’s collection, on the house, for a lifetime.”Her announcement sent shockwaves through the crowd. Bard’s influence in Dawnstar was unparalleled, and the Griffith Group held significant clout. Now his wife was standing up for the the Ar-
Bl-Clear Group.
This was a clear indication of their commitment to the the Ar-Bl-Clear Group! “But let me be clear, if anyone is trying to cause trouble and slander the the Ar-Bl-Clear Group, they won’t just have to answer to McMllian Corporation.
The Griffith Group will not let it slide either!”
The curly-haired woman who had been causing a scene began to shrink back in fear, her bravado fading in the wake of Eunice’s commanding tone.
Meanwhile, Serena was fuming as she watched the news. Romeo had rushed to Mirabella’s side instantly, and even his aunt had joined in! Two major conglomerates were openly supporting a smaller company.
Weren’t they worried about becoming the laughingstock of the town?
Just then, the sound of police sirens approached from a distance.
No one had expected a dozen police cars to show up for such a minor incident. The media was stunned into silence until someone finally started snapping photos furiously.
As the shutters clicked, the rest of the journalists snapped to attention and hurried over to get their scoop.
The police chief stepped out of his car, an authoritative figure who commanded respect. The other officers followed suit, exuding an air of command.
Ignoring the questions from the reporters, the chief made his way straight to Romeo.”Mr. McMillian,’ greeted the chief respectfully. “Did you call this in?”
“Yes, Romeo replied, standing tall with an air of aristocracy that dominated the atmosphere around him.
“The deputy director of the Ar-Bl-Clear Group will brief you on the details. At this moment, I suggest we hold a press conference to reveal the investigation process and its results, thereby clearing the Ar-Bl-
Clear Group’s name.”
The crowd was stunned.
Just how confident was Romeo in the Ar-Bl-Clear Group to suggest waiting on-site for a result.
“lL agree,’ Eunice added, her arms folded elegantly across her chest, her beauty undeniable. “Behind-
the-scenes investigations can be easily manipulated by those with ulterior motives. Presenting the entire process in public will make the truth evident to all.”
A few disfigured folks never expected the stir they caused to blow up like this. Not only did Romeo show up, but Bard’s wife made an appearance too.
Their eyes began to dart about, avoiding direct contact.
“Let’s all head over to the the Ar-Bl-Clear Group’s staff cafeteria, shall we?”
Mirabella suggested.
The place was spacious and had an artsy vibe, capable of accommodating a large crowd at once.
All the journalists, cameraman Hans, and the onlookers were invited over to sample the delicious fare on the house.
People were surprised at how well a skincare company treated its employees. A different main course every day for half a month, and an endless array of tasty snacks, afternoon pastries, and fancy coffees.
This wasn’t a cafeteria. It was a foodie’s paradise! The police had already started their investigations in shifts. The few remaining officers stayed because Mirabella had some questions for the disfigured individuals.
“Try some of our group’s coffee and pastries, they’re just as good as anything you’ll find out there.”
Catharina, personally brought refreshments to the disfigured group, naturally taking a seat next to thern. “In the Ar-Bl-Clear Group, we wear our hearts on our sleeves for both our employees and our customers. I don’t know why you smeared our company, but now that the police are involved, I’d advise you to come clean. Don’t ruin your futures or worry your families.”
The disfigured individuals stared at the pastries in front of them, silent.Mirabella cut right to the chase, “Is it because of the Ar-Bl-Clear Group that your faces look like this?”
All the disfigured people remained silent, avoiding Mirabella’s gaze.
Had they known her backing was so strong, no amount of money would have enticed them.
Crossing Eunice in Dawnstas was tantamount to crossing Bard. There would be severe consequences.
But crossing Romeo meant they could kiss their chances goodbye outside of Dawnstar as well.
And now, both bigwigs were present.
“Even though I’m not sure who’s pulling your strings to throw mud at the Ar-Bl-Clear Group, 1 can restore your looks. In fact, I can guarantee that your skin will be in better condition than before,’
Mirabella offered.
At Mirabella’s words, the disfigured group lifted their heads in surprise.
“Can you do that?”
“Even the dermatologists at the hospital couldn’t help us, and you think you can fix it? With what? How many years will it take?”
“We became like this because of using your products. Do you really think we’d trust you again?”
“If it weren’t for your products, our faces wouldn’t be in such a state”
As they all chimed in with their opinions, Mirabella waited before responding calmly, “If you had really used products from the Ar-Bl-Clear Group, you wouldn’t be saying they’re ineffective. Our products improve skin condition for any skin type. Such a drastic negative reaction is impossible, unless you didn’t use our products.”The guilty looks that flashed through the disfigured individuals’ eyes didn’t go unnoticed.
Mirabella bluntly stated, “I can tell you’re lying.”
Now, the disfigured were even more uneasy, unable to meet Mirabella’s eyes, let alone look in her direction.
“I’m confident that no one in the world, except for me, can restore your skin, and even if there were one or two renowned doctors who could, their services wouldn’t come cheap,’ Mirabella said coolly. “You might want to think about it because once this opportunity passes, there won’t be another.”
The disfigured folks remained silent, but Mirabella noticed a young college girl in her early twenties nervously fiddling with her nails, seemingly weighing something in her mind.
Mirabella continued, “Even if you say nothing, the police will find out the truth.
Whether the receipts you have are genuine, whether the products you used are indeed from the Ar-Bl-
Clear Group, whether the test results are real or fake, it will all come to light. And if it turns out you’ve been chasing shadows, you’ll be the ones left empty-handed”
A few disfigured individuals seemed to stir, exchanging glances with one another.
“You’re all staring down the barrel of a massive lawsuit, with damages up to a million bucks each. How much did you pocket under the table? Is it really worth your silence?”
Mirabella coaxed them gently, “When no one’s there to fix your faces, you’ll have to live with that mug for the rest of your life. If you end up behind bars on top of that, broke and disfigured, is it worth it?”
The disfigured group’s eyes wavered, but no one spoke up.
Just then, Mirabella received a message.
After reading it, she turned to the college girl, “Did you say you took out a loan for nine hundred and fifty bucks to buy products from the Ar-Bl-Clear Group?”
The college girl’s eyes shot up, nodding in alarm.
“As far as I know, you didn’t use them yourself but gave them as a wedding gift to your sister. Soon after, you saw a reseller on Facebook peddling knock-off products, claiming they had the same effects as the Ar-Bl-Clear Group’s premium line, supposedly straight from their factory. So, you bought a hydrating spray and a jar of face cream. After using them for just two days, your face reacted badly. A
week later, still using the products, you confronted the reseller for an explanation. She kept assuring you there was nothing wrong with them, so you continued using them until you asked for compensation and got blocked. Strapped for cash and scared your face might rot, you jumped at the chance to smear the Ar-Bl-Clear Group for a quick buck. Am I right?”
