Disgusted, she had no appetite left.

She gestured to her secretary, "Okay, you can now leave."

Alone, she stared at the food, her irritation growing. Eventually, she covered it and tossed it into the trash.

Seeking a distraction, she leaned back on the sofa and pressed a button, bringing up a video walt.

The news playing was explosive, featuring Edwin.

Alexis' face hardened as she absorbed the news.

Laura's identity had been made public.

Her connections with Cathy, Mark, and Edwin had exploded across national headlines. The media showcased old campus photos of Mark and Cathy and delved into Mark's previous relationship with Cecilia.

The reports were sensationalized, casting Laura in a harsh light as a malevolent mistress' illegitimate daughter who managed to win Edwin's affection.

Without hesitation, Alexis called Edwin, her voice filled with concern.

“What's going on?"

Edwin's tense voice came through, clearly in the midst of managing the crisis. Despite the strong backgrounds of the Fowler and Evans families, such a scandal was not easily suppressed.

His voice was low and hoarse, hinting at the weight of the crisis.

"Alexis, I need to keep an eye on the Smiths."

Alexis' tone was direct and to the point.

"I'll keep an eye on the media for you. Edwin, you need to think beyond just yourself and Laura. Get your father and mine involved. Our best bet is to persuade Vanessa to publicly retract her statements and apologize.

Claiming it was all fabricated is the only way to minimize the harm to Laura."

Edwin's bitter laughter was a tacit admission of her correct assessment.

Alexis, not one to mince words, bluntly remarked, “Of course, it had to be Vanessa Smith you have made upset! But there's no use blaming you now. Just make sure Laura is comforted properly. She's such a fragile soul."

After Edwin acknowledged her advice, she ended the call and promptly assembled a formidable legal team of twelve lawyers.