4.

#Elijah & Winifred So Sweet# This hashtag blew up. Someone captured Elijah rescuing Winifred and posted it online, finally revealing who her powerful backer is. “Holy crap, it's Elijah—a top-tier big shot? Is this some kind of novel plot?” “Forget everything else—these two are so perfectly matched, I'm shipping them hard.” “But why did Winifred fall in the first place?” “Seems Josephine kept pushing her until her mental defenses broke. Unbelievable—Josephine is just too competitive. Such a person is simply not worthy of her position. ” ...... The moment this comment surfaced, the backlash against Josephine erupted instantly. People flooded her with criticism, accusing her of bullying others with her power and being utterly heartless. Meanwhile, what about Winifred? Not a single negative review could be found anywhere online. Even if one appeared, it would be swiftly deleted. Josephine lay in her hospital bed, watching it all unfold. Her heart was bitter,but she wore a smile on her face. Elijah, Elijah, just because you wanted to make Winifred famous, do you have to step on her and suck her blood to rise to the top? What exactly is your heart made of? Josephine stayed in the hospital for five days. Elijah never visited her once. Instead, he appeared on a dating show with Winifred as a guest star. On the show, someone asked Winifred, “When did you two start dating?” Winifred flushed shyly and gazing lovingly at Elijah. He answered the question himself: “We've known each other for years. From the very beginning until now, we've never forgotten each other.” Josephine had been with him for three years. He never acknowledged their relationship publicly, and refusing to appear on camera. When rumors swirled that she was being kept by an old man, and she was attacked online, she begged him for support. Still, he wouldn't stand up for her. He'd only responded coldly and ruthlessly: “If you are in the entertainment industry, you must bear the pressure and public scrutiny. No one can shield you forever.” But now, as Winifred just entered the entertainment industry, he rushed to support her. As if terrified she might suffer the slightest injustice. Claiming that she didn't care at all would be a lie. Josephine didn't stay in the hospital any longer. Soon, a red carpet event awaited her. For such occasions, she typically wore extravagant haute couture gowns. While waiting backstage, she spotted Winifred and Elijah—they were practically inseparable. Winifred’s eyes lit up the moment she saw her gown, then filled with envy: “What a gorgeous dress! I wish I could have one like it.” Elijah slowly turned his gaze toward her. Then he walked over to Josephine, grabbed her wrist and pulled her aside. His tone was blunt: “Take this dress off and give it to Winnie. It's her first red carpet. Let her wear something she loves so she can feel more confident.” “Are you out of your mind?” Josephine shook him off. She understood him less and less. “Haute couture gowns are borrowed from the brand. Frankly, she doesn't deserve it!” This remark struck a nerve with Elijah. He gave a cold laugh: “Who do you think doesn't deserve it?” He pulled out his phone and made a call. When he returned to her, he looked down from above and said, "Eight million. I bought this dress and gave it to Winnie. Now tell me—does she deserve it?” “Take it off. You don’t deserve to wear this anymore.” Amidst the bustling crowd, he demanded she strip right there. Josephine clenched her fists, rooted to the spot. Elijah's impatience grew. “Don't make me say it twice. I don't want to have to force you.” What difference was that from coercion? Josephine felt utterly humiliated. As the crowd grew larger, she gritted her teeth and pulled the zipper down her back. She wore only undergarments underneath. She swiftly pulled it off, flinging it at his face in utter disappointment. “Elijah, you got what you wanted.” People around them had already raised their phones to film her. When a sleazy man nearly shoved his phone into her private area, Elijah kicked him away with a fierce stomp. His voice was as cold as ice. “Did I give you permission to film?” With that, he removed his coat and casually draped it over Josephine. His tone was indifferent: “I hope you won't be so stingy next time. You already have so much, while Winnie has nothing. It wouldn't hurt to let her have a turn.” That evening, Josephine appeared in an ordinary, unremarkable dress, becoming the target of mockery for her disgrace. Meanwhile, Winifred dazzled in that haute couture ensemble. Someone asked her how she managed to borrow this haute couture set. Winnie blushed and said, "It wasn't borrowed. He bought it for me." The extravagant gesture shot back to the top of trending topics. Everyone knew Elijah doted on her beyond measure.