MY SUGAR MUMMY IS A BEAUTIFUL VAMPIRE

Chapter 66: Anti-Shelly campaign

A Ford Mustang Boss 302 idled in a dimly lit alley, the engine purring as Tessa and Josh exchanged glances. The deserted setting seemed inconspicuous, a backdrop for clandestine dealings that echoed the gravity of their conspiracy. Tessa's grip tightened on the steering wheel; her father's car held more than just sentimental value, it was a tangible link to the past.

"I don't see anyone-" Josh began, scanning the surroundings before an assertive knock echoed from his window. Both heads turned simultaneously to find a lady in glasses, her silhouette accentuated by the dim glow of the alley lights. The lady made a subtle gesture, signalling for them to unlock the car.

Tessa pressed the button, and the car doors unlocked, allowing the enigmatic journalist to enter. She slid into the back seat, her presence commanding attention. Her glasses reflected the ambient light, concealing the intensity of her gaze.

"Hey, Tessa," she said, acknowledging their acquaintance as she settled into the back seat. Tessa leaned back, offering a smile. "Becky, It's been a while."

Becky nodded, "Indeed. Let's get to business."

The Mustang's interior was briefly illuminated by the flare of a match, revealing the woman's features. She possessed an air of mystery, accentuated by piercing blue eyes that seemed to hold a depth of secrets. Her ebony hair cascaded down in loose waves, framing a face with high cheekbones and a subtle air of defiance.

The provocative red lipstick she wore hinted at confidence and a penchant for the dramatic.

A fine silver necklace adorned her neck, catching the fleeting light from the match. The faint scent of vanilla lingered in the air as she took a puff from her cigar, adding an intriguing layer to her enigmatic presence in Tessa's Mustang Boss 302.

A cigarette dangled from her lips as she offered the lit match to Josh, who declined with a smirk, "No thank you, I'm very fine with my healthy liver!"

Tessa couldn't help but chuckle, "Josh is on a health kick. He thinks he's invincible."

Becky raised an eyebrow, exhaling a puff of smoke, "Invincible, huh? We'll see about that. Now, let's get down to business."

The narrow confines of the car became a makeshift war room, the air thick with the scent of tobacco and the tension of impending revelations. Becky leaned back, studying Tessa with a scrutinizing gaze. "So, Tessa, what's your endgame in all of this? What's your gain?"

Tessa's eyes met Becky's, a veil of secrecy in her response. "My gain is justice. Everything else is secondary."

Becky chuckled, a wry smile playing on her lips. "Justice, a noble pursuit. But let's not fool ourselves. There's always more to the story. What's your move, Tessa? How do we fan the flames and turn the public against Shelly Technologies?"

Tessa leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with a spark of determination. "We need an anti-Shelly campaign, something that resonates with the public. Expose their darkest secrets, make them the villains in their own story. The truth is our ammunition, and we'll use it strategically."

Josh, now intrigued, interjected, "But won't that put innocent employees in the line of fire?"

Tessa nodded, acknowledging the ethical dilemma.

"Like I said before, It's a double-edged sword, Josh. We're fighting to expose the truth, and sometimes collateral damage is inevitable. We'll do our best to minimize it, but we can't afford to be naive."

Becky observed the exchange, her eyes flickering with a mix of skepticism and intrigue. "This is a risky game you're playing, Tessa. Are you ready for the consequences?"

Tessa's gaze hardened. "I've been ready for a long time. Shelley Technologies took everything from me. Now, it's payback."

Becky leaned back, a sly grin forming. "Well, I'm in. Let's orchestrate chaos that Shelly Technologies won't recover from."

Tessa couldn't help but notice the sly grin on Becky's face. The journalist's enthusiasm for chaos was palpable, and Tessa knew, deep down, that for Becky, it was about more than just bringing justice to light. It was about the gains – the fame, the money, the glory that came with unraveling a corporate giant like Shelly Technologies.

"Count me in," Becky declared with a glint in her eyes, her grin widening.

Tessa exchanged a knowing look with Josh. They both understood the dynamics at play. While their goals aligned in taking down Shelly Technologies, Becky's motivations delved into the realm of personal gain. Fame and fortune were powerful drivers, and Tessa recognized that Becky's alliance was as fragile as glass – strong but prone to shattering under the weight of self-interest.

"Great," Tessa responded, her tone holding a mix of caution and determination. "But remember, this is more than just a scoop. Lives are at stake, and the truth we uncover could change everything. Are you ready for that, Becky?"

Becky's grin faded momentarily as she considered Tessa's words. There was a fleeting hint of introspection before the journalist leaned forward again, her sly smile returning.

"Oh, I'm ready. Let's shake things up," Becky replied, her eyes gleaming with ambition.

As the trio delved into planning the next steps, Tessa couldn't shake the feeling that the delicate balance of their alliance needed careful navigation. Becky's hunger for the story's sensationalism was evident, and Tessa resolved to keep a watchful eye on the frenemy she had just welcomed into their midst.

She noticed the slightest details about Becky. Body language and all kinds of mannerisms. Becky's fingers traced patterns on the window, a subtle nervous tic that betrayed an underlying tension.

Becky leaned forward, her eyes locking onto Tessa's with an intensity that mirrored the fervor of their mission. "What's your connection to Shelly? There has to be more than just justice. Spill it."

Tessa hesitated, a momentary flicker of vulnerability crossing her features. She realized being hesitant to share information might be the first step to a breakage in the group. Sighing in defeat, she decided to divulge a little harmless information.

"My father was an employee at Shelley Technologies. He uncovered their darkest secrets, and they silenced him. Now, I'm here to expose the truth."

Becky's eyes widened, absorbing the weight of Tessa's disclosure. "A whistleblower's daughter seeking revenge. This adds a layer of tragedy to our narrative. It's a story the public will devour."

"No, you keep me out of your story!" Tessa immediately protested.

Becky, however, seemed undeterred. Her mind was already racing, crafting headlines and narratives that would captivate the public's attention. "Trust me, Tessa, this personal vendetta angle is gold. It's the emotional hook that will draw people in. We can use it strategically to amplify the impact of our revelations."

Josh chimed in, his concern evident. "Becky, Tessa's not a character for your story. She's a real person dealing with real pain. This isn't some game."

Becky leaned back, considering Josh's words with a calculating expression. "Josh, I get it. But you have to understand, the public needs a face, a story they can connect with. It's what makes these exposés powerful and incites change."

Tessa, feeling cornered, interjected, "I'm not a pawn for your storytelling. I want justice for my father, not to be some tragic figure in your headlines."

Becky, with a smirk that hinted at both cunning and charm, replied, "Justice is exactly what we're aiming for. And sometimes, the personal stories are the most compelling. It's what keeps people engaged and invested in the cause."

Tessa sighed, realizing the precarious position she found herself in. While their goals aligned, the clash of their motivations became increasingly evident. The journalist sought a gripping story, while Tessa sought retribution and closure.

"Let's focus on the larger picture," Josh suggested, attempting to steer the conversation away from the personal drama. "We need to expose Shelly Technologies, not exploit personal tragedies for sensationalism."

Just as the momentum reached its peak, Josh, unwittingly oblivious to Tessa's silent signals, interjected, "If we're really looking for something, why don't we tell the whole truth?"

Tessa tensed, realizing Josh was about to unveil a piece of information she preferred to keep under wraps for the time being.

"What whole truth?" Becky inquired, her curiosity piqued. "There's more?"

Tessa hurriedly stepped in with a nervous laugh, attempting to downplay Josh's statement. "No... he's simply saying we should stick it to Rose Shelly where it would hurt."

Josh, however, seemed determined to spill the beans. "No, I'm talking about the true identity of the CEO of Shelly Technologies, Rose Shelly. That's a more juicy story if you ask me."