Chapter 418

Adrian Valdemar scrolled through his phone, his fingers gliding over the trending topics list.

The familiar smear campaigns had flooded the platform again. His grip tightened around the device, knuckles turning white.

But this time, the public reaction took an unexpected turn.

Netizens dissected the situation with razor-sharp precision, exposing its inconsistencies.

Adrian's eyes reddened slightly as an unconscious smile tugged at his lips.

Meanwhile, online spectators began digging into Adrian's connection with the Valdemar family.

Someone unearthed footage from the "Empress" premiere where Adrian had publicly supported Sophia Laurent.

The comment section erupted instantly.

"Adrian, what's your real beef with the Valdemars?"

"Are you actually their long-lost illegitimate child or something?"

Adrian stared at his screen, barely restraining himself from punching through the bed frame.

Without hesitation, he fired back.

"The real bastard is here @Damian_Valdemar_CrownPrince"

The entertainment industry had always treated Valdemar affairs with hushed reverence.

Beyond Vincent Valdemar's carefully curated leaks, little genuine information about the family ever surfaced.

Though Damian Valdemar hadn't officially debuted, he'd leveraged his "Crown Prince" status to considerable advantage.

Those business photos with Vincent had cemented his position beyond doubt.

Adrian's direct attack detonated across social media.

"Seriously? The Crown Prince is illegitimate?"

"Has Adrian lost it? That's Old Valdemar's confirmed son!"

"Sophia is practically Damian's sister-in-law. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you."

Damian's fans swarmed the comments instantly.

But cooler heads prevailed among other netizens.

"Adrian wouldn't say this without proof."

"He knows better than to spread rumors about the Valdemars."

When Damian saw the notification, he hurled his phone against the wall.

Previously, he'd manipulated public opinion from the shadows, never drawing direct fire.

Now Adrian had openly challenged him.

For the first time in their rivalry, Damian found himself at a disadvantage.

Meanwhile, Adrian lounged on his bed, thoroughly satisfied.

"Empress" had become a critical darling, elevating his supporting role alongside it.

Pure satisfaction.

The next day's box office reports confirmed it—"Empress" shattered the 50 million mark.

Theaters scrambled to add screenings, every showing sold out.

Meanwhile, "River Banquet" floundered with dismal ticket sales, its rating plummeting to 3.1.

A tidal wave of negative reviews made its meager six million gross seem almost pitiful.