Chapter 406 He Has AIDS
The allergic reaction was growing increasingly severe. Casimir’s hands, neck, and any exposed skin were covered in terrifying rashes. The rash that first appeared on his face had already started to develop into bloody blisters. The slightest touch would cause them to rupture, spilling out fresh blood that looked horrifying. Just one look was enough to send chills down one’s spine.
A reporter assumed he had contracted a serious and contagious disease and exclaimed loudly, “My goodness, Mr. Sutherland, have you caught an STD?”
“What? The CEO of Sutherland Group has an STD? It couldn’t be AIDS, could it?”
“Rumor has it that those who are promiscuous, have numerous partners, or are involved in same-sex relationships are more likely to get infected. It seems like Mr. Sutherland does have a colorful private life!”
“This is horrifying. Who would have thought that the seemingly successful Mr. Sutherland could be such a wild person in private? Truly, appearances can be deceiving!”
“I can’t believe he’s such an animal! Isn’t his fiancée, the daughter of the Goodridge family, incredibly unlucky?”
“Has the Goodridge family’s daughter also been infected? Shouldn’t she go to the hospital for a check-up right away?”
“More importantly, does Mr. Sutherland actually prefer men, or does he prefer women?”
“The chances of him being into men seem high, but he also has a fiancée, so he probably swings both ways, right?”
At that moment, Casimir was left speechless.
The reporters had erupted in gossip, spreading rumors and hearsay. In the end, they decided that he had AIDS. As he watched his reputation gradually being tarnished, Casimir found himself powerless to defend himself. Surrounded by a swarm of reporters, he simply couldn’t escape. As his allergic reaction grew increasingly severe, he was struck by a dizzy spell. In the end, he passed out right where he stood.
“Oh no, Mr. Sutherland has fainted! His life is in danger. We need to get him to the hospital, quick!”
Someone immediately called for an ambulance. Yet no one dared to step forward and help him up. After all, no one dared to assist an AIDS patient whose illness was acting up, especially when their face was smeared with blood. Doing so was no different from suicide.
At the Goodridge residence, Waverly and her family were having dinner when almost simultaneously, breaking news notifications popped up on everyone’s mobile phones.
“What? Casimir’s STD acted up while eating, and he fainted in public? He’s even highly suspected of having AIDS?” Samuel was utterly shocked.
“He’s into men? Enjoys orgies? And is even bisexual?”
Harriet asked in disbelief, “Is Casimir’s personal life really that messy?”
Alaric was left stunned as he read one explosive news story after another about Casimir. As for Waverly, she was left in a state of shock. Her first thought was that if Casimir did have AIDS, she would be doomed.
As it turned out, photos of Casimir suffering from a severe allergic reaction had already been posted online. With pictures came the undeniable truth, and now, the rumors spread with even greater intensity, so much so that fiction had crowded out the truth. Netizens let their imaginations run wild in their attempt to tarnish the image of Casimir, turning a once promising young talent into a despicable character with a scandalous secret.
An individual who claimed to be Casimir’s “boyfriend” came forward to expose him. He stated that Casimir enjoyed orgies and was a philanderous playboy. Someone with ulterior motives had also maliciously fabricated evidence of him frequenting yacht orgies. Some commented that his romantic conquests were innumerable, spanning both men and women. Even transgenders were of no exception. It was said he was indiscriminate, never refusing anyone, regardless of gender or societal standing. Some said he enjoyed attending wife-swapping events with his female companions. Others said he loved to organize orgies despite being sick for a while. They accused him of maliciously doing so to spread his disease.
Harriet was a bit of a germaphobe. At that moment, when she looked at Waverly, she reacted with a look of horror and disgust. She asked the latter seriously, “Wavy, do you know about Casimir having AIDS? You’ve been spending many late nights with him. Tell me, when you were with Casimir, did you use protection? Have you been experiencing any symptoms lately? No, wait, this illness seems to have an incubation period. Come with me to the hospital for a check-up right now.”
Waverly was a picture of helplessness, wringing her hands in distress. Her face had already turned pale due to fear. Upon noticing her unsettled demeanor, Harriet felt her mind go blank.
“Oh no, Wavy, you didn’t use protection, did you? Why were you so careless?”
“That bastard, Casimir! It’s one thing to ruin himself, but he even dared to harm my sister?” Samuel looked at Waverly, his disappointment evident. “Wavy, I understand that it’s normal for adults to be intimate before marriage, but why didn’t you be more careful? If you don’t take precautions, getting pregnant will be the least of your worries. If that lousy guy gives you a disease, you’re done for!”