Harris called his trusted secretary, Ruby. He spoke with a determined tone. "Ruby, I need you to handle this immediately. Contact the school, talk to the teachers, and find out who was responsible for bullying Harriet. We can't let this continue."
Ruby nodded in understanding like she was facing his boss, her expression mirroring the seriousness of the issue. "Of course, Mr. Thompson. I'll get on it right away. I'll also arrange meetings with the parents of Harriet's classmates involved in this, if necessary."
Harris appreciated Ruby's efficiency and her dedication to his family's well-being. "Thank you, Ruby. Please keep me updated on any developments. And make sure Harriet knows we're doing everything we can to protect her."
With a firm nod, Ruby left to initiate damage control. Harris ended the call, leaving him to grapple with the anger that still simmered within him. He couldn't bear the thought of his precious daughter being hurt in any way, and he was determined to put an end to the torment she was facing at school.
Harris's determination to protect his family and put an end to the schemes of Dominic and his own mother, Marian, had reached a new level of intensity. He realized that he needed to take more serious and calculated actions to thwart their efforts and protect those he loved.
As he sat in his library, his mind began to churn with ideas and plans. He knew that a direct confrontation with Dominic and Marian might not be the wisest approach. Instead, he decided to take a more strategic, silent route.
He picked up his phone and dialed Jane, his private detective, who had already proved herself invaluable in uncovering secrets.
"Jane," he began, his voice determined, "I need you to dig deeper into Dominic and Marian's activities. I want to know everything about them – their connections, their motives, and any vulnerabilities we can exploit."
Jane, ever the professional, responded, "Consider it done, Harris. I'll leave no stone unturned. We'll gather enough evidence to not only stop their schemes but also ensure they face the consequences of their actions."
Harris knew he could trust Jane to handle the situation discreetly and efficiently. With the investigation in motion, he felt a renewed sense of hope. He was determined to protect his family's reputation and put an end to the rumors and falsehoods that were tarnishing their name.
As he hung up the phone, he glanced at a framed photo on his desk – a picture of Mallory, Harriet, and himself, smiling together. It was a reminder of what truly mattered to him, and he was ready to do whatever it took to shield them from harm.
Meanwhile, at a discreet location, Marian and Dominic watched the chaos unfold on the news hub they had manipulated. Their plan was working, sowing discord and ruining the reputation of the Hudson family, which created another issue involving Harris. Dominic couldn't hide a wicked grin as he leaned back in his chair.
"It seems our little plan is bearing fruit," he remarked, his voice dripping with satisfaction.
Marian, pleased with their progress, couldn't help but feel victorious even though it involved her son. She had never imagined she would stoop to such levels, targeting her own family. "Dominic, we are doing the right thing, even though this is tearing Harris apart."
Dominic's expression hardened as he turned to her. "Marian, we've come this far. We can't back down now. Our goals are within reach."
"Well then, we must proceed as planned," Marian stated sternly. They toast a glass of champagne before dispersing into their tasks. 
Mallory sat on the edge of her bed, her phone in hand, contemplating whether she should call Dominic. Her conversation with Harris was still fresh in her mind, and she knew she needed to address this issue head-on.
With a deep breath, she dialed Dominic's number, her fingers trembling slightly as she waited for him to pick up. She knew she needed to confront him about the rumors and make him understand the chaos he was causing in her life and Harriet's.
As the call connected, Dominic's voice came through, "Mallory, is this you?"
Mallory took a deep breath, trying to keep her emotions in check. "Yes, Dominic, it's me. We need to talk."
"Mallory," he said warmly, "I didn't expect to hear from you so soon."
Mallory didn't waste any time. "Dominic, we need to talk about the rumors and the issues you're spreading online. It has to stop."
There was a pause on the other end of the line, and then Dominic sighed. "Mallory, I told you before, I'm only doing this because I care about you. I believe Harris isn't the right man for you." There's no point in denying he wasn't the one spreading the rumors since Mallory already knew about News Hubb Plus.
Mallory's frustration was growing, and she struggled to keep her voice steady. "Dominic, it's not your place to make that judgment. I've made my choices, and I need you to respect them. All these rumors are hurting not just me but Harris and Harriet too."
Dominic's tone softened. "Mallory, I never wanted to hurt you. But I can't just stand by and watch you make what I believe is a mistake."
Mallory leaned back on her bed, feeling conflicted. She had known Dominic for a long time, and their history made this situation all the more complicated. "Dominic, I appreciate your concern, but you have to trust that I know what's best for me and my family. Please, stop spreading these rumors. It's causing too much pain. Harriet has been bullied in school because of the issue circulating online."
There was a long pause before Dominic finally spoke, his voice stern. "I'm sorry, Mallory, I can't do that. I only want what's best for you."
"I shouldn't have called you and expect to reconcile. Dominic, I couldn't believe I spent years with you as my friend yet never even know who you truly are."
Mallory hung up the phone with a heavy heart. She couldn't believe Dominic had taken it upon himself to interfere in her life. Her disappointment weighed on her as she sat in her room. She went outside to breathe as it seemed the walls in her room were suffocating.
When Harris saw the troubled expression on Mallory's face, he immediately grew concerned. He went to her side, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "Is everything alright, Mallory?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.
Mallory looked into his eyes, feeling a mix of emotions. "Harris, I need you to know something. I just had a conversation with Dominic. He admitted to being behind the rumors and insisted it was for my own good."
Harris's brows furrowed as he processed the information. Mally, you shouldn't have called him," he said sternly, concern laced in his voice.
"You're right. It was a waste of time. He disagreed to stop throwing issues at you and our family. I even told him Harriet was bullied because of the rumors, but still, he refused to stop."
"Baby, that's not surprising at all. Mally, I'm so sorry you had to deal with this."
Mallory sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I just wanted us to be friends again, Harris. But now it seems like I haven't even known him well after all."
Harris took her into his arms, holding her close. "Baby, I care about you and Harriet more than anything in this world. We'll get through this, no matter what. And we will make him pay for what he did to us."
Mallory leaned into his embrace, finding solace in his words. Harris wasn't happy seeing Mallory in disappointment, but on the other hand, he celebrated knowing Mallory finally realized that Dominic wasn't a real friend. And he is someone she couldn't be trusted.