Nancy sat at her desk, numb.
Screens blared the story across every media outlet. Her phone buzzed non-stop—calls from clients, reporters, even her parents.
Her entire career, everything she built on her own, now painted as a spin-off of a scandal.
All because someone wanted to ruin her.
And all evidence pointed to one man.
---
Later That Morning – Blackwood Tower
She didn't wait for an invitation.
Nancy stormed into Adrian's office like a hurricane in heels.
He stood from his desk, already sensing something was wrong. "Nancy—"
"Don't," she snapped, slamming the printed article on his desk. "You want to tell me what this is?"
He scanned it—and his face dropped.
"I didn't do this."
She laughed. Cold. Sharp. "You're the only one who had those papers, Adrian."
"I never leaked anything," he said, stepping closer. "I swear to you. I wouldn't—"
"Spare me the honor speech." Her voice cracked. "You lied to me once. Used me once. Why should I believe you now?"
"Because I love you, damn it!" Adrian shouted.
The room froze.
Nancy blinked.
It was the first time he'd said it.
"I didn't know it until after you left," he said, voice softer now. "I didn't know what I felt until you were gone. But I wouldn't destroy you. Not when I've been trying so hard to get you back."
Her eyes shimmered—but she looked away.
"Love isn't enough, Adrian," she whispered. "Not if I can't trust you."
---
Later That Day – Mia's Apartment
Nancy sat in silence, scrolling through article comments, trying to find the source of the leak.
Mia sat beside her, then suddenly stiffened. "Wait. I've seen this account before."
Nancy leaned in.
The anonymous blog that first posted the story? It was linked to a media firm owned—by Lily's manager.
Nancy froze.
"Lily?" she whispered.
Mia's expression darkened. "You don't think…?"
Nancy's throat went dry.
No one knew about the marriage contract. No one except Nancy, Adrian…
And Lily.
---
Meanwhile – Paris
Lily scrolled through the headlines from her luxury suite. She smiled without an ounce of regret.
"Too easy," she muttered.
After all—Adrian Blackwood was hers.
And if she had to destroy Nancy to get him back?
So be it.