The tension in the cabin was thicker than a three-layer chocolate cake. Adrian and Nancy were sitting across from each other with a whiteboard between them—yes, a literal whiteboard—outlining a fake strategy to beat real enemies.
Adrian wrote 'Operation Save the Marriage' at the top.
Nancy blinked. "Really? That's the title we're going with?"
Adrian looked sheepish. "It's temporary."
Nancy grabbed the marker and crossed it out. "Let's try 'Operation: Outwit the Vultures.' More on brand."
He grinned despite himself. "I knew I married you for a reason."
Nancy pointed the marker at him. "Fake married, remember?"
Adrian held up his hands in surrender. "Touché."
They spent the next two hours mapping out PR moves, possible leaks, and how to counteract Camille's photos. It was surprisingly… collaborative. Which, for Nancy, was weird. And kind of nice. And that was also weird.
---
Meanwhile – Camille's Office
Lily sipped her latte with a smirk. "So what happens if your little plan backfires?"
Camille scoffed. "It won't. Once the press gets wind of Nancy's past—you know, the hospital bills, the multiple part-time jobs, her scholarship controversy—it's over. No one will believe she belongs in his world."
Lily's smile faded. "And if he defends her?"
Camille's eyes narrowed. "Then we destroy them both."
---
Back at the Cabin
After hours of scheming, Nancy tossed herself onto the couch. "I feel like I'm part of an underground spy team."
"You kind of are," Adrian said, handing her a cup of tea.
She took it. "Thanks. And thanks for not being a complete jerk today."
He mock-bowed. "Personal growth."
She chuckled, then sighed. "You know, part of me thought marrying a billionaire would mean spa days and champagne. Not whiteboards and backstabbing board members."
Adrian leaned on the couch arm. "We could do the spa thing after we destroy our enemies."
Nancy gave him a look. "Tempting. But no cucumber slices until Camille is crying in a corner."
They shared a laugh. A real one. And for a moment, it felt almost normal.
Then Adrian's phone buzzed.
He glanced at it—and froze.
"What is it?" Nancy asked.
He handed her the phone. A headline was already trending: "Cinderella Con or Corporate Pawn? The Mystery Behind Nancy Blackwood."
There was a photo. The one from the woods. Her stunned face, taken completely off guard.
Nancy stared. "They leaked it."
Adrian stood. "We need to move fast."
Nancy squared her shoulders. "Let's burn their whole castle down."