Nancy stared out the penthouse window, the city glittering below like a million secrets waiting to spill. The news about Camille had gone viral. Her downfall wasn't subtle—it was spectacular.
Adrian sat on the couch, laptop open, reading headlines.
"Her company's board suspended her," he said. "She's under full investigation."
Nancy turned. "And we didn't even have to touch her."
He raised an eyebrow. "You didn't call in any favors?"
She crossed her arms. "No. But I might have whispered a few things to someone who owed me."
Adrian smirked. "Remind me never to get on your bad side."
Nancy grinned. "Too late."
---
Later That Day – Nancy's Old Campus
Nancy walked past the familiar buildings. It had been weeks since she'd returned. She met with her professor, handed in her thesis draft, and promised she'd still walk for graduation.
But the real reason she came wasn't academic.
"Mom, Dad!" she called as her parents walked toward her from the parking lot.
Her mom looked emotional. "Nancy, the press… everything… are you okay?"
She hugged them both. "Better than okay. Things are messy, but I'm handling it."
Her dad patted her shoulder. "We're proud of you, no matter what."
Nancy smiled, blinking back tears. "Thanks, Dad."
---
Meanwhile – Blackwood Enterprises Boardroom
Uncle Harold slammed a folder shut. "Camille's scandal won't protect Adrian for long. The contract marriage—if it's exposed—will destroy his credibility."
A senior board member frowned. "There's no evidence of manipulation now. They've been public. The press loves them. And Camille's the one under fire."
Harold hissed, "It's a façade. I know that girl's a gold digger."
Another board member shrugged. "She might be. But she's also turning Adrian into someone we respect."
Harold's face darkened. The tides were turning, and for once, not in his favor.
---
Later That Night – Rooftop Balcony
Adrian brought out two glasses of wine. Nancy was curled up in a blanket, staring at the stars.
He sat beside her. "So, what's next?"
Nancy smiled. "We go back to normal. You fight your business battles, I finish school, we stop pretending to be in love…"
Adrian stared at her. "Who says we're pretending?"
Her heart skipped. "Adrian…"
"I meant it, Nancy. I didn't just fall for the idea of you. I fell for your fire, your chaos, your courage. And I don't want this to be a game anymore."
She blinked slowly, lips parting. "Are you saying…"
He leaned in. "I'm saying I want real. No contracts. No games. Just us."
She let the silence stretch, the moment heavy and bright.
Then she whispered, "Then prove it."