The storm that had been brewing finally broke.
Julian stood in his office, fingers gripping the edge of his desk as he stared at the screen. Dozens of images—some taken in private moments, others carefully manipulated—plastered every major news outlet. Headlines screamed accusations, twisting the truth into something grotesque.
Julian Blackwood’s Scandalous Affair Exposed! Is This the End of His Empire?
Emily Wilson: The Mistress or the Mastermind?
Julian’s jaw clenched.
Across the room, Emily sat on the couch, her face pale as she scrolled through the same articles. Her hands trembled around her phone.
“Emily—”
“I can’t breathe.”
Her voice was barely a whisper, but it sliced through him like a knife.
Julian moved instantly, kneeling in front of her, taking her icy hands in his. “
