The rumors spread by Dorian Blackwood hit Victoria harder than she expected. Her new clothing business, supported by Isabella Lancastriel, started to struggle right away. Customers canceled their orders, suppliers hesitated to trust her, and the gossip about her rumored relationship with an "ex-convict murderer" seemed to ruin everything she had worked for.
Victoria sat at her desk in her private office located at Helix Dynamics, staring at a flood of cancelation emails and worried messages from investors. She felt a wave of anger.
A knock on the door broke her thoughts. Isabella walked in, looking calm but with a hint of worry in her eyes as she took a seat.
"You’re losing more clients," Isabella said gently.
Victoria nodded, biting her lip. "The rumors are spreading too quickly. Dori
