Chapter 9: Rumors BeginPart 2: The Board's Doubts
435 Words
Ethan and Ava enter the Blackwood Group boardroom.
The directors stare at Ava with obvious skepticism.
One senior director, Mr. Harrison, stands.
"Mr. Blackwood, your marriage has caused chaos in the market. Investors are asking questions."
Another director adds, "Who exactly is Mrs. Blackwood?"
Instead of answering himself, Ethan tells Ava to introduce herself.
Although nervous, Ava speaks with confidence about her education, values, and determination.
Some directors remain unconvinced.
Mr. Harrison coldly says, "A company like Blackwood deserves a woman from an influential family."
The room falls silent.
Ethan slowly rises.
"My wife doesn't need your approval."
No one dares argue further.
After the meeting, the directors begin whispering among themselves.
Someone secretly sends a message to an unknown person:
"She's exactly where we want her."
part 3: rumors spread like fire
News from the meeting leaks online.
Social media explodes.
Some people praise Ava for her courage.
Others accuse her of marrying Ethan for his fortune.
Outside Blackwood Group, reporters surround the building.
As Ethan and Ava leave, microphones are pushed toward them.
"Mrs. Blackwood, are you pregnant?"
"Did you force Mr. Blackwood into marriage?"
"How much money did you receive?"
Ava is overwhelmed.
Ethan steps in front of her.
"The interview is over."
His security team escorts them to the car.
Inside the limousine, Ava finally breaks down.
"I don't know if I'm strong enough for this."
Ethan quietly hands her a handkerchief.
"You'll learn."
part 4: a trap is set
That evening, Victoria Hart meets a mysterious businessman in a private lounge.
She places a photograph of Ava on the table.
"I want her reputation destroyed."
The man smiles.
"It has already begun."
They agree to spread fake stories claiming Ava lied about her past and manipulated Ethan.
Meanwhile, Ava receives another anonymous message.
Leave Ethan Blackwood... or you'll regret it.
She quickly deletes it before Ethan notices.
But someone is watching her every move.
part 5: The first attack
The next morning, Blackwood Mansion is surrounded by reporters.
A fake newspaper headline goes viral:
THE BILLIONAIRE'S WIFE HIDES A SHOCKING SECRET.
The servants panic.
The butler rushes to Ethan.
"Sir, this isn't ordinary gossip."
Ethan studies the article.
"It's fabricated."
He turns to Ava.
"Someone is targeting you."
Ava's face turns pale.
"Why?"
Ethan's eyes narrow.
"Because they can't attack me directly."
He takes her hand.
"From now on, you won't go anywhere without my security team."
As they stand together in the grand entrance hall, neither of them notices a black SUV parked across the street.
Inside, a man lowers his binoculars and smiles.
"The game has finally begun."
- Writer
