WHEN HEART COLLIDE

Chapter 17

When Hearts Collide

Chapter 17 – A Public Scandal

The following morning, Ethan was awakened by the persistent ringing of his phone.

He reached for it on the bedside table.

"Hello?"

It was Ryan.

"You need to see today's news."

Ethan immediately turned on the television.

Every business channel was showing the same headline.

"Billionaire CEO Ethan Cole Seen Holding Hands with Employee."

A photograph filled the screen.

It was the picture taken outside Cole Developments the previous evening.

Ethan's expression hardened.

"Who leaked it?"

"We don't know yet," Ryan replied. "But every news outlet is talking about it."

"I'll be at the office in twenty minutes."

Sophia's morning was no better.

Her phone buzzed nonstop with messages from friends, former classmates, and even strangers.

Lily sat beside her on the couch, scrolling through the news.

"They're making it sound like a scandal."

Sophia sighed.

"They don't know the truth."

Lily squeezed her hand.

"Then don't let strangers define your story."

Sophia nodded before getting ready for work.

Outside Cole Developments, reporters crowded the entrance.

Cameras flashed as employees hurried into the building.

The moment Ethan stepped out of his car, reporters rushed toward him.

"Mr. Cole, are you dating your employee?"

"Is there a conflict of interest?"

"Will this affect your company?"

Ethan stopped.

His security team waited for him to keep walking.

Instead, he faced the cameras.

"My private life will never influence my professional decisions."

"Ms. Daniels is an outstanding architect who has earned every opportunity through talent and hard work."

"I will not allow false stories to undermine her reputation."

Without answering any more questions, he entered the building.

A few minutes later, Sophia arrived.

The reporters immediately surrounded her.

"Ms. Daniels!"

"Are you in a relationship with Mr. Cole?"

"Did you receive special treatment?"

Sophia took a deep breath.

Before she could answer, Ethan appeared beside her.

He looked at the reporters.

"She's here to work."

Then he turned to Sophia.

"Come with me."

Together, they walked into the building.

The cameras captured every second.

Inside, the board of directors was already waiting.

The chairman spoke first.

"The media attention is affecting the company's image."

Another director added,

"Investors are asking questions."

Ethan remained calm.

"Our results speak for themselves."

"But what about the rumors?"

Ethan looked around the room.

"If my personal life ever interferes with this company, I will step down."

The room fell silent.

"I won't allow gossip to overshadow years of hard work from everyone in this organization."

The directors exchanged thoughtful glances.

Finally, the chairman nodded.

"Very well."

After the meeting, Sophia stood alone on the rooftop terrace, trying to clear her thoughts.

She heard footsteps behind her.

Ethan joined her.

"I'm sorry you're going through this."

She smiled sadly.

"You didn't create the rumors."

"No."

He looked toward the London skyline.

"But I may have created the feelings behind them."

Sophia's heart skipped.

She turned to face him.

"Ethan..."

He met her eyes.

"I care about you."

The words were simple.

Honest.

"I've tried to ignore it."

"I can't."

Sophia felt tears welling in her eyes—not from sadness, but from relief.

"I care about you too."

A gentle smile spread across Ethan's face.

For the first time, there were no doubts.

No misunderstandings.

No fear.

Only truth.

He reached for her hand.

This time, she didn't hesitate.

She intertwined her fingers with his.

Far below, hidden behind another building, a photographer captured the moment through a long camera lens.

Watching from inside a parked car, Vanessa smiled coldly.

"Perfect."

She picked up her phone and dialed a number.

"The next phase begins today."

The voice on the other end answered,

"Everything is ready."

Vanessa ended the call, her eyes fixed on Ethan and Sophia standing together.

"They think the hardest part is over."

She smiled.

"They have no idea what's coming."

End of Chapter 17