BOUND BY HIS BROKEN VOWS

ULTIMATUM

The storm didn’t pass. It grew.

By the end of the week, the scandal had spiraled out of control. The tabloids wouldn’t let go, the stock market dipped further, and whispers spread like wildfire in the corridors of Blackthorn Enterprises.

Elena became the silent target.

At charity luncheons, the women’s smiles were razor-thin, their words laced with venom. At the office, staff averted their eyes, murmuring behind their hands. Even the press camped outside the mansion gates, cameras flashing whenever she dared to step out.

But the worst came during the board meeting.

Adrian strode into the conference room with Elena at his side. She had begged to stay home, but he insisted she stand with him. If they attack you, they attack me, he had said.

The room fell silent as they entered. Dozens of eyes bored into her—judgmental, accusing, hostile.

The chairman cleared his throat. “Adrian, we’ve been patient, but this… scandal cannot continue unchecked.”

Adrian’s jaw tightened. “It’s fabricated. A desperate stunt. You know that.”

“Fabricated or not,” another board member interjected, “the damage is real. Investors are nervous. Our partners are pulling back. We cannot risk the company’s stability over—” His gaze flicked to Elena with disdain. “—over her.”

Heat burned her cheeks, but before she could speak, Adrian’s hand pressed gently to the small of her back, steadying her.

“Say what you mean,” he said coldly.

The man didn’t flinch. “The company needs a clean slate. We’re asking you to end this marriage. Quietly. Discreetly. Before more damage is done.”

Elena’s breath caught.

The words felt like a blade, sharp and final.

Her fingers trembled against her skirt, but Adrian… Adrian didn’t hesitate.

“No.” His voice was iron.

Murmurs rippled through the room.

“I said no.” He leaned forward, his gaze like fire. “You don’t dictate my personal life. You don’t dictate who I marry. Elena stays. That’s not up for discussion.”

The room froze.

Elena’s heart hammered, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. He had chosen her. Publicly. Unapologetically.

But then the chairman’s voice cut through. “If you refuse, we’ll have no choice but to move for your removal as CEO. The shareholders will support it. Don’t test us, Adrian. It’s her… or the empire.”

Silence slammed down like a gavel.

Elena couldn’t breathe. She looked at Adrian, searching his face for an answer, for any sign of doubt.

But his jaw was set, his eyes burning with defiance.

“My empire means nothing,” he said lowly, “if I have to buy it with betrayal.”

Gasps echoed around the room.

Elena’s vision blurred. In that moment, for the first time, she saw it—saw the truth beneath his armor. Adrian Blackthorn

was willing to risk everything for her.

But at what cost?