Public Enemies
The photograph from across the road reached Monaco before Sofia and Lucien could leave Mauritius, spreading through social media with a caption accusing the Paddock Princess of hiding stolen technology. By the time they landed, reporters were waiting outside Vantari headquarters, shouting questions about Mateo and asking whether Sofia had known about Sovereign before signing the contract. Sofia wanted to answer, but Lucien stepped beside her and said the accusations were being investigated and his fiancée deserved the presumption of innocence. The statement immediately became headline, yet Sofia noticed he had deliberately placed the responsibility beside her rather than speaking for her.
Inside the team offices, the board was assembled for an meeting. Elias argued that So
