e was silent

, eyes blazing. Vanessa Cole looked up from her velvet armchair, perfectly po

almost teasing. "To what do

y word a blade. "I don't care how many photographers you've b

a slow, dangerous smile. "A

zzi photos from the medical clinic scrolled across the screen. Vanessa's hand

she echoed, drawing out the word as if it were foreign. "Adri

t trust anything anymore! Every word you've said, every smile in front of the cameras-

I care about your empire?" she whispered, stepping close enough that he could feel the heat of her presence. "Of course I do. But don'

're manipulating me. You've staged photos. You've lea

tand. I'm saving you. The board, the shareholders... your empire-it's fragile. Weak men get destroyed. I'

even know exists! If you're pregnant, tell me. If you'r

"You'll find out soon enough, Adrian. But until then... enjoy the performan

rian asked, voice trembling, the we

this isn't just about me. This is about your

ollowed, tension coiling tight around him. Outside, the Manhattan skyline glittered deceptively calm.

jaw. She's lying.

otos, the timing, the board's pressure-eve

e thing fo

e had just

going to

he needed to

as faking th

t to become a storm