CHAPTER 69
ARIA’S POV
I am pleased that Grandpa’s antique pièce is safe with me. Since that day, after Eva and Elodie literally begged me to return the necklace, I refused. I wanted them to run to Adam and complain, which I was certain they did. Thereafter, no one has approached me about it again.
Just when I thought I could enjoy a peaceful week, and as I’m heading out the door on my way to work, my assistant Mario calls me with some fresh news to share. The news is something I was expecting.
“Miss… There are pictures of you and Regis Miller in circulation online with caption stating that you’re his mistress.”
This is not it. He tells me that they are also spreading rumours about my divorce and that they are still calling me a slut for sleeping with Neal Jackson. Will they ever stop talking like this about Neal and me?
“Oh, really!”
“I’ve forwarded the photo to you. It’s when you and Regis had dinner together.”
“I’ll have a look. Just take care of the office matters in the meantime.”
Mario agrees, and we disconnect. As I glance at my phone screen, I’m reminded of the day I spotted Eva while Regis and I were out for dinner, so blissfully happy together. Eva has somehow managed to twist those best moments into something much bigger and more problematic than they ever were.
She has a knack for being sneaky and opportunistic, always finding a way to turn the smallest details into leverage. With her, anything is possible, and now I’m left wondering what she plans to do with this.
But when did she manage to take that photo?
Regis and I were so absorbed in our own happiness that we didn’t notice anyone else around. Could it have been Adam? Perhaps he was supposed to meet Eva that day; maybe he took our photographs and gave them to her? After all, he is used to taking photos, isn’t he?
Adam has been very sarcastic with Regis lately, taunting him for trying to win me over. I believe that last time, when Regis told him that all men were trying to court me, including Regis himself, Adam must have gotten mad. I know when Adam is mad, he can go to extremes.
Just then, Neal comes into my room to inform me that we’ve made the headlines, and now a swarm of reporters has gathered at Jackson Paragon. He advises me to stay indoors until the situation is under control.
“I’ll take a day off and relax a bit. Frankly speaking, I’m tired of all these rumours.”
“I’ll take care of everything. You don’t worry.”
Neal’s smile is comforting, but I can’t shake the worry that my presence is tarnishing his reputation. I’m still new in his life, and I’ve already brought so many problems. My big brother goes to the office, while I stay back. I trust him. When he says he will take care of everything, he will.
After Neal left, I decide to get immersed in the new billionaire romance I have just started yesterday. I love reading and for some months now, I have not been able to read too many books.
After an hour, I went to have some snacks. This is when I receive a call from Neal.
“Do you know who’s behind spreading these rumours?”
“Have you found anything?”
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CHAPTER 69
“The Millers.”
+25 BONUS
Neal’s tone is harsh, cutting through any sense of reassurance. His words are blunt and tinged with frustration, making it clear that the situation is serious and perhaps more complicated than I realized.
“Of course it’s them, who else.”
“Want me to take care of them?”
I still don’t want Neal to get involved in this matter. I assure him that I’ll handle it.
Reflecting on the situation, I’m now convinced that the one spreading these rumors is none other than Adarn. I can’t believe he would stoop so low just to avenge Eva and Elodie. I chuckle at Adam’s attitude and behavior. He has always stood up for them, never for me.
I’m overwhelmed by memories of years of humiliation and the recent disgrace I’ve been enduring, I’ve finally reached my breaking point. I decide it’s time to talk to my brother, convinced that this is the right moment.
We are siblings; it’s both hurtful and disgusting to hear people sexualizing our relationship.
“Do you think we should let the world know that we are siblings?”
CHAPTER 70
*25 BONUS
CHAPTER 70
