Maya’s POV
The London headquarters of LUXE Jewelry Company was in absolute chaos. I’d just hung up with Serena after our emergency call about that Lance Draven asshole, and I was already exhausted. Rain pelted against the floor-to-ceiling windows of the conference room, matching my stormy mood perfectly.
"No, that statement is completely unacceptable!" I snapped, shoving the tablet back across the polished table. The PR team flinched collectively. "We’re not ’looking into these concerning allegations.’ That phrasing makes it sound like there might be truth to them!"
The PR director, a usually composed woman named Charlotte, cleared her throat. "Mrs. Quinn, with respect, we need to acknowledge—"
"What we need," I cut in, "is language that defends Serena without sounding defensive. Something like ’Dreamland Studio categorically rejects these false claims and is preparing evidence that will conclusively disprove all allegations.’"
My phone buzzed again—another Google alert for Serena’s name. The trending hashtags were multiplying by the minute. I scrolled through Twitter with growing horror.
"Jesus, they’re crucifying her," I muttered, rubbing my temples. "Someone’s clearly orchestrating this. The timing’s too perfect with the Quinn-Blackwood wedding announcement and our merger plans."
Charlotte exchanged nervous glances with her team. "Do you have any evidence of that?"
"Not yet." I admitted, standing to pace the room.
The conference room door opened, and Ethan strode in. Even in crisis mode, I couldn’t help noticing how commanding he looked in his tailored navy suit.
"Update?" he asked simply, loosening his tie.
I gestured toward the screens lining the wall, each displaying different social media platforms where the scandal was unfolding. "It’s spreading like wildfire. That nobody Lance Draven is getting exactly what he wanted—attention and victim status."
Ethan studied the screens, his expression unreadable. "Have we confirmed when Serena actually created those designs?"
"Her files have earlier metadata timestamps," I replied, "but proving his are fraudulent will be tricky without court-ordered access to his original files."
The PR team continued typing furiously, monitoring every mention and planning counter-strategies. I’d been at this for six straight hours, and the stress was making me nauseous.
"Everyone out," Ethan suddenly ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Take fifteen minutes."
The team scattered instantly, leaving us alone in the sleek conference room. As soon as the door closed, Ethan came behind me, hands gently massaging my shoulders.
"You need to calm down," he murmured against my ear. "This level of stress isn’t good for you."
I shrugged away from his touch. "How can you be so fucking calm? This is your sister we’re talking about! Her entire reputation—everything she’s built—is under attack!"
"And yelling at the PR team will solve that how exactly?" Ethan’s voice remained infuriatingly measured.
"At least I’m showing some emotion!" I spun to face him. "You’re acting like this is just another quarterly report that needs adjusting. This is Serena! Your sister who’s been through hell already!"
Something flashed in his eyes. "You think I don’t care? I’ve already got three separate teams investigating Lance Draven’s background. I’ve called in favors from industry contacts across Europe. I’ve spoken with Ryan twice this morning to coordinate our response."
I deflated slightly, crossing my arms. "Then why do you look so... unaffected?"
"Because one of us needs to keep a clear head," he said, softer now. "And clearly it’s not going to be you today."
"That’s not fair," I whispered, fighting back unexpected tears.
Ethan sighed, pulling me against his chest despite my resistance. "Maya, listen to me. Serena is stronger than you think.This won’t break her."

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