Chapter 8 - The Media Storm
The intruder turned out to be a private investigator hired by a rival tech firm.
They were looking for leverage to tank Julian’s upcoming merger, but the police handled it quickly.
However, the police presence at the Vance estate did not go unnoticed by the paparazzi.
The next morning, Elena walked into the kitchen to find Thorne reading a tabloid newspaper with a horrified expression.
She poured herself a cup of coffee and glanced at the front page.
Her heart stopped.
There was a massive, blurry photo of her and Julian standing near the window, taken by a long-lens camera from the water.
The headline read: BILLIONAIRE’S SECRET FAMILY? VANCE REPLACES DEAD WIFE WITH PEASANT MAID.
Elena felt all the air leave her lungs.
She dropped her coffee mug, watching it shatter into pieces on the immaculate tile.
Julian walked into the kitchen a moment later, already shouting into his phone.
“I don't care what it costs, buy the publication and kill the story!” Julian roared, hanging up.
He saw Elena staring at the newspaper, her face pale and devastated.
“Elena, don't read that trash,” Julian said, stepping forward.
“My ex-husband is going to see this,” she whispered, her voice shaking.
Julian stopped. “Your ex-husband?”
Elena had never mentioned Toby’s father.
“He’s an addict, Julian,” Elena cried, tears spilling down her cheeks.
“He lost custody two years ago, but he’s always looking for a payout.”
“If he thinks I’m involved with a billionaire, he’s going to sue for full custody of Toby just to extort you.”
Julian’s face hardened into a mask of pure granite.
He walked over and gently took the newspaper from her hands, throwing it in the trash.
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“No one is taking Toby away from you,” Julian vowed.
“I own the best legal team in the country, and as of today, they work for you.”
