Chapter 5 - The Tabloid Retaliation
Hell hath no fury like a gold-digger thwarted.
Three days after her humiliating ejection, Eleanor struck back. Clara woke up to her phone buzzing incessantly. It was a Google Alert for Julian Vance’s name.
BILLIONAIRE’S DERANGED NANNY KIDNAPS CHILDREN, FORCES FIANCÉE OUT!
The headline on The Daily Gossip was splashed across the internet. The article featured a tearful, highly edited interview with Eleanor, claiming that Clara was dangerously obsessed with Julian, had manipulated the children against her, and had violently attacked Eleanor, forcing Julian to cancel the wedding under duress.
Clara felt the blood drain from her face. There were photos of her walking down the street with her suitcase, framed to look like she was fleeing a crime scene. There were quotes from anonymous "insiders" calling her a master manipulator.
The intercom on her bedroom wall buzzed. “Clara,” Julian’s voice sounded tight. “Don't turn on the TV. Come to my office. We have a situation.”
When Clara entered the office, Julian was pacing like a caged panther, his legal team on speakerphone. He looked up at her, his eyes softening immediately, filled with an apologetic warmth that made Clara’s heart do an unexpected flutter.
“I’m handling it,” Julian promised, ending the call. “My lawyers are drafting a cease and desist, and a massive defamation lawsuit.”
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“She’s trying to destroy my reputation,” Clara whispered, wrapping her arms around herself. “I’ll never get a job in this city again.”
Julian crossed the room, stopping just inches from her. He looked down, his imposing height suddenly feeling protective rather than intimidating. “You will never need another job, Clara. Not unless you want one. I swore I would protect you and the girls, and I meant it. She wants a public war? I’m going to give her one she’ll never forget.”
