Chapter 5 - The Flash of Cameras
The next morning, the peaceful silence of the Villaseñor estate was shattered by absolute chaos.
Dozens of reporters and paparazzi were swarming the massive black iron gates of the mansion.
News vans were parked illegally on the street, and camera flashes exploded like lightning every time a security guard stepped outside.
Diego was in his home office when his head of security, a massive man named Hector, rushed into the room.
"Sir, the press has completely surrounded the perimeter," Hector reported, looking highly stressed.
"Someone leaked a massive story to the tabloids overnight."
Diego grabbed his tablet and opened the morning news feeds.
His blood boiled as he saw the headline splashed across every major gossip site: BILLIONAIRE BEWITCHED! Maid Uses Secret Love Child to Destroy High-Society Wedding!
The article painted Marisol as a calculating villain who had waited for the perfect moment to extort money from him.
"Paulina," Diego growled, throwing the tablet hard onto his mahogany desk.
He immediately thought of Marisol, knowing she had probably seen the news on her phone.
He sprinted out of his office and ran up the grand staircase, taking the steps two at a time.
He burst into the guest suite and found Marisol sitting on the edge of the bed, her face buried in her hands.
Valentina was watching cartoons on the massive television, completely unaware of her mother's silent tears.
"Marisol," Diego said softly, rushing to her side and pulling her into a tight, secure hug.
"I am so sorry, I didn't think she would sink this low so quickly."
Marisol sobbed quietly against his chest, her small frame shaking with humiliation and fear.
"They are calling me terrible things, Diego," she cried.
"They are saying I trapped you, that Valentina is just a pawn for money."
"Look at me," Diego demanded gently, pulling back slightly to cup her tear-stained face.
"I do not care what the world says, and you shouldn't either."
He wiped a tear from her cheek with his thumb, his dark eyes fiercely protective.
"I am going to hold a press conference this afternoon," Diego announced with absolute certainty.
"I am going to tell the entire world the truth, and I will publicly recognize Valentina as my legitimate daughter and heir."
Marisol gasped, her eyes widening in sheer shock.
"Diego, no, that will only make the scandal worse for your company!" she protested.
"My company means absolutely nothing if I cannot protect my family," Diego stated firmly.
May you like
He kissed her forehead, a promise sealed in the quiet morning light.
He was ready to go to war for them, and he was not going to lose.
