The headlines hit the next morning like a storm.
"Daughter of Fraudster Seen on CEO's Arm!"
"Knight Group's Reputation at Risk?"
"Society's Darling or Society's Shame?"
Every article had her name, her face, her father's sins splashed across glossy pages and glowing screens.
Lena sat curled up on the couch of Adrian's penthouse, knees tucked to her chest, staring at the cruel words. Her phone buzzed endlessly with unknown numbers, reporters, and even old acquaintances who suddenly remembered she existed.
She shut it off. The silence was worse.
When Adrian returned from a call, he found her trembling, the papers scattered around her. "Lena," he said gently, crouching in front of her. "Don't read that garbage."
Her laugh was hollow. "How can I not? It's everywhere. I'm everywhere." She looked up at him, her eyes swollen from crying. "You should've let me go last night. You should've walked away when you had the chance."
Adrian's gaze sharpened. "Stop saying that."
"You don't understand," she whispered, her voice breaking. "This isn't just whispers anymore. They'll drag your name, your company, everything you've built… all because of me."
He reached out, but she pulled away, burying her face in her hands. "I can't do this to you, Adrian. I won't."
For the first time, Adrian's composure faltered. His voice cracked, low and raw. "Do you think I care about their noise? Do you think I've fought my way to the top just to bend to them now?"
She shook her head, tears spilling again. "I don't want to be your weakness."
The words cut him deeper than she realized. His chest tightened, and for a rare moment, the unshakable CEO felt helpless.
He rose to his feet, his shadow falling over her. "You're not my weakness, Lena," he said, his tone carrying the weight of iron. "You're the one thing I won't let them touch."
But when she didn't move, didn't look at him, Adrian clenched his fists at his sides. He knew words weren't enough anymore. If she was drowning in shame, he would have to tear down the tide itself.
As Lena curled smaller into herself, Adrian turned toward the window, staring at the skyline with fire in his veins.
Tomorrow, he would stop playing defense.
Tomorrow, the world would learn what it meant to challenge Adrian Knight.