Adrian Knight didn't wait.
By dawn, the boardroom of Knight Group was filled with his most trusted executives, their faces pale as he flung newspapers across the table.
"Every headline," he said, his voice like a blade, "every photo, every whisper… ends today."
No one dared breathe.
"Send legal notices to every outlet that mentioned Lena's name. Freeze their advertisers if they don't comply. And the next journalist who harasses her—" Adrian's eyes darkened, "—make sure their career is finished before sunset."
"Yes, sir." His executives scattered, eager to obey.
But Adrian wasn't finished. He dialed a number himself, his voice low and dangerous. "Levine. You own half the papers in this city. Retract every story within the hour—or I'll buy you out and burn your empire to the ground."
The line went silent. Then, a trembling, "Y-Yes, Mr. Knight."
When the call ended, Adrian leaned back in his chair, jaw tight. The world thought it could shame Lena Hart? They'd learn exactly how wrong they were.
---
That evening, as Adrian prepared to return home, his assistant stepped in. "Sir… Miss Hayes is here to see you."
Clara.
Adrian's expression hardened. "Send her in."
The woman swept into his office like she owned it, dressed in silver silk that caught the light. "Adrian," she purred, ignoring his cold stare. "You've had quite a day."
"What do you want, Clara?"
She smiled, perching gracefully on the edge of his desk. "I only came to offer… perspective. This little scandal? It's tearing you down. Investors are whispering. Partners are restless. You can't afford to keep defending her."
Adrian's voice was ice. "Say her name."
Clara's smile widened. "Lena. Sweet, tragic Lena. She's a liability, Adrian. But me?" She leaned closer. "I can be your strength. With me by your side, the whispers would stop."
For a moment, the office was silent.
Then Adrian stood, towering over her. "Let me make something very clear," he said, each word heavy with steel. "Lena Hart is mine. And anyone who dares touch her—whether it's the press… or you—will regret it."
Clara's eyes glittered, unflinching. "Then you've chosen war."
She slid off his desk and walked toward the door, her heels clicking like gunshots. Just before leaving, she glanced back. "I wonder, Adrian… how long before she breaks under the weight of your protection?"
The door closed softly.
Adrian exhaled slowly, fists clenched. He could crush the media. He could silence the world.
But Clara Hayes… she was playing a different game.
And Lena was caught in the center.