By midmorning, the scandal had evolved from gossip into something far more dangerous.
Television panels were discussing it.
Business analysts were debating it.
Social media had turned it into a battlefield of opinions and accusations.
Damian Roberts' name was now everywhere.
And he hated it.
He sat at the small kitchen table in Lena's apartment, staring at his phone like it might explode if he opened another notification.
The screen was filled with alerts.
News sites.
Messages.
Unknown numbers trying to call.
Each vibration felt like another warning.
Another reminder that his quiet life had disappeared overnight.
Lena walked past him carrying a bowl of cereal.
"You look like you're about to throw the phone out the window," she said.
"I'm considering it," Damian muttered.
"That won't stop the internet."
Damian sighed heavily.
"I know."
He hesitated for a moment before opening one of the messages.
A new article appeared immediately.
