Chapter 8 - The Rival’s TrapTheir newfound love was tested sooner than they expected.
Julian Vance, still seeking revenge for his public humiliation at the gala, launched a vicious corporate smear campaign against Montero Enterprises. He leaked false financial audits to the press, alleging that Ricardo had used his marriage to Elena as a fraudulent cover to hide offshore accounts tied to her father’s flower business.
Overnight, news trucks lined the street outside the penthouse. Montero stock began to plummet as the board panicked.
Inside the corporate boardroom, the directors demanded Ricardo’s temporary resignation to protect the stock price.
“This marriage is a publicity nightmare!” one senior director shouted. “The press is painting it as a predatory buyout of a bankrupt family! If Mrs. Montero doesn't publicly state that this was purely a business transaction, the board will vote to remove you as CEO!”
Ricardo stood at the head of the long table, his face dark, his fists clenched tightly at his side. He was prepared to step down, prepared to lose his life’s work before allowing Elena to be dragged into a public trial.
“She will not be paraded in front of the media,” Ricardo said coldly. “I will resign before I subject my wife to your circus.”
Suddenly, the heavy boardroom doors swung open.
Elena stepped into the room. She was dressed in a sharp navy suit, her blonde hair styled, her chin held high with absolute confidence.
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Ricardo’s eyes widened in surprise. “Elena? What are you doing here?”
She walked straight to the head of the table, standing right beside her husband.
