The morning sun rose over the city, creating a calm façade that belied the turmoil brewing beneath. The golden light bathed the skyline, making it seem almost too peaceful for the chaos ahead.
Inside the Millers Enterprises skyscraper, the team was busy preparing for a highly anticipated press conference.
Drew adjusted the cuffs of his charcoal suit in front of the mirror, his face serious. Camilla stood behind him, smoothing the lapel of his blazer.
"You don't have to face this by yourself," she murmured.
He caught her gaze in the mirror. "I know. That's why I can handle it."
Camilla offered a gentle smile, though anxiety twisted in her stomach. Today would be a turning point, whether for good or ill.
In the lobby below, the space was filled with journalists, influencers, and corporate leaders. Bright camera lights reflected off the shiny floors, and quiet conversations buzzed like static in the air.
Leo stood to the side, issuing last-minute commands through his earpiece. Spotting Drew and Camilla exiting the private elevator, he quickly approached them.
"Everyone's ready. The moment you start speaking, it'll be live on all major networks. We've locked in a spot on the global stream. Once it's out, no one, especially Tanis, can twist the narrative."
Drew nodded. "Great. Let's get this done."
The room quieted as Drew stepped onto the stage. Cameras zoomed in, capturing every blink and breath. He looked handsome as ever. Every girl's dream man.
"Thank you for joining me today," he began, his voice firm yet calm. "I'm here not just as a CEO, but as a man who has recently uncovered truths hidden by manipulation and lies."
Murmurs rippled through the audience.
"I was in an accident that caused me to lose my memory. During that time, someone I trusted, someone close to me, exploited my weakness. Tanis Harper inserted herself into my life under false pretenses. She claimed to be my fiancée. She deceived me. She controlled my recovery process and even drugged me."
Gasps filled the room as flashes from cameras lit up the scene.
Drew remained steady. "The truth is, I was engaged before the accident, but not to her. I was about to propose to Camilla Brentwood, the woman I truly love. She supported me even before I discovered who I really was."
A photo of him and Camilla from their trip to Greece, bright and cheerful, appeared on the screen behind him.
Murmurs grew into loud cheers.
"Effective immediately, Tanis Harper is no longer connected to me, my business, or my personal affairs. I am pursuing legal action against her, and I ask for your respect during the ongoing investigation."
He stepped back.
Camilla came to stand beside him as the audience erupted with questions. Drew chose not to respond. He held Camilla's hand, gave a brief nod, and left the stage.
Fifteen minutes later, the internet was buzzing.
#TanisHarperExposed was trending globally.
Video clips spread rapidly. News outlets rushed to provide exclusive reports. Public opinion shifted dramatically, support for Drew and Camilla surged, while anger towards Tanis grew.
Meanwhile, Tanis watched the events unfold from her penthouse, the television blaring in the background.
Her fists tightened, and her eyes were filled with fury.
"He picked her." The words dripped with bitterness.
She turned to her assistant. "Do it. Now."
"Are you certain, Ms. Harper? This is crossing a serious line."
"Just do it."
The assistant nodded hesitantly and exited the room.
Tanis approached her bar, poured a glass of brandy, and gazed out the window.
"You wanted a fight, Drew? I hope you're prepared for the consequences."
That evening, Camilla sat on Drew's balcony, wrapped in a cozy gray shawl, cradling a steaming mug of peppermint tea. The city skyline unfolded before her like a sparkling tapestry, with skyscrapers lighting up as night fell. Cars flowed through the streets like glowing veins, and in the distance, she could hear the gentle hum of life.
She inhaled deeply, attempting to ease the lingering anxiety from the press conference. The rush of adrenaline had subsided, but the pressure of what lay ahead weighed heavily on her.
Drew joined her, wearing a simple black sweater and slacks, his hair tousled by the breeze. He approached quietly, sitting next to her and resting his hands on the railing while gazing out at the city.
For a few moments, they sat in silence.
Then, in a calm and steady voice, he spoke up. "You were incredible today."
She offered a faint smile. "That was all you. I just stood by your side."
"That's all I ever needed."
They enjoyed the quiet, the warmth of their shared peace comforting them.
Then—
Drew's phone rang.
It was Leo.
He picked up. "Leo?"
His best friend's voice was tense. "We've got a problem. A big one."
"What kind of problem?"
"Tanis just leaked a video."
Camilla leaned closer, her heart racing.
"What video?"
Leo paused. "She had you followed weeks ago, before you left the city. She got footage of you… coming out of the clinic."
Camilla's heart sank.
"The ultrasound clinic."
Drew felt a knot in his stomach. "She knows about the baby?"
This is worse. She's gone public with it. Right now.
Drew was already reaching for the remote.
He switched to a news channel.
There it was.
BREAKING: SECRET BABY SCANDAL! MILLERS HEIR ON THE WAY?
The screen displayed blurry footage of Camilla entering and exiting the clinic. A voiceover speculated wildly.
Camilla covered her mouth with both hands, her breath hitching. "Oh my God," she whispered, her voice trembling. Her eyes widened, filled with panic as she watched the footage replaying on the screen.
The news anchor continued: "While the identity of the child's father remains unconfirmed, insiders suggest this could spark a scandal involving one of the city's wealthiest billionaires."
Her tea sat forgotten on the table, growing cold.
Drew clenched his fists, his jaw muscles twitching with anger. "She had someone follow you… record you at the clinic… And now she's using it to manipulate the media."
Camilla turned to him, her voice shaking. "This isn't just an invasion of privacy, Drew. She's put our baby out there. Our child."
His eyes darkened, a storm brewing within. He stepped toward the TV and turned it off with a decisive click of the remote. "She's gone too far," he growled. "This… this means war."
He faced her, gripping the railing behind her. "No more holding back. No more caution. I'm going to dismantle every lie she's created, every threat she makes. And I will protect both of you."
Camilla nodded slowly, her fear transforming into fierce resolve. "Then let's put an end to this. Together."