Chapter 9%
There was a pause. Vincent shifted and stood before his assistant, his eyes boring into the subordinate
“Do you think… that amount makes me poor?” his tone was flat but biting.
His assistant looked strained. “That wasn’t what I was trying to say, Sir. It’s just that-”
“You’re shortchanging my wealth?” Vincent narrowed his eyes.
“No, Sir. I’m merely reporting the loss and.”
Vincent cut off his assistant’s words.
“Five hundred thousand? That is not a loss. That is just a small reminder to me.”
I spun slowly, my eyes opening slightly wider as I gazed at him. Shocked not because of his anger, but owing to his strange reaction.
He was not the least bit angry with me.
There was no trace of disappointment on his face.
Rather, he walked slowly towards me, then stood directly in front of me.l
“Mr. Vincent, but I’ve suffered a loss because of that news. I came here hoping to apologize to you in person, and if you terminate me as your fiancée, then I will accept it. …”
I said with tear filled eyes, but Vincent’s index finger
was on my lips as if telling me to be quiet.
“You don’t need to apologize for the stock value, Scarlett. And I’m not going to lose you over some numbers on a financial screen,”
His voice lowered, more intimate but still shrouded in the same authoritative presence that clung to every syllable of every word he spoke. Hooked at him, still disbelieving. But Vincent’s gaze did not waver
“They can talk, slander, drag my name, even count my losses as if they know their worth. But they miss one important point.”
He looked me straight in the eye.!!
“I don’t play in their league. I make my own game.
My heart trembled. I had no idea what to say. But Vincent embraced me then. For a moment, he gave me a peace that soothed me.
I wasn’t silent about the news that was spinning further and further out of control. I had talked with Vincent and devised a plan. I would appear at an exclusive interview with a prominent media organization that would set the record straight.”
Not to mention, Vincent was by my side.8
I tried to remain stationary at that moment.k
The interview began.
The host started with a middle–ground remark, trying to balance out the insanity of the news that had already broken beforehand.
“Miss Scarlett, the world outside says you left Nolan for power and money. But you’ve never had your say. Until today. Can we hear your mind?‘
I took a deep breath. Then looked straight into the lens.
“My silence is not a sign of guilt. I was quiet because I still honored. But now, since my name has been dragged, my child exposed, and people insult me without even knowing the truth, I will no longer be silent.
It got quiet. Vincent was sitting behind me, his eyes razor–sharp, watching every reaction in the room.
I raised my phone
“There are 13 pieces of evidence here of Nolan’s betrayal throughout our relationship. Infidelity proof. Private conversations. Photos and even videos. There is even a secret transaction with Valerie–who he said was merely a colleague.”
I clicked the screen. The slideshow of the photos and even video was displayed on the studio’s giant screen.
The faces of the production crew hardened. A short video appeared. Nolan’s voice and Valerie’s laughter, they were having an affair while I was pregnant.
“That was his betrayal. I didn’t leave because of material things. I just wanted to let go of the poison that had long disguised itself as
love.”!
Then I turned to face the host.
“And they shared ultrasound images of my child, without permission. A child who never had a chance to breathe because of the countless wound’s his mother citried alone.”
The studio fell tense.
Vincent stood. Stepped forward with the kind of perilous calm only a Moretti could achieve.l
“My family does not usually get involved in public matters. But this time it is different. Scarlett is my fiancée. And anyone who pulls her name will have to face us directly. Across the negotiating table. Or.. someplace more private B
The two of us were trapped in the spotlight of the camera. My face was calm. Vincent stood beside me.X
And the public erupted after that broadcast. Now, their focus shifted from me and turned to Nolan and Valerie, who had deceived them.
JOh my God! It appears Nolan isn’t just an actor on screen but also in his real life. Poor Scarlett.]
[Seems Valene has no shame. She’s Nolan’s workmate, but also his bedmate. What a cold–blooded woman!]!
3:54 PM ď ď ·
[Scarlett was silent for too long. But when she did speak, the world was ignited.]!
[Vincent Moretti. That type of man doesn’t protect just anybody. Now we see who it is that actually deserves it.]
After that interview, Vincent and I were in a luxurious car driving in silence. Not a word was uttered. Just the tension slowly faded away.!!
I turned to look at Vincent sitting next to me.
“Thank you… for being beside me still. When the world cursed me.”
Vincent’s voice was gentle, his eyes never leaving mine.
“Im not beside you, Scarlett. I’m pulling you to stand beside me. And beside me, nothing gets touched without permission. Including your dignity.”
1.55 PM & d
