Chapter 9 WHEN SILENCE BREAKS

The city didn't care about secrets.

It swallowed them whole, chewed them into rumors, and spat them back out as headlines. Elara understood this now as she stood beside Kael in the private elevator of Blackwood Holdings, the quiet hum of machinery underscoring the weight in her chest.

"This isn't necessary," she murmured.

Kael glanced down at her. "It is."

The elevator doors slid open to reveal a floor of polished steel and glass, buzzing with controlled activity. Assistants moved quickly, voices low, eyes flicking toward Elara with curiosity they tried-and failed-to hide.

Every step forward felt like stepping into a spotlight.

"You can leave at any point," Kael said quietly as they walked.

She nodded. "I know."

But she didn't turn back.

They hadn't made it ten steps when a sharp voice cut through the air.

"Mr. Blackwood!"

A woman with a camera stepped forward, followed by two more reporters who appeared as if summoned by instinct.

"Elara," Kael said calmly, "stay behind me."

Too late.

Flashes erupted.

"Is this the woman involved in the Vale investigation?"

"Are you confirming a personal relationship?"

"Has Blackwood Holdings intervened in a private family matter?"

Elara froze.

Her chest tightened painfully as cameras turned toward her, curiosity sharpening into hunger.

Kael stepped fully in front of her, blocking every lens with deliberate ease.

"No comment," he said coldly.

Security moved in swiftly, but the damage was done.

By the time they reached his office, Elara's hands were shaking.

"I didn't know this would happen," she whispered.

Kael's jaw was set hard. "I did."

That surprised her.

"You still brought me," she said softly.

"Yes," he replied. "Because hiding you would only confirm their theories."

The door closed behind them, sealing them into silence.

She sank into a chair, breath shallow. "I don't want to be known."

Kael crouched slightly in front of her, lowering himself to her level-but careful not to touch.

"I'll stop it," he said quietly. "I won't let them tear you apart."

"I don't want to ruin you," she said suddenly.

The words slipped out before fear could stop them.

Kael's eyes darkened. "You're not capable of that."

Before she could respond, Rowan burst in, tablet in hand.

"It's already spreading," he said grimly. "Blogs first. Social feeds. Speculation."

Elias followed, expression tight. "Competitors are watching."

"And Maribel?" Kael asked.

Rowan hesitated. "She gave an anonymous statement."

Elara's stomach dropped.

"What did she say?"

Rowan read aloud. "That you're emotionally unstable. That Mr. Blackwood manipulated a vulnerable young woman for control over family assets."

Silence crashed into the room.

Kael went still.

"That's a lie," Elara whispered.

"I know," Kael said.

"But everyone else doesn't," Elias added quietly.

Kael turned sharply. "Shut it down."

Rowan nodded. "We'll try."

Elara stood, knees trembling. "This is my fault."

Kael rose immediately. "No."

"If I hadn't-"

"No," he repeated, firmer now. "This was inevitable. Maribel escalated. That's on her."

A notification chimed on Kael's phone.

He glanced at it once.

Then his expression changed.

"We're leaving," he said.

"Where?" Elara asked.

"Home," he replied. "Before this turns into a siege."

They exited through a private corridor, but even then, Elara could feel eyes on her-imagined or real, it didn't matter. Her world had cracked open.

At the estate, the gates barely closed before Kael's phone rang again.

"They're circling," Rowan said through the speaker. "Press, rivals, and someone from the regulatory board."

Kael ended the call and turned to Elara.

"You didn't ask for this," he said. "But you're in it now."

She swallowed hard. "So what happens to me?"

Kael hesitated.

Then, for the first time since she'd met him, uncertainty crossed his face.

"I don't know," he admitted.

That frightened her more than anything else.

Later that night, Elara stood on the balcony, city lights glittering in the distance. Her phone buzzed.

Unknown Number

Enjoy the spotlight. It won't protect you.

Her fingers trembled.

Behind her, Kael watched silently.

The world had seen her now.

And it would never unsee her again.

...