Chapter 9 A WHISPER OF SHADOWS

Vanessa's P.O.V

The clinking of cutleries and the sounds of posh laughter filled the rooftop restaurant. Vanessa sat poised in a silk red gown, her legs crossed, and her champagne untouched. The lights of the city glittered below her like a million unspoken promises.

But she was not watching the view, she was staring at her phone.

Every few seconds, her eyes would look down to the screen where a message thread with "Cathan H" sat unopened. Her ex-fiance's brother, and now a husband to a girl who should never have stood a chance.

She tapped her fingers against her forehead.

"Miss Smith?" A soft voice pulled her from her thoughts. That was her assistant, Sarah, leaning down and whispering. "The contact from the villa is on the line."

Madison took the call. "Speak."

"She is gaining favor. The mother-in-law is still skeptical, but Cathan is softening."

Madison got tense. "Then it's time..release the photos to the media."

"Are you sure? That will also expose your connection."

"That would be good, let them know what happens when they humiliate me."

As she ended the call, Madison finally sipped her champagne.

"Cheers, darling to me," she whispered to her assistant, smiling. "Let the game begin."

Vanessa's P.O.V

The next morning began with the sun pouring through the transparent curtains and a sense of unfamiliar peace. Vanessa was stretching when her phone buzzed.

Her heart thumped loudly.

Anonymous: "Poor girls do not belong in the palace."

Another message followed, it was a link, to a tabloid article.

~"BREAKING NEWS: Cathan Hartwell's secret rendezvous with ex-fiancee revealed."

The article was short but damning. Photos of Cathan and Madison at what looked like a hotel lobby, he was handing her an envelope, while she was smiling.

Vanessa's head spun. She had not even heard from Cathan since last night, he had left without a word.

Meanwhile downstairs, the atmosphere was tense. Servants paused their work as she passed. Whispers following her down the hallway.

She pushed open the door of the family lounge and stood still.

The entire Hartwell's family was gathered around the TV. The same article was displayed. Cathan stood still,his arms crossed, and his eyes locked on the screen.

Layla Hartwell, Cathan's mother turned towards Vanessa.

"You bring scandal wherever you go."

Vanessa's mouth opened, then closed.

Cathan finally spoke. "It's not what it looks like."

Vanessa let out a bitter laugh. "It never is."

She turned to leave, but Reggi was in the doorway.

He looked at her, his eyes stormy. "Come with me. You do not have to stay here."

Cathan stepped forward. "Who let you in?

She is not going anywhere."

Vanessa looked between them. "I am not a trophy to be passed around."

"Then make a decision!" Layla snapped. "Are you a part of this family or not?"

Silence fell.

Then Vanessa spoke. "I need some air please."

She walked out without waiting for permission.

Upstairs on her bed, Silvie scrolled through encrypted chats. Her eyes narrowed as she saw the photos in the tabloid.

"This was definitely planted," she muttered. "And I'm sure it's someone from inside that helped."

Her fingers flew across her keyboard. She hacked into the villa's guest log, tracking who entered during the time the photos must have been staged.

Bingo.

"Madison Smith's stylist signed in under a false name three days ago."

She bolted up from her chair.

"Cathan needs to know about it."

Cathan's P.O.V

Cathan watched Vanessa vanish beyond the front gates with a twisting in his chest he didn't expect to feel.

Everything was gradually falling apart.

He was about to go after her when Silvie burst in.

"It was a setup," she said, breathless. "The photos...Madison's team faked them. The timestamp proves it all, you were in a board meeting at that time."

He stared. "Why would she?"

"Because she is coming for Vanessa, and she is not playing fair."

Meanwhile...

Vanessa stood on the cliff overlooking the city, Reggie at her side. The wind tugged at her scarf as she blinked tears into the horizon.

"He lied," she whispered.

"He chose power," Reggie said.

She turned to him. "But what if he did not? What if this is bigger than him? ... Than me?"

He touched her hand. "Then stay and fight, but not for them, but for yourself."

Her phone rang.

It was Silvie.

"Vanessa, you need to come back ASAP. It was not Cathan, it was Madison. And she is not done yet."

Vanessa's heart thundered.

Madison had not just declared war.

She had already fired the first shot.