Chapter 5 When Worlds Crash

Ray's POV

Twenty minutes later, we passed through the imposing iron gates of the Camor estate. The Georgian mansion commanded respect with towering white columns, manicured gardens, and gleaming floor-to-ceiling windows.

A circular driveway curved around an ornate fountain where marble cherubs danced eternally.

"Ray, sweetheart, you're here," came my step-mom's warm voice as I entered the grand foyer. She descended the staircase with genuine concern. "I saw the news this morning. Are you alright, dear?"

Her kindness always warmed my heart. "I'm fine, Mom. Thank you." I responded smiling.

"Your father's waiting in his study," she said softly, placing a comforting hand on my arm. "He's worried about you."

I headed to Dad's study – a room lined with books and business journals, where aged whiskey and expensive cigars lingered permanently in the air.

"Good morning, Dad," I said, stepping into the dimly lit space.

He didn't look up from his tablet, swiping through more damaging articles. "How many more articles am I going to have to bury because of your reckless behavior, Ray?"

"Tell me how many!" His voice thundered as he finally met my eyes, disappointment etched on his weathered face.

"If scandals keep surfacing like this, how do you expect the board to approve you as my successor? As the next CEO?" He leaned back, suddenly looking every one of his sixty-five years.

"I'm sorry, Dad. It's not what you think-"

"Save it." His hand cut through the air dismissively. "I've spoken to the publication owner. He's promised to take it down immediately. But this is absolutely the last time I clean up your mess."

The weight of his disappointment settled on my shoulders. "I understand."

"Good. Now, how are the Galaxy Entertainment merger negotiations? The board expects a full report by Friday."

"Everything's on track. Contracts will be finalized next week, and I'm meeting with the production manager this afternoon."

"Don't mess this up. This merger could position us as the dominant force in entertainment media for the next decade." His eyes bore into mine. "Don't give me another reason to question your readiness."

"Alright Dad, I'll be on my way now – I have documents to review before the meeting." I responded as he gave me a hand gesture to go.

Just as I turned toward the door, my sixteen-year-old stepbrother Marcus walked in. "Good morning, brother," he said with a bright smile, immediately coming over to give me a hug.

I couldn't help but smile at his youthful enthusiasm, giving him a gentle pat on the back. "Good morning, Marcus. Shouldn't you be getting ready for school?"

"Yes brother, Mom told me you were around so I came over to say hello," he said, grinning.

"Alright then, make sure you remain a good boy, okay?" I said, playing with his hair.

I stepped into the crisp morning air and slid into my car. "To the office," I told my driver.

***

Michelle's POV

I got back to my dorm room shivering from the morning cold. Brenda and Lia were still asleep. I slipped quietly into the bathroom for a warm shower, letting the water wash away the chill and lingering memories of last night.

I'd gotten a full scholarship to New York University to study Nutrition – something I never thought possible for someone like me. I'd applied for a government scholarship, never expecting to receive it, but did.

I couldn't shake off what had happened on the beach. The stranger I'd given my virginity to, my first taste of alcohol – all swept away in one impulsive night with someone I barely knew. The only thing I remembered clearly was his name, though he'd seemed so familiar.

After two hours of restless sleep, I was jolted awake by Brenda's screams.

"Guys!!! Ray Whitney is in a relationship!" she shouted disappointedly. "I can't believe this."

"That's not possible," Lia snapped, grabbing the phone. "It's just a scandal, Brenda. It's not true."

"I've had a crush on him since high school," Lia continued, hugging her pillow. "I can't stand seeing another woman in his arms."

"I'm treating this as fake news," Lia said firmly. "Just reporters trying to make a quick buck."

"Why are you all shouting?" I mumbled, sitting up sleepily, stretching my hand to grab the water bottle beside me and took a gulp.

Lia handed me Brenda's phone. I nearly choked on my water when I saw the image – the same dress I'd worn last night was hazily visible in the grainy photo.

The comments buzzed: "Who is she?" "Who could steal Ray Whitney's heart...?"

I sat there trembling, trying not to let my roommates notice my reaction. I kept thinking about how familiar he'd looked, never realizing he was Camor Whitney's Son-the most popular multi-billionaire in America.

"Michelle, you look like you've seen a ghost. Do you know him personally?" Brenda asked suspiciously.

Lia laughed. "Brenda, Michelle is from West Virginia. Where would she have met Ray Whitney?"

"That's rude, Lia!" Brenda said, heading toward the bathroom.

"I recognize him from the news," I said, trying to sound casual while my heart raced.

Maybe that's why he looked familiar – he'd looked so different on the beach without his business suits.

"I wish I never have to see him again," I prayed silently in my heart, standing to get ready for my morning lecture.

I knew colliding with wealthy people was hell on it's own, I have heard stories of poor families who did and had died from the backlash.

I hoped this wouldn't turn into trouble.

***

"Michelle!" Leo called from behind as I trudged toward the lecture hall for NUTR-UE 1260 - Diet Assessment and Planning - my legs dragging, still foggy from lack of sleep and lingering alcohol.

Leo was my closest buddy in class. People always saw us together and assumed we were dating-which was funny, considering the last guy I kissed was a complete stranger on a beach.

"Oh, hey," I mumbled.

"You look horrible, Michelle," he said, with concern.

"Just pulled an all-nighter studying," I lied, flashing him a weak smile as we stepped into the lecture hall.

Because really, what was I supposed to say? 'Sorry I look like a train wreck, Leo. I got blackout drunk and had a one-night stand with a beach guy whose surname I didn't even catch before leaving'? Yeah, no thanks.

***

After lectures, I headed to my part-time job. My boss-ond of the managers-at Bella Vista, told me there was an order to deliver to a media company, but he wanted me to go along with the delivery guys in order to ensure smooth operation alongside my colleague Sarah.

We headed to the media company with our delivery bus - which was a beautiful glass building in Manhattan's heart.

We went directly to the department that ordered catered lunch. Few minutes later, we were done, heading towards the elevator, when I turned and saw Ray walking out of one of the offices.

My heart stopped. I fell back against the wall and covered my mouth, hoping he wouldn't notice.

"Are you okay?" Sarah whispered with concern.

There he was, in a perfectly tailored brown suit, hair styled impeccably, looking every inch the powerful businessman. He was trying to finalize conversation with other suited men, as he shook hands with them.

This was so different from the vulnerable gentleman I'd met on the beach. Here, he commanded the room with authority.

"Michelle, what's wrong? You look pale," Sarah pressed.

"I... I think I need some air," I managed to whisper.

Just as I turned away...