"You two are the heads of yourpanies-how do you n to handle the negative press and the social fallout from this scandal?"


    "President Vaughan, aren''t you worried about hurting Preston''s wife?"


    "What about the child, President Vaughan? Are you going to use this as leverage to force Preston into a divorce and marry you?"


    Reporters fired off questions all at once, their voices ovepping in a chaotic barrage. The sh of cameras and the relentless click of shutters echoed through the room, turning the press conference into a circus.


    Some reporters even stood on their chairs, shoving their microphones as close as possible, each one trying to outdo the others.


    The questions came sharp and pointed, all designed to dig deeper into the scandal and make things worse. One poorly chosen word could sink the entire Vaughan Group, burying it in scandal and forcing its doors shut for good.


    Seeing how quickly things were spiraling, Belinda grabbed the microphone and raised her voice over the mor. "Stop! Everyone, please, calm down! There''s no rush-let''s keep this orderly!"


    She fixed the crowd with a steady gaze. "President Vaughan won''t be answering each question individually. Today''s press conference is for her to set the record straight, in her own words."


    With that, Belinda looked meaningfully at Isadora and handed her the microphone.


    Isadora epted it with a calmposure.


    The room quieted-just a little-as reporters fixed their eyes on her, digital recorders at the ready.


    She spoke, her voice steady and clear. "Good afternoon, everyone."


    "I know you''re all here hoping for a bombshell, but I''m afraid to disappoint you— the so-called evidence is fabricated. The photos are fake."


    "I have two points to make."


    "First: There is nothing between Preston and me. The photo you''ve all seen is taken entirely out of context."


    A video from hotel security began to y on the big screen behind her.


    The footage showed the same hotel room. Isadora left first, and a momentter, Terrell appeared, following her out.


    At that moment, Terrell strode confidently onto the stage. His presence was poised, his demeanor impable.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, I''m Terrell


    and I


    Beaumont from the Fawcett Group. Isadora and I are friends. As you can see from the hotel footage, I was there that day. I was simply. apanying Isadora to the hospital for a checkup."


    ve


    "And as for Preston''s presence at


    the


    means to drug Isadora. I was o get her out."


    83 he used under


    A collective gasp swept through the room.


    Preston, involved in something so criminal?


    The barrage of questions started up again.


    SV


    belongs


    "Who exactly drugged President Vaughan? Do you have proof?"


    "If President Vaughan is pregnant, who''s the father? There must be a man involved."


    "Are you saying the hospital''s report is fake too? What''s the story with President Vaughan''s pregnancy?"


    Isadora faced the onught with unwavering calm.


    "Yes, I am pregnant. The father is my fiancé, and we''re nning to get married."


    A reporter pressed, "So who is your fiancé, President Vaughan? If you want to clear up the rumors about you and Preston, shouldn''t you tell us his name?"


    "Otherwise, how do we know the video isn''t doctored? The footage only shows you and Mr. Beaumont-Preston never appears."


    "Exactly—if you want us to believe you, you need to tell us who your boyfriend is!"


    Isadora hesitated, then pressed her lips together before responding. "My fiancé is Vi-"


    Just then, her phone buzzed with a new notification.


    A video popped up on the main screen.


    Isadora faltered mid-sentence, nced at her phone, and after a moment''s hesitation, tapped to y the video.


    As she watched, her eyes widened in shock.