"If I can finish my work before the press conference starts, I''ll go with you," she said.


    Yves nodded.


    The moment she left his office, he picked up the phone and instructed his department head to reassign all of Hannah''s pending tasks.


    At three o''clock, they arrived at the press conference. To avoid being recognized, Hannah wore a mask and a baseball cap, and they found seats in a discreet corner. A few minutester, Lionel walked onto the stage.


    "He could have just issued a press release. Why go to all this trouble?" Yves whispered, crossing his arms.


    Hannah shook her head.


    "You don''t think he''s actually going to announce his rtionship with Sandra, do you? Make a big show of it to prove his loyalty?"


    Hannah shot a sideways nce at Yves, who looked like he was enjoying the drama far too much. The word "vicious" was practically written on his face.


    "If he does," she replied in a low, steady voice, "then tomorrow I''ll release our marriage certificate. And you can help me buy a few trending spots to make sure the Rosenberg Group''s stock continues to tank."


    Yves stifled augh. "If Lionel heard you say that, he''d probably start a fight with you right here from the stage."


    "If you''d like to see that happen, I can say it again while you record a voice memo for him."


    Seeing the calm, almost unhinged look in her eyes, Yves covered his mouth to keep fromughing out loud. For a split second, he almost felt sorry for the man on stage.


    But only for a second. Lionel had brought all of this on himself. What else could turn a woman who had loved him for eight years so cold and calcting?


    A reporter stood up. “Mr. Rosenberg, there are tumors circting that you and Ms. Sandra Woods are married. Can you confirm if this is true


    and if


    another party has interfered in your rtionship?"


    A collective gasp went through the room. All eyes were on Lionel, waiting for his answer. Even Hannah, who had seemed soposed, found her hands clenched into fists.


    Lionel''s voice was cold and clear. "Ms. Woods and I are former colleagues. There is no romantic rtionship between us."


    As his words settled, Hannah''s fists slowly uncurled. A tiny, unwee flicker of relief sparked in her chest.


    "Well, I thought he was going to confess everything," Yves whispered yfully. "Do you think Sandra is watching this from some corner, just like us?"


    "I don''t know," she said.


    "Whether she''s here or watching on her phone, she''s going to throw a fit after that answer Looks like your husband is going to be busy consoling another woman again."


    Hannah frowned at him. The man truly lived for drama.


    "Maybe I should go home, grab our marriage certificate, and make a surprise appearance on stage," she said, her tone t.


    "Whoa... that would be intense. Let''s not," Yves chuckled.


    Another reporter stood. "So you and


    Ms. Woods are just friends? Are you not considering pursuing a rtionship? Or are you perhaps already married and unable to do


    So?"


    The room held its breath again. It was a sharp, pointed question, and it was the


    one everyone wanted answered.


    Lionel paused, then spoke slowly and deliberately. "I am unmarried."