Chapter 40The next day, the statement had already begun to make its rounds in the media. The initial response was positive; many people praised the couple and especially Kaitlyn for addressing the rumors head-on, and the reactions of the conversation started to shift in their favor. But there were still whispers, still doubts, and Kaitlyn knew that this was far from over.Estefan’s family, however, was less than thrilled with the situation. The rumors had reached their ears, and they were concerned; not just about the impact on the family’s reputation but also about what it meant for Kaitlyn and Estefan’s relationship.Kaitlyn and Estefan met at his parent’s estate for a family dinner that evening. The atmosphere in the dining room was tense, with everyone keenly aware of the elephant in the room. Kaitlyn could sense the unease in the way Estefan’s parents exchanged glances and in the way his brother, Adrian, sat quietly, his jaw clenched in what she could only describe as him trying
Chapter 41 The next morning, Kaitlyn and Estefan met with his PR team again to finalize their approach to the ongoing media frenzy. Estefan was calm and composed as he led the meeting, but this time, he made a point of involving Kaitlyn in the discussions, asking for her input and showing her the ropes of handling a public relations crisis. They reviewed the media coverage, analyzed the public’s response, and discussed the best ways to counter the negative press. Estefan’s team had crafted a follow-up statement, and they were planning to release it later that day to further solidify their position. “Kaitlyn, I want you to be part of this,” Estefan said as they were about to conclude the meeting. “You’re not just my wife,” his voice formed as he continued, “you’re my partner in this. We face everything together, including this mess. I need you to understand how these things work so you’re prepared for whatever comes next.” Kaitlyn nodded, appreciating his confidence in her. “I’m re
Chapter 42Michael Walker sat in his office, boiling in anger. The images of Estefan Salvatore and Kaitlyn Dever plastered across every news outlet were unbearable. Every headline shouted the same message; Estefan and Kaitlyn, the perfect power couple, radiating love and unity. He couldn’t understand it. How could Kaitlyn move on so quickly, and with a man like Estefan? He was fueling with jealousy and anger.The past few days he had been trying to contain his anger at the rumor and was trying hard not to break. Every social media outlet was all about the same thing.He slammed his fist onto the desk; the sound echoes through the room. His assistant, standing by the door, who was just about to approach him with some documents, jumped at the sudden noise.“Get Melissa on the phone. Now,” Michael barked, his voice low and dangerous.The assistant nodded quickly and hurried out, leaving Michael alone with his thoughts. Something wasn’t right. He knew Kaitlyn. She wasn’t the type to rush
Chapter 43Michael crossed his arms, still unconvinced. “Then who did? Because someone out there is trying to cause trouble for them, and I need to know who, because I know we have not planned anything concrete yet, but I can’t say for you.”Melissa hesitated for a second, her mind racing. She couldn’t let Michael find out the truth. If he knew she had tipped off the media, it would ruin everything. She had to keep him in the dark.Melissa then shrugged, pretending to be just as clueless as he was. “I don’t know, Michael,” she said softly, her voice trembling just enough to seem genuine. “Maybe it’s someone from Estefan’s side. He has enemies, doesn’t he? Powerful men like him always do.” She paused before she continued again, “But I promise you, it wasn’t me.”He wasn’t letting it go that easily. “Cut the crap, Melissa. This has your fingerprints all over it. You think I don’t know what you’re capable of?”In an instant, she turned around, throwing a dagger at her husband with her ey
Chapter 44Meanwhile, across the city, Adrian Salvatore’s suspicion grows. Adrian sat in his own office, staring at the same headlines that had sent Michael into a rage. Unlike Michael, however, Adrian wasn’t angry; his interest has been ingnited. His eyes scanned the headlines, his mind processing every detail of the scandal that was now rocking his family.There was something about the rumors that rang true to him. He had always sensed that something was off about Kaitlyn and Estefan’s relationship. They had never seemed like a couple genuinely in love, and now, with this rumor, the pieces were starting to fit together.He sipped his whiskey deep in thought, replaying the interview clip where Kaitlyn defended their marriage with such conviction. Something about it felt rehearsed to him, too perfect, as if they were putting on a show for the world.He couldn’t shake the feeling that there was some truth to the rumors. After all, he knew his
Chapter 45Salvatore Subsidiary GroupAdrian paced through his office; he could barely concentrate on work; he was anxiously about what the outcome from his contact would be; his mid was always shifting the recent about his brother and his wife. Although he could make a possible guess at who the whistleblower might be, it would do him good if his suspicion were confirmed.He had contacted a few trusted sources the two days to discreetly investigate the origin of the rumors about Estefan and Kaitlyn’s marriage. Adrian had always been sharp, cunning even, but this was a different game. This was personal.His thoughts drifted back to the family dinner a few nights ago. It had been typical; his parents doting on Estefan, his grandmother’s not-so-subtle suggestions about expecting an heir from Estefan soon, and his own resentment. He had played his part during the dinner, smiling politely and nodding at all the right moments, but inside, he was boiling.He couldn’t shake the feeling that e
Chapter 46Calpis CaféMelissa, who had just finished a business meeting, sat sipping her latte in Calpis café downtown. She was scanning through the latest articles on her tablet. Despite her initial frustration, she couldn’t deny a certain level of satisfaction at the persistent whispers and doubts that still went around in the public. Her plan hadn’t completely backfired after all.Her confrontation with Michael few days ago had left her shaken, but not enough to stop her from continuing her schemes. And she had successfully shifted his attention away from her at least for the time being.But as she remembered how furious he had been the previous day, doubts began to creep in. What if Michael found out the truth? What if her involvement was exposed? The consequences would be disastrous, not just for her relationship with Michael but for her own reputation and possibly their lives. She couldn’t afford to be connected to the scandal.Her thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of he
Chapter 47“Mr. Salvatore,” she replied, her voice equally composed. “I didn’t expect to see you here. It an honor meeting you.”“Nor I you. But it’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” he said, his eyes scanning her appreciatively“Same here. Mr. Salvatore.” She took his hand, her grip firm and confident. “Likewise, I’ve heard much about you.”“Just call me Adrian.” Adrian said, gesturing for her to sit. “But it seems we have some common interests to discuss.”They both sat down, and a waiter promptly arrived to take Melissa’s order. Melissa arched an eyebrow after the waiter left. “Is that so? And what interests might those be?”Adrian leaned back, studying her carefully. “The rumors about Estefan and Kaitlyn. I believe you had a hand in starting them.”“So, I suppose you are the one I am to meet here today.”“Yes, Laura is my assistant.” Adrian was glad she was able to pick up quick, while Melissa only nodd
Chapter 117Melissa sat across from Michael cold and with a rigid posture, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. She had waited long enough, and now it was time to lay her cards on the table. In a calm yet resolute manner, she uttered those words that would change everything between them.“I want a divorce, Michael.” Her wavering eyes were locked onto his, as she declared. “And I don’t expect you to fight this.” She waved a hand at him.Michael sat motionless as he blinked, trying to process what she had just said, slowly letting her words sink in. Divorce? They had their issues, sure, but he hadn’t expected this. Not now, though their relationship was heading in that direction, but he wasn’t expecting this so abruptly.Melissa continued; her voice was strangely calm, as if she had rehearsed the lines many times before. "I don’t want anything from you. No money, no property—nothing. I can take care of myself." She exhaled sharply, as if relieved to get it off her chest.He tried to
Chapter 116Michael and Melissa Apartment Melissa’s heart raced as she watched Michael, waiting for his response. The room seemed to grow colder; the sound from the television was barely audible at the moment amidst the tension between them. She had put everything on the line with her question, and now she needed the truth, no matter how painful it might be.Michael leaned back on the couch, rubbing his face with both hands. His mind was spinning as his heart conflicted. He wanted to be honest with Melissa, but even he wasn’t entirely sure of the answer. How could he explain the complicated feelings he still harbored for Kaitlyn while trying to build something real with Melissa?Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Michael spoke. “Melissa, I can’t lie to you,” he began, his eyes meeting hers with regret and frustration. “I’m trying to move on. I really am. But Kaitlyn... she was such a big part of my life. It’s hard to just... erase that.”Melissa felt her heart sink. Though sh
Chapter 115“There’s something I’ve been meaning to say for a while now,” Melissa began, her voice shaking slightly. “I know things between us haven’t been... easy.”Michael set down his wine glass, turning to face her, fully curious at what was bothering her so much that she was struggling to say. “What do you mean?” he asked. He had been through enough drama lately, and the last thing he needed was more, at least not today.Melissa looked away, her fingers tapping nervously on her knees. She wasn’t sure how to begin or if she should even say it, but she knew she had to. “I think,” she started, “we’ve been avoiding the real issues between us. The truth is... ever since Kaitlyn...” She hesitated as she saw the tension and anger in Michael’s eyes at the mention of her name.Michael interrupted her with a sharp tone. “This again? Melissa, for God’s sake, how many times are you going to bring up Kaitlyn? She’s not the problem. We are.”Melissa bristled at his words, feeling her frustrati
Chapter 114Estefan Penthouse Kaitlyn stirred awake as the early morning light flowed through the curtains, giving a warm glow over Estefan's bedroom. Her mind was still foggy, but as she blinked herself awake, the events of the previous night came flooding back. She had once again found herself in Estefan’s arms and in his bed, after their return from the glamorous launching gala. The intensity of their connection, the way their lips found each other, how their bodies intertwined, and the emotions that followed were still fresh in her mind. She buried her face deeper into the blanket, feeling embarrassed yet excited as the memories replayed in her mind.After lying still for a while, Kaitlyn decided she needed to get up. Slowly, she tried to inch her way out of the bed, careful not to disturb Estefan. But just as she was about to slip out, she felt his arm tighten around her waist, pulling her closer. She frozen, thinking he might wake up, but when his grip loosened slightly, she re
Chapter 113The crowd’s whispers filled the grand hall as Estefan and Kaitlyn made their way toward the stage. Their striking entrance had left an indelible mark on the room. All eyes were on the power couple as they walked magnetically full of radiant and effortless grace that demanded attention.Kaitlyn tried to steady her nerves, aware of the scrutinizing gaze of the audience. Though she was used to being the center of attention, the significance of tonight, coupled with Estefan’s bold move to escort her publicly, had made her emotions swell. He hadn’t told her he was going to walk her.She couldn’t deny the comfort she felt as she felt his warm hand resting lightly on her back, guiding her forward. She had been avoiding him lately since the passionate night they shared together and couldn’t believe he would be there for her tonight.Estefan leaned in as they approached the stage and said in a low and intimate whisper. “You’re doing great, Mi Reina. This is your night, and I wouldn
Chapter 112The next morning at the hospital, Melissa was lying in bed; she hadn’t sustained any physical injuries from the accident, but the shock of the impact was still taking a toll on her. Both Michael and Melissa shared a private room in the hospital because of Melissa's status as a high-class model; the tension between her and Michael was still there. Vanessa sat beside her, too focused on slicing the fruit she had brought with her earlier; she was trying to distract herself from an uncomfortable situation in the room.Michael, meanwhile, was seated on his bed; his arm was bandaged and there were a few visible bruises on the side of his head. His friends had come to check on him immediately; they had received the news. They chatted together, but Michael’s mind was elsewhere. His eyes darting between Melissa and the door, nervous about the potential fallout of last night’s crash, and more so, the aftermath of his encounter with Kaitlyn from the night before was still much there.
Chapter 111As Melissa stood outside the hotel, grumbling under her breath, she tapped her foot impatiently, glaring at the valet. Her frustration was bubbling over, and she let it all out on Michael as soon as they got in the car."I can’t believe you’re still chasing after Kaitlyn like some love-struck puppy, even after she’s married," she spat in anger. "You’re pathetic, Michael. She doesn’t want you, and she never will. You’re nothing but a puppet, her puppet!"Michael kept his eyes on the road, one hand gripping the steering wheel, the other propped on the window, supporting his head. His mind was far from Melissa’s insults. He was deep in thought, replaying the evening’s events in his head. The last time he had a confrontation with Kaitlyn, Estefan had scheduled an emergency inspection at the subsidiary division he was managing and didn’t later show up as he had scheduled, which he believes was a clear message of warning. Michael had brushed it off then, but tonight... tonight,
Chapter 110Before anyone could dwell too much on the unease, the lights dimmed as the moderator returned to the stage, signaling the next phase of the evening. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the grand toast to the future of Salvatore Group. Please raise your glasses as we celebrate the legacy and the bright future ahead.”Glasses clinked all around, and Estefan’s arm tightened around Kaitlyn’s waist as they stood together, lifting their glasses in unison with the room. The atmosphere shifted to one of celebration, and Kaitlyn allowed herself to relax a little, the earlier confrontation fading as she focused on the positive energy around them.Adrian was occasionally stealing glances at Estefan and Kaitlyn, his mind still processing everything. He hadn’t missed the brief tension that had unfolded earlier when they returned from wherever they had been. His sharp eyes moved toward Melissa, who was seated with Michael now, her face set in a smug, satisfied expression. She had clear
Chapter 109Kaitlyn squared her shoulders, refusing to be intimidated by Melissa’s malicious smirk. “Steal your husband?” she said slowly; her voice was firm and clear. “Let me make one thing very clear, Melissa; I don’t want Michael. I never did, and I never will. So, don’t make this about me trying to take something that isn’t even worth having.”A huge blow was given to Melissa's face as her smirk faded at Kaitlyn’s words. Melissa narrowed her eyes dangerously as she opened her mouth to retort, but Kaitlyn wasn’t finished.“You might want to ask yourself why your husband has been lurking around me instead of standing by your side tonight,” Kaitlyn added coldly. “I didn’t seek him out. He’s the one who can’t seem to let go of the past.”Michael flinched, caught in the crossfire, but he still didn’t speak. His guilt was written all over his face, and Melissa saw it. She knew Kaitlyn would never approach Michael first, but she couldn’t admit that to Kaitlyn.“Oh, please,” Melissa snee