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