Chapter Eight

~Present Day~

"Mr. Filler, I understand that the opposing party comes from a well-known and powerful family, but that doesn't intimidate me and as my attorney, I expect you to approach this case with the same determination."

"The individual in question violated me and had the audacity to have a photo taken of us in bed together and posted online, causing irreparable damage to my reputation."

"I trust that you will take the necessary actions to ensure that justice is served." Camilla spoke in a firm and resolute tone, her mother and PA observing as she sat in her office chair, still feeling the anger simmering beneath the surface.

"Miss Kings," Mr. Filler began, his tone measured and professional.

"As your attorney, I must advise you that pursuing legal action in this matter may have negative consequences for your reputation."

"I understand your desire for justice, but it's important to consider all potential outcomes."

Camilla sighed, her frustration and exhaustion was evident as she ran a hand through her hair.

"I was violated by that person, Mr. Filler,"she spoke, her voice low but filled with anger as memories of waking up naked beside Alexander flooded back.

The anger was still palpable in her tone.

"I understand your distress, Miss Kings," Mr. Filler began, but was interrupted by Camilla.

"But that doesn't excuse the fact that my reputation is being tarnished online by thousands of people because of their actions," she retorted, her tone sharp and resolute.

"Miss Kings," Mr. Filler began in a soothing tone, "I understand your frustration, but please try to remain calm."

"There may still be a way to resolve this without going to court. We don't yet have enough evidence to prove that Mr. Alexander Cena set you up."

Miss Kings took a deep breath before responding. "Mr. Filler, all I want is for you to file a lawsuit against Alexander Cena for sexual assault, and against Mariah Collins for being his accomplice and for public humiliation."

There was a momentary pause on the other end of the line before Mr. Filler replied, "I understand, Miss Kings. I will take care of it." 

With that simple statement and no further explanation, Mr. Filler ended the call, leaving Camilla feeling relieved.

She let out a deep exhale and leaned forward, resting her head in her hands as memories of the morning when Mariah Collins walked in on them flooded her mind.

•~•~•~•~•~

Flashback

•~•~•~•~•~

"I swear to you, for the second time, that I did not set you up. I had no idea how you ended up in my room," Alexander said, his voice filled with desperation as he looked directly at her, imploring her to believe him.

But the look in her eyes told him that she was not convinced. "You had sex with me without my consent, and then you have the audacity to lie and say that you don't know how I ended up in your bed."

"What is your reason for doing this to me?" she asked, tilting her head in confusion.

Alexander ran a hand through his hair in frustration, letting out a groan as he looked around the room.

"Camilla, please try to understand. We were both drunk, neither of us were in the right state of mind. I did not take advantage of you, what happened was consensual," Alexander explained, his voice wavering with emotion.

But Camilla was not convinced. "You're such a liar, Alexander. I'll make sure you pay for this," she threatened, her voice filled with anger.

But before she could finish her sentence, Mariah Collins appeared, interrupting her with an exclamation of surprise.

Both Camilla and Alexander jumped at her sudden arrival, and they looked over to see her staring at them with wide-eyed shock.

For a few seconds, Camilla was too stunned to speak or move as she stared at Mariah and what she was holding in her right hand.

As she saw the object in Mariah's hand, Camilla's mind raced, "Is that a spy pen?" she whispered, her anger and fear rising.

Without hesitation, she shouted at Mariah, "Get out! Get out now!"

Mariah's face twisted with guilt and fear. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to... Oh my God," she stuttered, quickly turning and running out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

The room was filled with a heavy silence, broken only by a sigh from Alexander as he let his shoulders slump and his hands fall into his lap.

•~•~•~•~•~•~•

Flashback ends

•~•~•~•~•~•~•

After a moment, Camilla lifted her head to see her mother staring at her with worry etched on her face. 

Alessia felt guilty for the situation that was unfolding and knew that if she didn't act quickly, her plan would end in a catastrophic conclusion for her daughter, who was intent on pressing charges against Alexander for something she had orchestrated herself.

"Bambina,(Baby) I think you should consider all angles before making a decision.

"What if Alexander didn't plan for this to happen and the two of you just...," Alessia hesitated, uncertain how to phrase her thoughts.

"Just... You know... engaged in consensual activity while under the influence," she said softly, watching as her daughter stared blankly ahead before scoffing in disbelief.

"So you're suggesting that he was drunk and did not orchestrate for the blogger to take a picture of us in bed together?" Camilla asked skeptically, looking at her mother with disbelief.

Alessia shook her head vigorously and opened her mouth to further explain, but was interrupted by her daughter.

"Are you suggesting that I simply brush this incident under the rug and pretend it never happened?" Camilla asked, her tone expressing her disbelief as she cocked an eyebrow at her mother.

Alessia sighed and approached her daughter, placing a comforting hand on her arm. "My dear, I understand that this situation has caused you great distress."

"However, before you consider taking legal action against Alexander and Mariah, I urge you to think about the potential consequences."

"Is it worth risking further damage to your reputation? Is there not a way for you to move forward and put this behind you?"

Camilla sat back in her seat, her expression determined.

Alessia waited patiently, giving her daughter the space to process her thoughts and make a decision

"I have given this careful consideration, Mamma, and I have made my decision." Camilla said firmly, her tone conveying the gravity of her resolve.

Alessia regarded her daughter with a sympathetic expression, understanding that there was little she could say to change her mind.

"I will take my leave now, but please do keep me informed of any developments in this matter." Alessia said as she leaned down to give her daughter a consoling kiss on the head, but was met with a stiff response.

"To be honest, Mamma, I do not intend to involve you or Papá in this any further," Camilla said, her voice tinged with disappointment.

"It seems that neither of you truly understand the gravity of this situation."

Alessia's frown deepened in response to her daughter's words, but she chose not to press the matter further.

With one last reassuring touch on Camilla's arm, Alessia made her exit, leaving Camilla and Lauren alone in the office.

Lauren remained silent as Alessia left, turning to face her boss.

They exchanged worried glances as Camilla sank into a chair, covering her face with her hands.

The room was filled with an uneasy silence, until Lauren spoke up, "I'll return when you've had a chance to compose yourself." She said, before leaving the office and closing the door behind her.