CHAPTER 31

Vanya's pov

The morning sun barely filtered through the window blinds when my phone buzzed, pulling me from the restless sleep I had managed to catch after the previous day's drama with Cian. The events of the past twenty four hours replayed in my mind like a bad song—Cian’s intrusion, his menacing presence, the humiliating public fallout. And now, as I reached for my phone, I dreaded what new torment awaited me.

But then, I didn't have to wait long to find out.

A text message from an unknown number flashed on the screen, the words sharp and taunting. *“Hello again Vanya, how do you like the free publicity?”*

My heart skipped a beat as I recognized the voice in my head that matched those words. Those same words were on the phone yesterday in the office when Tara broke the news of what now seems to be a scandal to everyone of which Tara adviced I drop the call and try and focus on the day's tasks. Cian, of course it was him. Who else would revel in my distress with such malicious pleas