Chapter 26

The fallout from the live stream was catastrophic for Ethan Blackwood.

Social media exploded with outrage. Every platform flooded with condemnations of his behavior. The most damning revelations? His affair with Cassandra Delacroix—his own brother's ex-girlfriend.

Public fury reached a boiling point.

Blackwood Group, still reeling from the cyberattack, took another hit. Stock prices plummeted the moment the scandal broke.

"Ethan, what the hell happened in that broadcast? Look at how you treated Vivian! How could my son be such a disgrace?"

"Your infidelity is trending everywhere! Are you proud of yourself?"

"And you dared to lay hands on her! If I weren't overseas securing a heart donor for your grandfather's surgery, I'd make sure you never see daylight again!"

Dawn had barely broken, and Ethan was already being berated by his father.

He adjusted his tie, jaw tight. "It was staged. You've been fooled by that woman."

"Bullshit!"

Leonard Kingsley was so furious he nearly cursed. "I know Vivian. She's principled and loyal! If you hadn't pushed her to the brink, why would she expose our family's private matters?"

Principled? Loyal?

Ethan nearly laughed.

Once, he might have agreed. But now? Vivian Lockhart was nothing but a cunning, infuriating vixen.

"Or maybe..." Leonard's tone turned sly. "You still love her, like the rumors say. Is that why you refused to sign the divorce papers? Don't want to let her go?"

Ethan's voice turned glacial. "I don't love her. Never will."

Leonard exhaled sharply. "Fine. Handle this mess. Especially the accusations online."

"Your grandfather's in the hospital with no internet access. If he finds out and his condition worsens—it's on you."

Silence settled over Ethan's office after the call ended.

Leaning back, he stared at the ceiling, mind racing. Despite his denial, Vivian consumed his thoughts.

I underestimated you, Isabella Lockhart.

A knock interrupted him.

"Enter."

His expression hardened instantly.

Rachel Miles stepped in. "Mr. Blackwood, PR has suppressed the live stream backlash. We've paid media outlets to run favorable pieces."

She hesitated.

"But?"

"Public sentiment is... divided. One faction is calling you an abusive cheater, demanding Blackwood Group's downfall."

Ethan's fingers tightened around his pen.

"The other side..." Rachel winced. "They're convinced you and Mrs. Blackwood were flirting. They've romanticized the whole thing."

His jaw clenched.

"The war between these factions is keeping the scandal alive. We can't control the narrative fast enough."

Ethan exhaled sharply. "Solutions?"

"PR has a proposal. It could calm the storm and restore Blackwood Group's image."

She swallowed.

"But you won't like it."