Chapter 29 - The Shadow's Final Grasp
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The peace of the winter months was briefly, sharply interrupted by a final, desperate gasp from the past.
As the date of the wedding approached, the local society papers caught wind of the upcoming nuptials between the reformed billionaire and his philanthropic partner. It was a feel-good story that dominated the weekend columns.
But not everyone was celebrating.
Roberto was in his office at the foundation when Marcus walked in, his face set in a hard, grim line. He closed the door securely and activated the privacy lock.
"We have a slight complication, boss," Marcus said, handing a digital tablet across the desk.
Roberto took the tablet. It displayed a leaked draft of an upcoming tabloid article. The headline was sensational and vicious: The Fraudulent Heir: How Roberto Santos Stole an Empire and Bought a Bride.
The article was filled with twisted half-truths, anonymous quotes questioning the legality of the foundation's funding, and malicious implications that Elena was merely a pawn in a massive PR stunt to repair Roberto's image.
"Who is the source?" Roberto demanded, his blood turning to ice as he read the vile words targeting the woman he loved.
"We traced the anonymous emails sent to the reporter," Marcus explained coldly. "It was Beatrice Thorne. She is furious that Vanessa's final appeal was officially denied last week. She is trying to ruin your wedding out of pure, vindictive spite."
Roberto set the tablet down, his jaw clenching so tightly his teeth ached. He had warned Beatrice. He had drawn the boundary, and she had chosen to cross it.
"She wants a war in the press," Roberto said, his voice dropping into a lethal, terrifyingly calm register. "She thinks I will cower to avoid a scandal right before my wedding."
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"How do you want to handle it?" Marcus asked, ready to deploy the legal team. "We can file an injunction. Settle it quietly out of court."
"No," Roberto said, standing up, the old, ruthless CEO merging perfectly with the fiercely protective father and future husband. "We do not settle with terrorists, Marcus. If Beatrice wants the spotlight, I will give her the entire stage."
