The scandal did not sleep.
By morning, every major business blog, fashion column, and gossip platform had a version of the same headline—some subtle, some brutally direct. Gareth Accessories. Wilson Corporation. A leaked merger. Hidden alliances. Power games.
Amber stared at the screen in silence as Elena read aloud from a tablet, her voice shaking despite her effort to sound composed.
"They're saying the Gareth sisters manipulated stock movements before the announcement. That the partnership was a cover for internal restructuring. Some are even hinting at—" Elena hesitated.
"Say it," Amber said calmly.
"—at a personal relationship influencing business decisions."
Camila scoffed sharply from the couch. "Of course they went there."
Amber closed her eyes for a brief moment. Not because she was afraid—but because she was furious.
"Turn it off," she said.
Elena obeyed immediately and retreated from the room.
Camila stood and paced. "This is calculated. Someone wants to weaken us publicly. Investors panic when they smell scandal mixed with romance."
Amber's lips curved slightly. "Let them panic. We don't bend because people whisper."
"Amber," Camila said carefully, "this time it's different. Alex Wilson is involved whether we like it or not. His name alone attracts fire."
Amber finally turned to her sister. "Are you saying I should step back?"
"I'm saying you should decide whether this is a war or a temptation."
Silence settled between them.
Amber straightened her shoulders. "It's both."
—
Across the city, Alex watched the same storm unfold from the top floor of Wilson Headquarters.
His assistant, Marcus, stood stiffly beside his desk. "Sir, the board is requesting an emergency session. They believe the scandal could destabilize the merger talks."
Alex didn't look up from his screen. "And what do you believe, Marcus?"
Marcus hesitated. "I believe… this was inevitable."
Alex smiled faintly. "So do I."
"You're not concerned?" Marcus asked.
"I'm curious," Alex replied. "There's a difference."
He rose, adjusting his cufflinks with deliberate slowness. "Schedule the meeting. And inform Gareth Accessories that I'll be attending their press briefing in person."
Marcus's eyes widened. "In person, sir?"
"Yes," Alex said smoothly. "If the world insists on watching, we might as well give them a show."
—
The press hall buzzed with anticipation.
Cameras lined the room. Journalists whispered aggressively. Flashbulbs fired even before the Gareth sisters stepped onto the stage.
Amber walked first.
She wore black—clean lines, sharp tailoring, power stitched into every seam. Camila followed beside her, composed and unyielding.
The noise intensified.
Amber raised a single hand.
Silence followed.
"Good morning," she said evenly. "I'll make this brief."
Her gaze swept the room, commanding attention without effort.
"There has been speculation regarding Gareth Accessories, Wilson Corporation, and an alleged misuse of confidential information. Let me be very clear—there was no manipulation, no breach, and no unethical conduct."
A hand shot up. "Miss Gareth, are you denying a personal relationship with Mr. Alex Wilson?"
Amber's eyes didn't flicker. "I do not discuss my private life in boardrooms or press halls."
Another voice called out. "So you're not denying it?"
Amber leaned forward slightly. "I'm denying your entitlement to it."
A murmur rippled through the room.
Then the doors opened.
Every head turned.
Alex Wilson entered like he owned the space—because in many ways, he did.
Amber felt it before she saw him. The shift. The tension. The awareness.
He walked to her side without asking permission.
"Good morning," Alex said into the microphone. "Since my name seems to be enjoying its moment, I thought I'd speak for myself."
Amber shot him a sharp look. "This wasn't planned."
"No," he replied quietly. "But it's necessary."
He turned to the room. "Wilson Corporation stands fully behind Gareth Accessories. The merger discussions are clean, legal, and mutually strategic. Any attempt to paint this as scandal-driven fiction is irresponsible."
A reporter smirked. "And what about the rumors of emotional involvement?"
Alex glanced at Amber.
For one heartbeat, the world narrowed.
Then he said, "Even if there were emotions involved, they would not weaken either of us. They would strengthen us."
The room erupted.
Amber's pulse thundered—but her expression remained unreadable.
The briefing ended in chaos.
—
They didn't speak until they were alone.
A private corridor. Minimal staff. The air tight with everything unsaid.
"You shouldn't have said that," Amber said quietly.
Alex stopped walking. "I said exactly what I meant."
"You gave them fuel."
"I gave you a shield," he countered.
Amber turned to face him fully. "You don't get to decide when I need protecting."
His voice softened. "I know. That's not why I did it."
"Then why?" she demanded.
"Because I refuse to let them reduce you to a rumor," Alex said. "And because pretending I don't feel anything would be a lie."
The honesty in his voice unsettled her more than anger ever could.
"This is dangerous," Amber said.
Alex stepped closer. "So are you."
Their breaths mingled. The space between them felt fragile, charged.
"You don't back away when things get complicated," he murmured.
"No," Amber admitted. "I take control."
She turned away abruptly. "This ends here—for now. We handle the scandal. Separately."
Alex watched her walk off, jaw tight.
"Temporary," he said under his breath.
—
That night, Amber stood alone in her bedroom, city lights stretching endlessly beyond the glass.
Her phone buzzed.
Unknown Number.
She hesitated—then answered.
"You said separately," Alex's voice came through, low and unmistakable.
"I did."
"And yet you answered."
Amber closed her eyes. "This conversation shouldn't be happening."
"Then hang up."
She didn't.
Silence stretched between them, heavy and intimate.
"You were right today," Alex said finally. "This is a war."
"And wars require distance," Amber replied.
"Wars also create alliances," he said.
Her grip tightened on the phone. "Goodnight, Mr. Wilson."
"Goodnight, Amber."
The call ended—but the tension didn't.
She stared at the dark screen, heart racing.
Outside, the city watched, whispered, judged.
Inside, something far more dangerous was taking root.