Victoria’s POV
The moment I stepped through the terminal gate at JFK, I knew something was wrong. People were staring, phones pointed in very direction. I straightened my posture instinctively, grateful I’d at least touched up my makeup on the flight from Philly,
Then I saw them—a swarm of reporters and paparazzi crowded near the exit. I froze, my heart plummeting. This wasn’t normal recognition. This was an ambush.
“There she is!” someone shouted, and suddenly they converged like sharks scenting blood,
“Victoria! Can you explain the latest news story involving you and Brandon Stark?”
“Is it true you’re having an affair with the CEO of Stark Group?”
The questions hit me like physical blows as cameras flashed in my face. I pushed forward, keeping my head down. No comment,” 1 muttered, but they pressed closer, forming a suffocating circle around me.
“Everyone knows you were struggling after your last scandal. Was sleeping with Brandon Stark how you secured your Stark Entertainment?”
contract with
My head snapped up. “That’s absolutely not true,” I hissed, immediately regretting engaging.
A female reporter shoved her microphone closer. “You got married with Alexander Stark of Fortune Corp, who’s reportedly Brandon’s relative. Does Alexander know about your relationship with Brandon?
“There is no relationship!” I cried, my composure cracking. “You’re all publishing lies! Move out of my way!”
I pushed against the wall of bodies, desperate to break free. Where the hell was Sophie? She was supposed to meet me here.
“Do you deny Brandon secured the Diana spokesperson deal for you personally?”
“That’s bullshit!” I snapped. “I earned that contract! Now back the fuck off!”
In the scuffle, someone stumbled from behind, knocking into a cameraman who lurched forward, crashing directly into me. I lost my
balance, falling backward with the heavy man landing on top of me, his camera digging into my ribs.
“Get off me!” I screamed, the wind knocked from my lungs.
The cameraman scrambled up, his hand pressing directly on my chest. I felt something tear–my silk blouse ripping at the neckline.
“You fucking pervert!” I shrieked, kicking wildly. “That was deliberate
The cameras were still falling, capturing my every humiliating moment as I lay sprawled on the dirty airport floor, my ripped blouse exposing far too much.
I struggled to my feet, desperately clutching the torn fabric, tears of rage burning in my eyes. All of you, get away from me! I’ll sue every single one of you!”
The reporters backed away, their interest waning now that they had their money shots. But regular travelers were stopping, phones raised..
Isn’t that the actress?” a middle–aged woman stage–whispered.
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Chapter 269
“Victoria Taylor,” her friend replied. ‘Didn’t she just get caught sleeping with her boss? It’s all over Twitter:
‘Oh my God, she’s such a mess. Look at her–is the drunk?
I wanted to die right there, to dissolve into the floor and disappear
“Hey, Victoria!” a teenage boy called out. “Say cheese!”
I lunged toward him, beyond rational thought. “Delete that! Delete that right now or I swear to God-
“Or what?‘ he laughed. ‘You’ll sleep with my boss too?”
The people around him erupted in laughter, and I felt something crack inside me.
“STOP IT!” I screamed, my voice breaking. “You can’t do this!
They drifted away, their entertainment quota filled. I stood there, clutching my torn blouse, feeling naked and exposed.
“Victoria!”
I turned to see Sophie rushing toward me, quickly shrugging off her jacket and wrapping it around my shoulders.
“Oh my God, what happened to you?” she asked, eyes wide with shock.
I collapsed against her, the last of my composure crumbling. “Sophie, I sobbed. “They ambushed me… how did they know I’d be here?”
“Shh, it’s okay,” she soothed. “Why didn’t you wait for me inside? I told you I’d meet you at the gate.”
“I didn’t see you,” I choked out. “I waited, but you weren’t there.”
“I was right by the Starbucks,” she frowned. “Never mind. My car’s outside–let’s get you out of here.”
“Drink this,” Sophie handed me a thermos of hot tea once we were safely in her car. “It’ll help calm your nerves.”
I took a long sip. “How did they know I’d be here?” I asked again. “Did you tell anyone my flight details?”
“Of course not,” Sophie looked offended. “I booked everything myself. Maybe someone at the airline leaked it?”
I shuddered, the memory of the cameraman falling on me still fresh. That sleazebag touched me, Sophie. He deliberately copped a feel, and then they all took pictures. It’s going to be everywhere.” Fresh tears threatened. “Alexander is going to see it. Brandon is going to see it.”
“What actly happened in there?” Sophie asked, brow furrowed with concern.
I recounted the nightmare. With each word, my fury grew. “Those bastards,” I concluded. “they just wouldn’t let go of me.”
Sophie sighed. “I called Quinn Hall while I was waiting. She’s… not happy
“What did she say? demanded.
“She thinks…” Sophie hesitated. “She said Brandon’s people think you might be behind this.”
WHAT?” I shrieked. “Are they insane? Why would I do this to myself? Look at me, Sophie!” I gestured wildly at my disheveled state. “You think I wanted this?”
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Chapter 269
“I know, I know,” Sophie sooflied. “It doesn’t make sense. But Quinn aid Brandon’s team is furious. You need to be low out this
blows over.”
“Lie low?” I echoed incredulously. “I can’t lie low! I need to make a statement! And I need that photographer found and tested
“I really think the best thing right now is to get you checked out at the hospital, then get you home to rest,” Sophie indicted
“Fine,” I relented, suddenly aware of a throbbing pain in my wrist. But I’m not letting this go. Whoever did this is going to pay
“My poor baby,” Mother crooned, ushering me into the Taylor family mansion later that night. “What kind of monsters wordt és tés
to you?”
I collapsed into her arms. “Mom,” I sobbed, “it was horrible.
She led me upstairs, her arm protectively around my shoulders. “Tell me what happened. Who did this to you?”
“It’s all over the news,” I said bitterly. “Someone planted a story that I’m sleeping with Brandon for career favors. They used photos from the annual party and twisted everything.”
“And Alexander? Has he called?” Mother asked, eyes sharp despite her sympathetic tone.
I shook my head miserably. “He won’t answer my calls.”
“Men,” Mother sighed dismissively. “But who would do this, Victoria? Who would start such a vicious rumor?”
“Summer,” I said, certainty hardening my voice. “It’s got to be her, Mom. She was at the party. She’s been watching me build my career, my relationship with Alexander. She’s always been jealous of me.”
