The buzz from the gala hadn't died down. If anything, the press was more relentless, eager for more glimpses of the newest "power couple." Sophia woke up to headlines like: "Business and Pleasure: Ethan Cole and Sophia Bennett, the Perfect Match?" Every outlet had their theories, and they only grew wilder by the day.Sophia sat at her desk in Synergy Brands Inc., her phone buzzing nonstop. She rubbed her temples in frustration just as her assistant, Rachel, peeked in. "Uh, Sophia? There's something you might want to see…"Rachel handed her the tablet, the screen already displaying the latest gossip article. The headline read: "Ethan Cole's Former Flame Jealous of His New Leading Lady?" Underneath was a picture of Natalie, a notorious figure in the tabloids, giving Sophia a death glare from the gala.Sophia groaned. "Oh, no."Just as she was processing the implications, Ethan walked into her office without so much as a knock—again. "Have you seen this?" He held up his phone, showing the same article. "Natalie's making it clear she's not happy."Sophia frowned. "Is she going to be a problem?"Ethan sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "She's not exactly the most stable person to deal with… but it's fine. We'll just play along with the rumors, keep a low profile until this dies down.""Play along?" Sophia echoed, incredulous. "This is a complete mess! I don't want to be involved in your scandals, Ethan.""Think about it, Sophia," Ethan said, leaning against her desk with a calm, measured tone. "This media attention could work for both of us. You've got a deal with Greyson Global that's stalling, right? Well, if they see you're the kind of woman who can handle a high-profile situation—like being with someone like me—they'll be more eager to close the deal. They want to know you're solid under pressure."Sophia hesitated. He wasn't wrong. Her negotiations had hit a snag, and the positive spin of their fake romance might just push the deal through. "Fine," she finally said, her voice resigned. "But we need some ground rules."Ethan smirked. "Here we go with the rules again."Sophia shot him a glare. "This is serious. If we're going to pretend to date, we do it my way."Ethan nodded. "Alright, let's hear it.""First," Sophia began, tapping her desk as she outlined the agreement, "no physical affection unless it's absolutely necessary. And definitely no kissing."Ethan raised an eyebrow. "You said that already, but it's going to be tough."Sophia ignored him and continued. "Second, we keep this strictly professional. No private meetings unless it's business. And no public appearances unless the media demands it."Ethan smiled slyly. "Agreed. What else?""And finally," Sophia leaned forward, her tone firm, "no involving me in any of your scandals—past, present, or future. Especially not with Natalie."Ethan's expression darkened slightly at the mention of Natalie. "Don't worry. I'll keep her out of this." He stood up and extended a hand toward her. "So, do we have a deal?"Sophia stared at his hand, debating her options. This was madness, but in some twisted way, it could work. With a deep breath, she took his hand. "Deal."