At Blackwood Enterprises, Marcus's face was cold and unreadable as he stared at his phone screen. Jealousy burned within him. He replayed Vanessa's words in his head, hinting that Lisa might be using him as a pawn to further her career. And even though part of him knew, Lisa wouldn't be that cheap, yet a little doubt running through his mind. The jealousy and his arrogance got the best of him.
Later that day, Lisa arrived at Marcus's office, determined to explain herself. She could tell, the weight of the situation just by the stares she gets from his staffs as she walked down the corridors. Marcus, standing by the window when Lisa entered. He maintained his position backing her, with his hands shoved into his pockets.
Lisa's voice firm, determined "Marcus, this isn't what it looks like. Those photos are edited. Vanessa. you know about her."
Marcus cutting her off, voice laced with anger "Why should I believe you? I gave up so many things just to please you, and this is how you repay me?"
Lisa took a step back, stunned by his words.
"You really think I would stoop that low? After everything we've been through?" Lisa defensively, mumbling.
Marcus turning to face her, hurt and anger flashing in his eyes "Everything we've been through?" He scoffed. "You were always in it for yourself, weren't you?"
Lisa's voice breaking slightly "I thought you knew me better than that."
Marcus looked away, unable to meet her gaze.
Marcus coldly intoned "Maybe I was wrong."
Without another word, Lisa turned and walked out, her heart filled with unbearable pain. The humiliation was overwhelming, but she refused to let the scandal define her. She was determined to prove her innocence.
After the confrontation, Lisa poured her energy into clearing her name. She called in favors from industry insiders, spoke to media contacts, and even hired a private investigator to trace the origins of the photos. The scandal had begun to damage her brand's reputation, but Lisa's resolve was stronger than ever.
Meanwhile, Marcus found himself unable to focus. He was haunted by memories of Lisa's hurt expression, her words echoing in his mind. The seed of doubt Vanessa had planted didn't sit well with him, but his pride kept him from reaching out to Lisa.
As he paced his office one evening, Jane showed up, furious on Lisa's behalf.
"Are you really that blind, Marcus? Vanessa set this up. Lisa has nothing to do with Victor."
Jane crossing her arms, glaring at Marcus
Marcus defensively Smirked. "How can you be so sure? I saw the photos, Jane. They looked real."
"She's been nothing but loyal to you, even after everything you put her through. But you were just waiting for an excuse to push her away. You'll regret this, Marcus." Jane uttered, exasperated.
With that, Jane left, leaving Marcus to wrestle with his guilt and pride.
Days passed, and Lisa's hard work finally paid off. The private investigator traced the photos back to Vanessa, who had paid a photographer to doctor the images. Armed with evidence, Lisa held a press conference, revealing the truth to the media.
Lisa facing the cameras, voice steady "The truth always finds its way. I won't be used as a pawn in someone else's game.
The scandal began to come to light, and support flooded in from her fans and industry peers. Marcus, watching the press conference from his office, felt a sudden pain of shame as he realized how deeply he had wronged Lisa.
Marcus to himself, softly "I was a fool."