Chapter 19: My Secret Brother?
A week later, Eira returned to campus, keeping her head low as she walked into the lecture hall.
The past few days had been exhausting for her, but being back at university felt like a step toward normalcy.
Her nerves buzzed a little, and anxiety was ready to come back when she was scanning the class in hopes for a quiet day.
"Eira!" She heard a familiar voice and turned to see Williams hurrying toward her. He had a relieved smile on his face. "You're back!"
"Hey, Williams," she greeted, offering a small smile. "Yeah, back at it."
"Glad to see you," he said. "Everyone was worried. You… you okay?"
"Yeah," she replied, trying to sound convincing. "Just needed some time."
Williams nodded. "Well, it's good to have you back."
As the class wrapped up and students began filing out, Eira took out her phone, checking it out of habit.
The screen lit up with a news headline, and her heart sank as she read the words:
Henry Blackwood's Hidden Scandal: Illegitimate Daughter's Secret Marriage to Callian Reed Uncovered
Her mother's picture stared back at her from the article, along with an old photo of herself from years ago.
Her stomach twisted, and her fingers gripped the phone tightly.
Without thinking, she dialed Callian, pressing the phone to her ear as the volcano in her head boiled over.
He picked up almost immediately. "Eira? What's wrong?"
"Don't act like you don't know!" she snapped. "I told you I didn't want this going public! Why did you leak it?"
"Eira," Callian called her name, "it wasn't me. I swear, we haven't released anything yet."
She paused, trying to make sense of it. "Then who?"
"I don't know," Callian replied. "But this isn't coming from us. Someone's trying to get ahead of our plans, and it's putting us both at risk."
Eira's heart pounded as she processed his words. "So, this… this wasn't part of your plan?"
"No," he said, "whoever leaked this, they're trying to control the narrative. They know we're onto something, and they're using it against us."
Eira took a shaky breath. "Then what do we do?"
"We stay focused," Callian replied. "Remember what I told you about Henry's weakness?"
"Yeah," she whispered, "me…"
"Yes, and that's why they're pushing this story. It's a desperate move, Eira. They're trying to scare you."
"Well, it's working," she muttered, glancing around to see if anyone was watching her.
"Eira, listen to me," Callian said firmly. "We need to stay ahead of them. This leak changes things, but we can still use it to our advantage."
"How?" she demanded, her voice sharper.
Callian's voice softened. "This could be the opening we need. We'll take control of the narrative, show the world what kind of man Henry really is. They want to expose you? Fine. But we'll expose him, too."
Her hands clenched. "So, what's the plan?"
"I'll explain everything when I see you," he said. "But first, go home. I don't want you alone right now."
Eira hesitated but nodded. "Alright. I'll meet you there."
She hung up, casting one last look at the lecture hall.
The story was out now, and there was no going back. But if Callian was right, this was only the beginning.
And she wasn't about to back down… she needed to get her revenge, and only then could she finally rest.
Eira glanced around and saw a man with short blond hair appear near the building entrance.
He was leaning casually against a blue car. His arms were crossed around his chest almost like Callian's. He was watching her approach.
"Eira Blackwood, right?" he called out.
She stopped. "Reed. Who's asking?"
He straightened. "Let's just say I know people. Need a ride? It's a long walk home."
Eira shook her head. "No, thanks. I'm fine."
"Oh, come on," he insisted, moving closer. "After all the press lately, don't you think it's a little… risky walking alone?"
Her spine stiffened, and she looked into his eyes. His own look was challenging. "The press doesn't know where I live."
"Are you sure about that?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "Because it seems to me they know plenty about you already."
Eira frowned. "Look, I said no. I don't need a ride, and I don't need your advice."
The man's smirk grew wider. "Feisty, aren't you? But maybe you don't get it. People out there, they'll pay a lot to get a piece of this story. And you… well, you're the hottest story in town right now."
She took a step back. "Who are you?"
"Someone who can help, or… someone who can just walk away," he said smoothly. "Up to you. But if it were me, I'd take the safe option." He tilted his head toward the car. "Get in."
"I don't get in cars with strangers."
"Strangers? Please," he scoffed, flicking an imaginary speck of dust off his jacket. "I'm not just anyone. You think you're in control here, but the moment the press catches on, things'll get messy fast. A little help could make things easier."
"I don't need your help," she shot back. "And I don't trust you."
His expression shifted, arrogance glinting in his eyes. "You think Callian can protect you? Keep you safe from all this?"
"Yes, actually. I trust him a lot more than some guy who showed up out of nowhere."
The man chuckled, shaking his head. "Callian doesn't know half of what's going on. But suit yourself. Don't say I didn't offer."
Eira turned on her heel, forcing herself to walk away, but his voice called after her again.
"Good luck out there, Blackwood. The press is a hungry beast—and they're all watching you."
She furrowed her eyebrows and turned back. "Who exactly are you to know all of this?"
"If I told you, it wouldn't be as much fun, now would it?"
"Who sent you here? Henry? Beatrice?!"
"If only…" he shrugged.
"Then what the hell do you want from me?!"
"Well, I just wanted to meet my sister," Liam said, Nice to finally see you, Eira Hax."