The carriage ride back to the Delacroix estate was quiet. Amara stared out the window, lost in thought, while Ethan reviewed notes in his journal. The weight of their plans lingered between them, a fragile hope that now had to survive against Cecilia's inevitable counterattack.
As they approached the estate gates, the driver slowed, his brow furrowed. A commotion stirred ahead. Several reporters swarmed the entrance, their flashing cameras and shouted questions breaking the usual calm.
"Lord Delacroix! Is it true you've betrayed your business partners?"
"Lady Delacroix, how do you respond to the allegations about your past crimes?"
Amara froze, her hands gripping the edge of the seat. "What's going on?"
Ethan's jaw clenched. "Cecilia," he muttered. "She's striking back."
Inside the estate, Arthur was already waiting for them in the foyer, a grim look on his face.
"Bad news," Arthur said as they entered. "Cecilia's media machine is in full swing. She's planted several stories about both of you—Ethan, your business dealings are being painted as corrupt. Amara, she's dragging up rumors about your past, twisting them to make you look guilty of everything she's ever accused you of."
Amara paled. "How can she do this so quickly?"
"She's been preparing for this moment," Ethan said, his voice icy. "But she underestimated me."
Ding!
New Task Unlocked: Counter Cecilia's Smear Campaign
Objective: Clear both Ethan's and Amara's names in the media.
Reward: 8000 Pampering Points + Skill: Master Strategist.
Amara's Emotional Update: Anxious and Overwhelmed
Current Mood: Distressed.
Reward: 2000 Pampering Points.
Ethan turned to Arthur. "How bad is it?"
Arthur handed him a stack of newspapers and a tablet displaying online reports. "Bad. She's using every connection she has to flood the media with these stories. Even reputable outlets are picking them up."
Ethan scanned the headlines, his eyes narrowing. Then he looked at Amara. "We'll fight this. But you need to trust me."
Amara nodded, though her hands trembled. "I do trust you. I'm just... scared."
Ethan stepped closer, his voice softening. "I know. But I won't let her win. We'll expose the truth."
The first step was to launch their own media counteroffensive. Ethan called in favors from influential journalists and hired a top-tier public relations team. Arthur worked on compiling evidence to refute Cecilia's claims, while Ethan prepared for a press conference to address the allegations head-on.
"Amara," Ethan said one evening as they worked late in the study. "You'll need to speak at the press conference too."
Amara's eyes widened. "Me? But I'm terrible at public speaking."
"You're the heart of this fight," Ethan said. "People need to see the real you, not the version Cecilia has painted. You can do this."
Ding!
Task Unlocked: Prepare Amara for Public Speaking
Objective: Build Amara's confidence and skills for the press conference.
Reward: 6000 Pampering Points + Rare Skill: Commanding Presence (Amara's Skill).
Over the next few days, Ethan coached Amara on how to speak with confidence and clarity.
"Focus on your message," he told her. "Speak from your heart, and don't let the cameras intimidate you."
At first, Amara struggled, her voice wavering and her words stumbling. But with Ethan's encouragement and patience, she gradually improved.
"Good," Ethan said after one session. "You're getting the hang of it. Just remember—you're not alone. I'll be right there beside you."
Amara managed a small smile. "Thank you, Ethan. I don't think I could do this without you."
Ding!
Task Complete: Prepare Amara for Public Speaking
Reward: 6000 Pampering Points + Rare Skill: Commanding Presence (Amara's Skill).
Amara's Emotional Update: Grateful and Determined
Current Mood: Hopeful.
Reward: 3000 Pampering Points.
The day of the press conference arrived. The grand hall was packed with reporters, cameras flashing as Ethan and Amara stepped onto the stage. Ethan stood tall, his presence commanding, while Amara drew strength from his reassuring nod.
Ethan began, addressing the allegations with cold, calculated precision. He dismantled each claim against his business dealings with irrefutable evidence, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
Then he turned to Amara. "My wife has been the target of baseless accusations for years. Today, she will speak her truth."
Amara stepped forward, her heart pounding. But as she met the eyes of the audience, she remembered Ethan's words: Speak from your heart.
"I've made mistakes," she began, her voice steady. "But I am not the villain Cecilia has painted me to be. I've been manipulated, lied about, and discarded. But today, I'm standing here to tell the truth and to fight for my future."
Her words carried an authenticity that resonated with the crowd. As she spoke, Ethan watched with pride, knowing they were taking the first step toward reclaiming their lives.
Ding!
Task Complete: Counter Cecilia's Smear Campaign
Reward: 8000 Pampering Points + Skill: Master Strategist.
Amara's Emotional Update: Empowered
Current Mood: Confident and Resolved.
Reward: 5000 Pampering Points.
As they left the stage, the murmurs of the crowd hinted at a shift in perception. Ethan placed a hand on Amara's back, guiding her through the throng of reporters.
"You were incredible," he said quietly.
Amara looked up at him, her eyes shining. "Because you believed in me."
As they stepped into the car waiting outside, Ethan's phone buzzed with a message from Arthur.
"We've got something new on Cecilia," Arthur had written. "It's big."
Ethan's eyes darkened. The fight was far from over, but now, they had the upper hand.
End of Chapter 30