Chapter 440

Evelyn Carter tapped her manicured nails against the marble countertop. "If we let this rumor continue circulating, won't it essentially confirm my supposed relationship with Wesley?"

Her phone buzzed with an incoming message.

The screen illuminated her suddenly stormy expression.

Natalie Reeves leaned forward. "If you don't issue a denial, the public will take this as confirmation of your involvement with Wesley. But honestly..." A sly smile curved her lips. "This could work in your favor."

She gestured excitedly. "You're launching your new lifestyle brand next month! This viral moment could give you incredible exposure—"

"Absolutely not." Evelyn's refusal came sharp as shattered glass.

Her gaze remained locked on Wesley's text—nearly identical to Natalie's suggestion. As a digital creator, Wesley understood the value of capitalizing on trending topics. Their "scandal" had exploded across every platform, and while they barely knew each other, riding this wave seemed like smart business to him.

But Evelyn had other priorities. "Natalie, draft a statement. I want this shut down in ten minutes."

Natalie's eyebrows shot up. "Someone's worried about Harrison getting the wrong idea."

A soft hum of confirmation.

"Damn, Evie." Natalie whistled. "You're really passing up this golden opportunity just to avoid upsetting your man?"

In an era where influencers would stage car crashes for clout, Evelyn's refusal to exploit the situation was practically revolutionary.

Natalie's fingers flew across her tablet. "Honestly? I respect it. No relationship is worth compromising for cheap publicity." She paused, frown deepening. "Wait... these photos weren't leaked. This was orchestrated."

The telltale signs were everywhere—the strategic cropping, the coordinated posting times, the army of suspiciously similar fan accounts. As a PR expert, Natalie recognized a media play when she saw one.

"We need to find out who's pulling the strings."

—

Juliette Blackwood's phone nearly cracked under her grip.

She and Eleanor had expected Evelyn to be torn apart by Wesley's rabid fanbase. Instead, 80% of the comments were shipping the "adorable power couple."

"Are these people blind?" Juliette shrieked. "She must be paying for bots! There's no way—"

Eleanor's hands trembled. "This backfired spectacularly. And if Nathan finds out we—"

A chill ran down her spine. The consequences didn't bear thinking about.