Chapter 44

After hanging up, Emma sat there, lost in her head. Meanwhile, over at a gossip magazine office, Michael leaned back with one leg crossed, eyeing the photos in his hand, a smug grin tugging at his lips. "These shots are solid," he said, tossing the pictures onto the table casually. "I want these front and center in tomorrow's headlines." "No problem at all, Mr. Owens! If you want a scandal, we're giving you a wildfire," the guy across from him replied eagerly, smiling with flattering obedience. Michael's eyes, sharp and sly, danced with amusement as he imagined the storm those pictures would stir up once they hit the internet. Back at home, Ethan came in late at night. The moment he stepped into the bedroom and caught sight of Emma quietly asleep, a faint softness broke across his otherwise distant face. Though the gash on her forehead had healed, a small scar still remained. Ethan reached out, brushing his fingers gently over it. He wasn't quite sure why. He hated seeing her hurt—but