The cost

Late that night, just as Mia was about to drift off, her phone erupted with a shrill ring She picked up to hnd Flint on the other end. his voice laced with urgency. “Ms. Reed, you need to check the internet, now. Someone’s leaked photos of you at the hospital. They’re spinning a story that you’re unhinged, chiming that’s why your husband supposedly left you.”

With a sinking start, Mia swiped her phone alive. Sure enough, the treading top spot was seized by “Blackwood Family Scandal“,

An anonymous user had posted a series of photos, the most damning of which showed M at the hospital, brandishing a fruit knife at Elizabeth. The angle was particularly unflattering, casting her in a menacing light. Photos from her afternoon at the Courthouse were also circulating, sneakily taken, though her face was mostly obscurcil.

The comment section was an inferno of blame and gossip, some even claiming insider knowledge about her scandalous ascent into the upper

echelons.

One commenter sniped. It always wondered how the Blackwoods ended up with some bumpkin. Turns out she played some dirty tricks.]

One added: A relative of mine works at that hospital, saying Mr. Blackwood and the girl were actually an item before this homewrecker stepped in And now that girl’s seriously in. This woman’s truly heartless

Another chimed in [A stolen relationship can never last. They always get booted in the end.

Mis scrolled through a few more venomous comments before sharing the browser, the weight of public scorn pressing down on her like a lead blanket.

“Ms. Reed, what should we do? Eliot asked, his voice tight with concem. “This is spiraling out of control. If it keeps up, someone with an agenda might recognize you and use this against you”

Mia ever composed, replied, “Don’t worry, those are just side shots. They won’t lead back to me right now. Let the PR team handle it?

Though Eliot hadn’t worked for Mia for long, he had developed a deep respect for her resilience and empathized with her. “Should we hit back

online”

“You decide, Mia responded quietly as another call came through. She glanced at the number, colly removed her SIM card, snapped it in half, and tossed it into the trash.

She had made her peace with Matthew the moment she decided to divorce. Right now, she already knew who was likely behind this force tonight And whoever it was would soon learn the consequences of crossing her.

Back in his office, Mathew seethed as his call to Mia abruptly dropped. Trying to redial, he was met with an off signal. Has the tension in the room grew so thick that John shivered under its weight

“Who took these photos! Who posted them online?” Matthew’s voice was a low, menacing growl.

face was downrast, and

“We haven’t identified the photographer yet, str. However, the IP traces back to the hospital, so it might be Ms. Blackwood, retaliating because she felt threatened..” John trailed off as Matthew’s gare turned icy

In a fit of rage, Matthew swept all the documents off his desk. He slammed his phone down, its thud resonating like a dire warning “Might be he demanded, his voice as cold as a winter storm. John, terrified, couldn’t bring himself to meet Matthew’s eyes.

“Sir, I’ve contacted all the major media outlets to downplay the situation, and we’ve temporarily shut down our corporate accounts. You can rest assured John’s phone buzzed with a new message, interrupting him. As he read it, his face paled. “Sir, Mrs. Blackwood. Well, Ms. Reed has just issued a public statement.”

11 Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.