Adrian Sullivan moved faster than expected.

Within forty minutes, the scandal involving the second son of the Sullivan empire had exploded across the internet.

The top three trending topics were all about him.

#EthanSullivanCheatingProof

#RichLoveTriangleDrama

#WifeVsMistressShowdown

Gossip accounts swarmed like sharks smelling blood, reposting furiously.

High-society scandals were always the public's favorite spectacle.

The comment sections erupted.

"Holy crap! This tea is piping hot!"

"That aristocratic aura shines through even the blur—definitely Ethan Sullivan!"

"The mistress looks like a straight-up gold digger!"

Isabella Valentine's social media was the first to fall.

Her carefully curated selfies were flooded with venomous remarks.

"Bragging about being a homewrecker?"

"This is the Valentine heiress? Disgusting."

"Someone audit Valentine Group's taxes!"

The official Valentine Group account was next.

Their stock price plummeted instantly.

Theodore Valentine was smashing his third teacup in his study when Isabella stumbled in, reeking of alcohol.

"Dad—"

Slap!

A stinging blow landed across her cheek.

"Look what you've done!" Theodore hurled a tablet at her. "Ten billion wiped from our market cap!"

Clutching her face, Isabella tapped the news alert.

Soberness hit like ice water.

"It's not true!" she shrieked. "Ethan never touched me!"

"Too late for excuses!" Theodore's veins bulged. "Call PR—now!"

Meanwhile...

Sophia Laurent scrolled through her notifications.

#SHOCKER: Sullivan Scion Reunites With Ex#

The accompanying photo showed Isabella entering a hotel suite.

Her finger trembled.

The article displayed side-by-side photos of her and Isabella.

A poll asked:

[Wife vs. Mistress—Who Would You Choose?]

Her lungs constricted.

The man who'd whispered sweet nothings hours ago was now embroiled in a cheating scandal.

Her phone buzzed.

Ethan's assistant.

"Mrs. Sullivan, Mr. Sullivan is at the hospital."

"Hospital?"

"Someone drugged his drink..."

Sophia's grip tightened. "Address."

——

City General Hospital ER.

Ethan lay pale after stomach pumping.

His lips curved weakly when he saw Sophia. "You've lost weight."

That simple sentence shattered her.

She moved to the bedside, embracing him gently.

"I saw the news."

Ethan clasped her hand. "Do you believe me or the tabloids?"

Silence.

Her fingertips traced the IV needle marks on his skin.

"If you're lying," she whispered, "I'll disappear with our child forever."

Ethan's arms locked around her like steel.

"Not a chance."

His voice was raw gravel.

"You're never leaving me."