Amy Sinclair tried to push past the swarm of journalists, but their formation was tighter than a fortress wall.

"Ms. Sinclair, care to comment?"

"Ms. Sinclair..."

"Ms. Sinclair..."

The reporters surrounded Amy like vultures circling prey.

Then came the shove from nowhere - a sharp push that sent Amy tumbling onto the pavement.

Gasps erupted as she struggled to rise. "Good heavens! Mrs. Blackwood just assaulted someone!"

At that accusation, every camera lens in the vicinity snapped toward Amy, flashbulbs exploding from all directions. The cacophony of voices and blinding lights threatened to drown her.

Then, like thunder cutting through a storm, a deep voice commanded: "Move."

The crowd parted to reveal a towering figure silhouetted against the night.

Amy's breath caught. Sebastian Kingsley.

Sebastian seized the reporters' momentary hesitation to reach Amy's side. His gaze zeroed in on her swollen ankle, his expression darkening. "Hospital. Now."

Without waiting for permission, he helped her stand.

The journalists surged forward with renewed vigor, drawn to Sebastian like sharks to blood.

Yet none dared approach him with the same audacity they'd shown Amy.

"Mr. Kingsley, what's your connection to Ms. Sinclair? Are you involved in this scandal?"

Sebastian's glacial stare pinned the reporter in place. "Are you interrogating me?"

The woman who'd been harassing Amy suddenly found her voice had deserted her.

Noticing Amy wincing, Sebastian declared, "That ankle needs medical attention." Before she could protest, he swept her into his arms.

Then another voice sliced through the night - cold and crystalline. "What an... interesting scene."

The crowd turned as one. Moonlight sculpted the newcomer's sharp features, casting his handsome face in silver. His lips curled in a mocking smile that didn't reach his frost-colored eyes.

"Alexander Blackwood?" someone whispered.

The elegant woman beside him spoke softly. "These online rumors are baseless. Please leave Ms. Sinclair alone..."

Only then did the reporters notice Victoria Langley standing at Alexander's side.

Victoria - the woman at the heart of this media storm - had been impossible to reach, her hospital guarded like Fort Knox.

But before the journalists could pounce, Alexander's arctic glare froze them in place.

"That's enough," he said, each word dripping with finality.