Chapter 26 Chapter 26 24 voucherei Chapter 26 In the morning, the main conference room of Titan Group was filled with an icy tension. The board members sat around the large oval table-some preoccupied with the latest digital news, others whispering while throwing disdainful glances at Andrian. On the main screen, a glaring headline was displayed: "Wife of Titan Group Heir Caught on Camera with Mysterious Man at Hotel." One by one, heads lifted to stare at Andrian standing at the front of the room, his expression dark. None of them spoke, but their expressions said enough-this scandal had shaken their confidence in the heir's personal credibility. "Do you know the man, Mr. Velor?" asked one of the senior directors, his tone cold and heavy with implication. Andrian suppressed his anger. "I haven't confirmed anything yet. But my wife will provide an explanation soon." "An explanation isn't enough in a case like this. Titan Group has already been rattled since the article surfaced this morning. Even if this is the first time Mrs. Velor is directly involved, the damage to the company's reputation is considerable," another director added. Andrian clenched his jaw. He knew they weren't just criticizing the news-they were doubting his leadership. Worse, they were mocking him as Aliana's husband. "I will handle this immediately," Andrian said firmly. The meeting ended without a solution-just sharp looks, judgment, and the echo of footsteps walking away, leaving behind a chilling silence. Outside Titan Group, the news spread even faster. Zavier Corporation wasn't spared. Ethan Zavier, Aliana's father, sat in his office at the family estate, replaying the hotel video on his tablet. He ran a hand down his face, the weariness in his eyes revealing a mix of anger and disappointment. Not because he believed Aliana was guilty, but because he knew the world didn't care about truth-only about appearances. The phone rang. Ethan groaned in frustration, already knowing it was either journalists or business associates demanding explanations. "This cannot be ignored, Ethan. The article is disgraceful," growled a cousin from the Zavier family. "We can't let the wife of Titan Group's heir drag our name through the mud." Ethan sighed. "I'll speak to Aliana." That afternoon, Aliana sat alone in the pavilion's sitting room. Silence filled the space, broken only by the ticking clock and sunlight slipping through the curtains. Her phone screen was filled with dozens of unread messages: questions, criticism, even interview requests from the press. She didn't open a single one. A knock came at the door. Moments later, Elena opened it-and Andrian walked in without waiting to be invited. His 1/5 Chapter 20 expression was sharp, his posture rigid. "Was that really you?" he asked bluntly. He hadn't had time to confirm anything in the morning. He had already been pulled into an emergency board meeting when the scandal broke. He had tried to call Aliana before the meeting, but she hadn't answered. So he had faced the board without knowing the truth. Only now could he confront her. Aliana didn't respond. She stood and walked to the window, gazing out at the garden. "I'm asking you, Aliana. Was that really you in the video?" Andrian's voice rose in frustration, angered by her calmness amid the storm. "Do you want me to deny it or admit it?" she answered quietly, almost toneless. Andrian clenched his fist. "Just answer me." Aliana turned to him, her eyes steady. "Yes, it was me. But not in the way they think." Andrian's fist trembled. "Do you know how much pressure I've been under because of this? The board is questioning my credibility. They're treating me like I'm part of some petty scandal I didn't even see coming!" "Then they should learn to distinguish between what's seen and what's real," Aliana replied coolly. Andrian stared at her, anger simmering. "Who is the man in the video?" he asked again, his voice now low and tense. "Rafe Donovan," she replied. "We grew up together. He's like a brother to me." "There's no such thing as a brother without blood," Andrian snapped. Aliana gave a slight smirk. "Of all things, that's what you're focusing on? Why not focus on who leaked the video instead?" Andrian frowned. "What are you implying?" Aliana stepped closer, her gaze sharp and mocking. "I know you're not stupid, Andrian. So stop acting like the only victim here. We both know there's only one person in this house bold enough to target me-and with access to media fast enough to make this viral." Andrian was silent. Aliana leaned in slightly. "Bianca." Andrian's jaw tightened. He stepped closer, his expression tense. "So now you're blaming Bianca for your mistake? You should be ashamed, Aliana. You humiliated me, and now you're accusing others?" Aliana lifted her chin. "I'm not blaming anyone. I just don't like being attacked through someone I once protected." Andrian's face hardened further, but Aliana didn't care. 2/5 8:16 pm R Chapter 26 I'll handle this my way if you won't hold Bianca accountable. I'll make her regret targeting me? "Enough. Aliana!" Andrian snapped. "Are you threatening her?" "I'm warning you." Aliana replied smoothly. "So you won't complain when your precious woman pays the price for crossing inc." Andrian exhaled harshly, his eyes burning with fury. He turned and stormed out without another word. As he walked down the hallway, his fists clenched and chest heaving. Andrian couldn't believe how calm Aliana had been- how she threatened instead of begging for his support. "Damn woman..." he muttered under his breath. Andrian strode out of the pavilion with quick, heavy steps. The morning air hadn't yet cooled his temper. But just as he reached his car, a firm voice stopped him. "Andrian?" Andrian turned. Ethan Zavier was standing in the courtyard, dressed in a formal suit, his eyes sharp and questioning. "I just found out Aliana's been living in the pavilion," Ethan said flatly, though the disappointment in his tone was clear. "You've placed your own wife in a separate residence like this?" Andrian gave a small, bitter smirk. "Perhaps you should take your daughter home before I'm the one who throws hienou Ethan was stunned. But before he could respond, Andrian had already turned and entered his car without another disappeared down the driveway-leaving Ethan standing alone The engine roared to life, and moments later, the cap clenched tight.. "Useless brat," Ethan muttered under his breath. He now realized just how furious Andrian truly was-and he knew Aliana was the cause. Ethan took a deep breath and turned his gaze toward the pavilion, eyes darkening. He began walking toward it with purpose. "Mr. Ethan..." The door to the pavilion was opened by Elena, visibly startled by Ethan's unexpected appearance. "Where is Aliana?" Ethan asked coldly. Elena hesitated. "The young mistress is upstairs, sir. I'll go fetch her." A few minutes later, Aliana descended the stairs. She looked calm and composed, not a trace of anxiety on her face. But the moment she saw her father's expression, she knew this would not be a pleasant conversation. Ethan wasted no time. He stepped forward and unleashed his anger. "How dare you create a scandal like this, Aliana?! Have you completely lost your shame?" "Good afternoon, Father," Aliana replied, ignoring his barrage. "Afternoon?" Ethan growled, infuriated by Aliana's composed tone-as if nothing had happened. 3/5 Chapter 26 "Is that all you have to say after dragging our name through the mud? Your photos are everywhere! Titan Group is shaken. Zavier Corporation is being questioned. You've humiliated us all!" "Please, sit down." Aliana said calmly, unmoved by his outburst. She glanced briefly at Elena nearby. "Elena, bring some tea for my father." "Tea?" Ethan barked. "Our family's reputation is on the verge of collapse, and you're offering me tea? Have you gre insane?" Aliana remained composed. "If you don't want to sit, then stand. But don't expect me to panic like you." "You-!" Ethan was seething. Her indifference only enraged him further. "I fought to bring you back into the Zavier family. I arranged your marriage to the heir of Titan Group. And what do you do? Instead of building your position, you create scandal and live in a remote annex like this!" Aliana stood with quiet grace, her hands resting calmly by her sides. Ethan clenched his fists as he continued his tirade. "You should be winning Andrian's heart. You should be planning a pregnancy to secure your place in the Velor family: Bur what have you done? Nothing! You stay in this little pavilion and now drag us into the tabloids!" Aliana exhaled slowly, absorbing every venomous word. "You're completely useless, Aliana!" Ethan shouted, his face flushed with fury. "I regret ever marrying you to Andrian. If I'd known this would happen, I never would've called you home. I was right to distance you from this family. You've only brought us misfortune!" Aliana remained silent, though her heart ached. She swallowed the sting of his words. "I've told you many times," Aliana said at last, voice low but steady, "I didn't marry for the family name or the company." Ethan blinked, stunned by her composure-guilt flickering in his chest as he realized how cruel his words had been. "I didn't marry to please any of you," she continued. "I married for one reason only: to uncover the truth about Alicia. Not for politics. And certainly not to get pregnant quickly, like you so desperately wish." Ethan stepped closer, voice rising again. "With that attitude, you'll gain nothing. Forget the truth-you'll be kicked out of this little pavilion before you find anything!" Aliana met his eyes without flinching. Her hands slowly clenched at her sides. "If you came here just to voice your regrets, then leave. But I won't stand down if anyone tries to block my goal. Whether it's Andrian... or you." Ethan scoffed. "You speak like an enemy." "You treated me like one first," Aliana shot back. "I'm merely returning the favor." Ethan's glare sharpened. "You're more suited to be a criminal's daughter than part of a respectable family like ours. Your behavior is shameful-completely disgraceful!" 415 Chapter 26 Alama didn't respond. The wonde hit her like a dap, bow de refret wie him the fwton of other den be the es 1 Andrian divorces you. Fiban threatened, "I won't hate vos cnt you off agams rtt mabe zer gauze into this family" Aliana stood tall, here clenched nightly, her face rene har hey pre Boeker in tension Ethan cast one last withering glance at his daughter before storming out. He didn't say another wet runt esets a bark want glance His footsteps echoed sharply through the veranda, and within seconds, the main done fammed that behout fams Elena, who had watched nervously from the corner the entire time, hesitantly repped forward "Miss Aliana... is there anything I can do?" Aliana inhaled deeply, then shook her head slowly. "No. I just need some time alone." With steady steps, Aliana ascended the stairs again. Her posture was strong, but before she disappeared around the landing Elena caught a brief glimpse of pain behind her eyes. 田 Freelance photographer Violet Beck is forced into an engagement with CEO Roy Payne. He is everything her wild heart rebels against: proper, predictable, and painfully kind. But love has a way of devel...