Morning broke over the city, but there was no peace in it. Ashford Tower loomed against the pale sky, its windows like cold eyes watching the storm gather below.
Vivian stood at the mirror, adjusting the collar of her blouse. The press conference was only hours away. Every word, every glance, every slip could tip the balance between survival and ruin.
Liam entered the room, jacket draped over one arm, phone in hand. His face was all hard lines, carved by the weight of sleepless nights and too many battles fought at once.
"They're already outside," he said without preamble. "Reporters. Protesters. Shareholders trying to get a glimpse of the 'scandalous couple.'" His lips twisted in disgust.
Vivian met his gaze in the glass. "We can't control what they think. But we can control what we show them."
A spark of admiration flickered in his eyes. "You're right. We hold the power if we act like we do."
---
An hour later, in the Ashford Tower war room, a slim woman in a sharp gray suit stepped inside. Her eyes were keen, voice low but firm.
"Charlotte Shaw," Liam introduced her, though his tone made it clear she wasn't there for pleasantries. "Top crisis strategist. If anyone can turn this around, it's her."
Charlotte wasted no time. She laid out a plan tight, polished, ruthless.
"No questions off-limits," Charlotte said, firm. "Hiding looks weak."
"Lean into the truth: Daniel is family, not a secret."
"And we control the images. Soft human. A family, not a scandal."
Vivian listened, heart pounding. It felt like preparing for war because it was.
---
But just as they were finalizing statements, Liam's phone buzzed. A message. A link.
His face turned to stone as he read. Then he held the phone out silently. Vivian stared at the screen.
BREAKING: New evidence suggests Liam Ashford married his mistress to cover up paternity fraud. Secret DNA test ordered was Daniel fathered by another?
The blood drained from Vivian's face.
"This is a lie."
"I know," Liam said, voice like ice. "And it means only one thing our traitor just made their next move."
As they prepared to step onto the stage, Liam paused beside Vivian, his hand brushing hers. His voice was low, meant only for her.
"They're trying to tear us apart before we even begin. But I swear I'll protect you. Daniel. This family. No matter the cost."
Vivian drew a breath, steadied herself.
"Then let's show them who we are."
And together, they walked toward the storm.
The heavy doors to the press hall loomed ahead. The low murmur of gathered media, shareholders, and staff seeped through the walls like the hum of an oncoming storm. But before Liam and Vivian could step through, Charlotte Shaw raised a hand, stopping them.
"Wait. One final drill," she said, eyes sharp, no-nonsense. "We don't walk into that room unless every angle's covered. Vivian what's the first thing you say if they call you a gold-digger?"
Vivian's pulse raced. She forced herself to breathe.
"I remind them I walked into Liam's life with nothing. And that I'm here for my son, not his fortune."
Charlotte nodded, crisp and approving.
"Good. Liam if they accuse you of hiding Daniel out of shame?"
Liam's voice was low, steady. "I tell them I protected him from this.the circus we're standing in now. And I'd do it again."
"Again," Charlotte said, folding her arms. "This time louder. With fire. This is your fight. Show them."
They went through it once more, tightening their responses like armor. When Charlotte stepped back, a flicker of respect crossed her features. "You're ready. Go in there like you own the room because you do."
---
Outside the doors, a softer voice interrupted.
"Mama?"
They turned. Daniel stood there, small in his little coat, clutching his stuffed lion. His eyes were wide, confused, the weight of the moment heavy even for him.
"Why's everyone mad at you and Papa?"
Vivian knelt, pulling him close, brushing hair from his brow. "Oh baby, no one's mad at us. They just don't understand yet. But we're going to help them."
Daniel frowned, thoughtful in the way only a child could be. "Will they stop being mean?"
Liam crouched beside them, one hand on his son's shoulder. "We'll make sure of it."
Charlotte watched the scene, something soft flickering in her eyes before she masked it behind professionalism.
---
Inside the press hall, the flashbulbs started the moment they entered.
The cameras snapped like gunfire, the air crackling with tension. Reporters surged forward, voices overlapping:
"Mr. Ashford, is your marriage just a cover for corporate damage control?"
"Vivian, were you seeing Mr. Ashford while he was engaged to Melissa Grant?"
"Liam, have you ordered a paternity test on Daniel?"
Charlotte's plan clicked into place. Liam raised a hand, silencing the room without a word.
When he spoke, his voice carried through the hall, firm and clear.
"No more speculation. No more lies. I married Vivian because she's the mother of my son and the only woman I want beside me in this life. Daniel is my son. I will protect him, and my company, against anyone who tries to use him as a pawn."
The reporters paused, stunned at his force.
Vivian stepped forward, chin high.
"And for the record I met Liam after his engagement ended. I have no interest in his fortune. Only in my family's peace."
The room rippled, reporters recalibrating, sensing the shift.
But just as the tension eased, a voice rang out from the back a familiar one. Evelyn Ashford, standing tall beside a shareholder ally, watching with narrowed eyes.
"Well said, Liam," she called, her tone rich with false sweetness. "Let's hope actions match these noble words. For Daniel's sake."
The cameras swung toward her, the moment crackling with new electricity.
Liam's jaw clenched, but his voice stayed even. "I suggest you sit, Mother. Or leave. Either way your games end today."
---
As the conference continued, Charlotte stood at the edge of the stage, directing staff to release curated photos of Liam, Vivian, and Daniel to the press in real-time.
Images appeared on screens: Daniel laughing between his parents in a garden; Liam lifting him high; Vivian brushing sand from his hair at the beach.
The strategy worked. A murmur of surprise rippled through the crowd. The cold scandal softened if only slightly by the humanity of the images.
---
Later, behind closed doors, Charlotte shut her laptop with a decisive snap.
"You bought time," she said. "But not safety. Whoever's leaking, they're close. And they're not done."
Liam met her gaze. "Then neither are we."
Vivian stood beside him, unflinching now. "Let them come."
Outside, the city watched, waiting for their next move.