Page 28 of Only Ever Mine

“Then I hope you have a plan to fight back,” Madison said, her voice almost sympathetic. “Because this article is already gaining traction. It won’t be long before the industry starts talking.”

A sick feeling settled in my stomach.

I ended the call without another word and slowly lowered my phone. My fingers trembled slightly.

Marc walked past me, pausing when he caught sight of my face. “You okay?”

I forced a nod. “Yeah. I just need a minute.”

I stepped into my office and shut the door, gripping the edge of my desk as I tried to steady my breathing.

It’s just an article. People will forget about it in a week.

Except they wouldn’t.

This industry was ruthless. Reputation was everything. One bad headline, one rumor, and it could all crumble.

I squeezed my eyes shut, frustration burning behind them.

I had worked too hard for this.

I wouldn’t let one bitter rival take me down.

CHRISTIAN

“We’ve got a problem,” Eric told me, tone clipped.

I’d been in enough high-stakes negotiations to recognize the undercurrent of tension in his voice.

It told me something serious had gone sideways.

I exhaled sharply, setting my drink down on the marble counter of my penthouse. “Tell me.”

“There’s a hit piece on Scarlett in Luxe Dining—full-page feature.”

My grip on the glass tightened.

Luxe Dining was one of the biggest food magazines in the industry, the kind that could make or break a chef’s reputation.

I turned toward the massive windows overlooking the city, my jaw flexing as I asked, “How bad?”

Eric hesitated, and that alone told me everything.

“They’re calling her a fraud. Accusing her of stealing recipes, taking credit for her staff’s work, even blacklisting former employees.” He let out a breath. “It’s not subtle, Christian. It’s a full-on smear campaign.”

Heat licked at the edges of my temper.

I’d been in the business world long enough to know how these things worked—someone with a grudge was behind this.

Someone with money and connections.

I grabbed my phone, already pulling up Scarlett’s number.

We need to talk. I’ll come by after closing.

Three dots appeared, then disappeared. Then appeared again.

Finally, her response came through.