Chapter 34: We need a press conference

As I sat in my office, a rare sense of unease settled over me. Not for myself—I was accustomed to handling scandals and navigating the treacherous waters of public opinion as a CEO. But for Elena, who had been thrust into the spotlight without warning, I felt a gnawing concern. She didn't deserve this kind of scrutiny, and I feared how it might affect her.

I leaned back in my chair, the soft leather providing a semblance of comfort. My mind was racing, trying to figure out the best way to mitigate the damage. I reached for my phone and opened Instagram, feeling a pang of guilt as I typed in Elena's handle. She had always had a modest following—around 55 followers—but what I saw now made my heart sink.