Chapter 11

Eliora POV

The headlines hit like a slap.

“Bestselling Author Eliora Monroe Allegedly Buys Her Way Into the Industry — Billionaire Kian Donovan Named as Silent Investor.”

Really? Is that what they think about me? A freeloader? 

Was this his plan all long? Luring me into a deal and turning it into my problem. Into a freaking headline.

I scrolled through dozens of versions of headlines on my ipad. Each one nastier than the last.

One read; “IS AUTHOR ELIORA TRYING TO BUY HER WAY INTO THE DONOVAN FAMILY?”

I almost burst into laughter. If only they know the truth. I wonder what would be the headline then.

Suddenly, it wasn’t about my work, my words, or the company I built from scratch. It was about him.

The self made billionaire. 

They made it sound like I was nothing without Kian Donovan, that every ounce of success was suddenly bought, not earned.

My phone buzzed nonstop. Emails, messages, reporters clawing for a statement. 

Zoey hovered near my desk, pale-faced, whispering, “I really can't believe Kian. Did he have to go through such lengths?” she stood straight, “For what exactly? Your attention?”

I clenched my armrest right, “We don't know if he is the one who released the press.”

“Really?” She asked in disbelief 

“No.” I straightened in my seat, “but we shouldn't put fingers just yet.”

“Do you even believe what you are saying?” She sighed. “Now isn't a time to side with him, Eliora.”

“I'm not siding with him, Zoey.” 

“So?” She said, “Should I release a statement?”

“No,” I said sharply, grabbing my coat. “I’ll handle it myself.”

…..

By the time I stepped into Kian’s office, his assistant barely had time to announce my arrival. He was standing by the window, hands in his pockets, like he’d been expecting me.

His expression was unreadable but his eyes flickered the second he saw me through the glass.

“I see you’ve read the news,” he said, voice smooth, detached.

My lips pressed into a line. “You mean the part where my company is now trending as your newest investment trophy?”

“He turned, a faint smirk curling at the edge of his mouth. “You make it sound like a bad thing. You’re getting exposure. The firm’s name is everywhere. You should be thanking me.”

“Thanking you?” I laughed, a sharp, humorless sound. “For ruining everything I built on my own? Making it seem like I didn't work hard for it.

His brows lifted slightly, but he didn’t flinch. “Why do you think I leaked it?”

“You’re the only one who benefits from it, Kian!” My voice cracked before I could stop it. “You couldn’t stand the fact that I didn’t have your name tied to mine anymore, could you?”

He took a slow step toward me, his presence filling the room like a shadow. “That’s the thing about you, Eliora,” he said quietly. “You never fail to misjudge me.”

I crossed my arms, forcing my voice steady. “And that’s the thing about you, Kian. Everything has to orbit around you. Even my silence. Even my success. Too bad, some people can’t change, no matter how much time they take.”

He chuckled softly, but his expression hardened. “Better than running when things get too tough. Isn’t it?”

That one hit like a slap.

My breath caught, and before I could think, the words tumbled out. “At least I had the courage to leave before you destroyed me completely.”

A tense silence hung between us. He didn’t say anything. Just stared at me with that heavy look I couldn’t read.

Then he looked away, taking a step back, he said, almost too calmly, “If it puts your mind at ease, I’ll find out who leaked it.”

I blinked, taken aback. “Right. Because I’m supposed to believe you suddenly care about my peace of mind?”

His jaw tightened. “You can believe whatever you want. But I didn’t leak it.”

“Ma’am, you have a meeting with Mr. Hart in an hour.” Clara's voice rang through the room.

“Thank you, Clara,” I said without looking away from Kian. “If at all you had a hand in defaming my fame,” I took a step closer. “I would stop at nothing to bring you down Kian.”

“You’ve changed,” he said quietly.his tone unreadable. “You’re colder now.”

I swallowed. “And you still think that’s your fault.”

He didn’t deny it.

I stepped back, straightening my blazer. “I’ll inform you when the next meeting will be. Don’t contact me or my assistant.”

“But we had a deal,” he said. “Are you going back on your word?”

I turned and met his eyes, “Do you understand me or not?”

He stared at me for a long moment. “Fine. Your call.”

I stopped halfway and said over my shoulder, “Just so you know I don't go back on my words.” with that I stepped out.