Chapter 6

Tara kicked off her heels, tossed her bag aside, and began taking down every framed photo in the villa.

She removed the pictures, burned them one by one, and threw the empty frames away.

She hadn’t realized just how many there were.

The living room, the hallway, the bedroom, the study, the gym, the walk-in closet—walls, shelves, tables—they were everywhere.

As she worked, her phone rang.

Seeing that it was her father, she answered, only to be met with his angry voice. “Tara, what’s going on online? How could a scandal like this come out now?”

Feeling drained, Tara sank onto the carpet and replied softly, “Dad…”

Her nose stung, and her throat tightened.

Hearing her tone, Joe’s voice immediately softened. “Don’t cry, sweetheart. Don’t cry. I’m here. We won’t let them get away with this! Leave it to me. I’ll make sure those websites pay for this!”

The warmth of Joe’s concern broke down the last of her defenses. Tara covered her mouth, choking back sobs as the night’s frustrations poured out.

Joe sighed. “There’s no use crying now. But I’ll deal with Leo and that woman for you!”

Tara wiped away her tears. “No need, Dad. I was just too foolish and naive. This is my own fault. Besides, I’ve already decided to move abroad. Let’s just leave it at that.”

Joe let out a frustrated sigh, torn between wanting to scold her and not wanting to hurt her. “You… you’re impossible.”

But his heart ached for her.

After asking about the progress of her immigration paperwork, Tara ended the call. She took a long shower and went to bed.

Leo didn’t come home that night.

There were no calls, no messages.

When Tara woke the next morning, the sun was already high.

The first thing she did was check her phone. All of her photos and videos had been completely wiped from the internet.

As she sat down to breakfast, Leo returned.

He was still wearing the same clothes from the day before. His hair was disheveled, his eyes bloodshot, and his stubble was unkempt.

It was obvious he hadn’t rested all night.

Sitting across from her, Leo’s voice was low and demanding. “Did you file a lawsuit over the online photos?”

Tara dabbed her lips with a napkin and met his gaze. “Yes, I have to protect my rights.”

Leo spoke in a detached, business-like tone. “The company has already signed Nina. She just returned to the country, and we need to generate publicity for her. I’ll give you 50 million if you drop the lawsuit and allow the use of your photos and videos for promotion.”

Tara’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “Mr. Carter, I’m not one of your employees. I have neither the obligation nor the desire to cooperate with your publicity stunts.”

Leo’s sharp brows knitted together as he slammed his glass of milk back onto the table, his cold eyes locking onto her.

“Jealous? Angry about last night?” he asked, his tone icy. “Nina hurt her face and foot so I had to rush her to the hospital. Her looks are her livelihood. She can’t afford to be scarred.”

Tara smiled faintly. “I’m not angry. Do whatever you want to promote her, just don’t drag me into it. Understand?”

Leo’s gaze turned steely, his voice dropping further. “You’ve always been obedient and sensible. I hope you won’t disappoint me.”

Tara’s tone remained calm. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Carter, but I’m standing by my boundaries.”

Leo stared at her, as if he couldn’t quite process the change.

He lit a cigarette, taking a deep drag and exhaling a swirl of smoke.

Under the hazy cloud, his handsome, tired face carried an air of indulgent decadence.

After a few puffs, he seemed to regain his composure. Snuffing out the cigarette in the ashtray, he walked over and sat beside Tara, pulling her into his arms.

In a low voice, he said, “Alright, we won’t use your photos and videos. Don’t be upset anymore. How about 20 million to drop the lawsuit? Going up against those reporters and influencers could hurt the company’s reputation.”

As he spoke, he kissed her ear, his hand sliding to the collar of her shirt.

Since it was Leo’s company involved, Tara decided she would agree to drop the lawsuit. She figured she might as well treat it as compensation for the three years she had spent with him.

After all, he had always been a satisfying lover.

Just as she was about to nod, Leo’s phone rang.

With one arm still wrapped around her, he pulled out his phone and glanced at the screen before answering. He spoke in Genovian.

“Wesley, what’s up?”

Wesley’s voice was laced with mischief. “Did you get Tara to agree to drop the lawsuit? Those reporters and influencers are holding Nina accountable for the whole mess, and she’s in tears from the pressure.”

Leo replied lazily, “Do you think she wouldn’t agree?”

Wesley chuckled darkly. “Man, I envy you. Honestly, I’m really into Tara. Since you’ve got Nina now, why don’t you hand Tara over to me? Even just for fun.”

Leo’s grip around Tara tightened, his voice cold. “Get lost.”

But Tara had heard everything clearly.

She had assumed earlier that Leo’s vague comments meant the issue was just a PR stunt orchestrated by his company.

Now, she realized the truth. It was all Nina’s doing.