All Chapters of Breaking Her at Thanksgiving: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

“Our brand holds a certain standard,” Tessa added, on the other end of the phone. Her tone polite, but firm. “Especially when it comes to the faces we associate with.”Solène’s typing on the laptop slowed, but didn’t stop.She nodded once. “I understand.”“Although we’re not making any decisions yet,” Tessa clarified quickly. “However…the situation is gaining a lot of traction. Public perception matters.” Silence settled, longer than it had since the call began.“Mrs Alvarez, I trust that whatever is happening will be addressed. Quickly.” She added, “Before it begins to reflect beyond just you.” Solene let out a breath. She knew exactly what she meant.“It’ll be handled.”“I’m glad to hear that,” Tessa replied. “We’d hate for a child so promising like Arianna to be…affected by avoidable circumstances.” ‘Avoidable,’ the word echoed.But Solene said nothing.Then Tessa’s voice came through, calm and practiced. “We’ll be in touch.” The call ended.Solene placed the phone down on the

“I’m saying my child is not a topic for public speculation,” Solene said. “And I will not entertain conversations that reduce her to a headline.” Clarissa clicked her tongue softly. “Convenient.” Linda folded her arms. “Of course…run away, Solene.” “She’s not running away.“ Lewis suddenly said. “Know the difference already.” Linda turned to him sharply and glared. “Then what is she doing?” “What about the photos?” Rachel’s voice cut in once more. “The ones showing you and Mr Crawford in what many describe as…intimate settings.”Solene didn’t flinch once. In fact, the side of her lip curled slightly. “They are moments taken out of context.” She said. “Moments that have been twisted to fit a narrative.”“And that narrative being?”“That I’m involved with a man from my past.” Her eye flicked briefly to the camera, then back to Rachel. “I’m not.” Lewis’ jaw tightened again.Still, Rachel pressed, out for blood as she adjusted in her seat.“Mrs Alvarez, some people believe this goe

Solene stepped out of the car, the early morning sun kissing her skin softly like it was trying to congratulate her.The door slammed shut behind her, and she moved towards the entrance, her shoulders finally straight without effort—for the first time in days.The door opened from within, and she stepped in, almost immediately noticing the shift in the air.But this time, it wasn’t sharp or suffocating.The lobby was calmer, quieter. No obvious stares digging into her back. Just the occasional whisper brushing past her ears.Her name still moved through the air, though. But it was softer, more controlled It seemed the interview had done a lot more than she expected. Her employees were all now minding their business, going on with their day like nothing had happened, and only spoke when they were spoken to.‘As they should,’ Solene thought as the elevator doors slid open.Mae stood inside, composed as usual. Clutching her iPad with a smile a little wider than usual as she stared at h

Ronan stared at the video in his hands, his lips pulled upward in genuine amusement, knowing he couldn’t get Lewis’ words out of his head. Because no matter how composed Lewis looked on screen, it could pick out one or two parts that didn’t sit right. And that Ronan found interesting. He finally set down the tablet, his gaze lifting to Sarah. “It’s done. You have your pictures. Am I free now?” she asked. Ronan didn’t answer immediately. He just watched her for a second, then straightened. “What about the man?” “What man?” “The one who took the pictures.” Ronan said. “Does he work for you?” “No. I found him taking pictures of birds at a kids’ park.” She paused. “Why do you ask?” “I want him.” Sarah’s brows drew together. “Why? The business is over. Everyone settled.” “Not me.” His voice was serious now, his gaze on Sarah more intense than before. The woman scoffed. “That’s neither of our problems.” She said, “It’s not my fault you didn’t get exactly what you wanted.” “

Solene glanced at the time for what felt like the fiftieth time since she walked into the room. She tried to focus on something else—anything other than the low murmuring from the people around the table or the occasional way eyes landed on her before quickly shifting away again.No one needed to tell her that her name fell off their lips during their “conversations.” Probably because part of why the meeting was called was partly because of her.And frankly, that was why she’d accepted the invitation—to listen to the praises. The approval. Something to steady whatever had been off in her for the past few days.Otherwise, she wasn’t even sure why she was a part of the association.Either way, the meeting was scheduled to begin thirty minutes ago. But somehow, the chairman’s seat and the one opposite hers had been empty since Solene arrived.And she was this close to leaving.She shifted slightly, her eyes moving towards the entrance like she was quietly calculating how long she’d giv