جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 20

Daniel didn't speak during the drive home. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, his jaw set. Mira had learned enough about him in the past day to know when to stay quiet.They were almost to the estate when his phone rang. He glanced at the screen and his expression darkened further."What?" he answered, his tone sharp.Mira couldn't hear the other side of the conversation, but she watched Daniel's face carefully."Tell them no comment," he said. "I don't care what they're offering. The answer is no."A pause."She's not giving interviews. Not now, not ever. Make that clear."He ended the call and immediately another came through. This time he sent it to voicemail."What's happening?" Mira asked."Media outlets want exclusive interviews. They're offering money.""How much money?""Enough that most people would say yes." He pulled through the estate gates. "But you're not most people. You're my wife. That means you don't talk to reporters.""I wasn't planning to.""Good." He p

Mira woke to shouting.It took her a moment to orient herself in the unfamiliar darkness. Then she heard Daniel's voice, loud and angry, coming from somewhere below.She checked her phone. Three in the morning.Wrapping herself in a robe, she crept to the top of the stairs. Light spilled from Daniel's study. His voice carried clearly."I don't care what time it is there. You don't get to call after ten years of silence and expect me to drop everything."A pause."No, she can't speak to my wife. Neither of you can."Mira's breath caught. His parents."Because you lost that right when you sent an eight-year-old child away so you could pursue your careers." Daniel's voice was controlled fury. "I'm not doing this with you. Don't call again."Something crashed. The sound of glass breaking.Mira should go back to bed. This wasn't her business. But her feet carried her down the stairs anyway.The study door was ajar. Through it, she could see Daniel standing amid broken glass, his hand bleed

The cameras were overwhelming. Mira had seen red carpets on television but experiencing one was entirely different. The flashes were blinding, the shouted questions incomprehensible. She gripped Daniel's arm tighter."Mr. Chen! Over here!""Mira! How does it feel to be married to a billionaire?""Daniel, is it true your grandmother arranged the marriage?"That last question made Daniel's jaw tighten, but he kept walking. His hand covered Mira's where it rested on his arm, steadying her."Smile," he said quietly. "Just smile and keep moving."They made it through the gauntlet and into the venue, an opulent ballroom with crystal chandeliers and gold accents everywhere. Women in designer gowns moved through the crowd like elegant birds, their jewelry catching the light. Men in expensive tuxedos gathered in clusters, discussing business and politics.Mira had never felt more out of place."Daniel!" A woman's voice called out, sharp with false warmth.They turned to find a striking blonde

Mira woke to shouting again.This time it was coming from outside. She went to the window and saw a crowd gathering at the estate gates. Photographers. Reporters. Camera crews.The media circus had found their home.She threw on a robe and found Mrs. Kim in the kitchen, looking worried."They've been there since dawn," Mrs. Kim said. "Security is keeping them at the gates, but they're not leaving.""Why? What happened?"Mrs. Kim pulled up a news article on her tablet and handed it to Mira."Chen Technologies Board Calls Emergency Meeting to Address CEO's Personal Issues"Mira read through the article with growing horror. Anonymous board members were quoted expressing concern about Daniel's recent marriage, his emotional state following his grandmother's illness, and his ability to lead the company.Marcus Sterling was mentioned prominently as a potential alternative if the board lost confidence in Daniel's leadership."This is my fault," Mira whispered."No, dear. This is corporate wa

The investor dinner was held at an exclusive restaurant Mira had never heard of. The kind of place that didn't have prices on the menu because if you had to ask, you couldn't afford it.Daniel's hand rested at her lower back as they were led to a private dining room. The gesture had become familiar—his way of anchoring her in situations where she felt adrift.Three men and two women were already seated. They rose as Daniel and Mira entered, and introductions were made. Names Mira immediately forgot, titles that sounded important, companies she vaguely recognized from business news."Daniel, congratulations on your marriage," one of the men said. His name was Robert something. "We saw the press conference. Very well handled.""Thank you." Daniel pulled out Mira's chair before taking his own. "Mira's been remarkably patient with all the media attention.""I imagine it's quite an adjustment," one of the women said. Her name was Lisa Chen, no relation to Daniel, she'd clarified. "Going fr