Chapter 712

No.1

(I didn’t notice anything in the video! I thought she was conscious! I had no idea it was such a sophisticated drug.)

(The world is truly a dangerous place. Poor Victoria’s reputation was destroyed because of this! It’s so unfair.)

(It’s heartbreaking. Her wedding was ruined, her reputation shattered. She’s suffered so much.)

(Is it just me, or does this seem suspicious? Victoria was the top supermodel, then her nudes were leaked, a media storm followed, other top models were targeted, and now she was drugged!)

(It’s clearly a targeted attack! The modeling industry is vicious!)

(Even if Victoria was involved with Harrison, that’s her private business! Who released that video? It’s a gross invasion of privacy!)

(Exactly! She should sue whoever did this!)

(I feel so sorry for Victoria. She doesn’t deserve this.)

The paid comments dominated the section, suppressing any dissenting voices.

To solidify her narrative, Victoria posted a carefully crafted video statement.

“To be completely honest, I wanted to contact the authorities when this happened. But I was paralyzed with fear. I was terrified of losing Alexander. I was utterly terrified. And now…” She paused, her eyes welling with manufactured tears. “The truth is, I was drugged. Because of that, I was forced into actions against my will. Now, everyone mocks me. The man I love has abandoned me…”

No.2

She took a shaky, dramatic breath before continuing.

“But I don’t blame him. I can’t even accept myself right now. From this moment forward, I will dedicate myself entirely to my work. I will strive to become a better person. Through the Phoenix Initiative, I hope every woman will join me. We will stand united. We will fight against the manufacturers of these illegal drugs. We will fight for every victimized woman. If you are brave enough to share your story, I will personally oversee the investigation and resolution of each case. I will also provide comfort funds from the initiative.”

The video successfully重塑 her image.

Public perception began to shift in her favor once again.

Isabella woke to complete darkness.

Moonlight streamed through the window, casting silver patterns across the room.

A distinct masculine scent filled her senses.

She blinked away the sleep, realizing she was in Nathaniel's arms.

They lay facing each other, bodies intertwined beneath the sheets.

Nathaniel slept soundly beside her.

His white shirt was wrinkled and torn, stained with her lipstick.

No.3

What happened?

She rubbed her temples, the hangover pounding in her head.

Had she done this to his shirt while drunk?

Guilt washed over her as she tried to slip away.

A strong arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her back.

She met Nathaniel's darkened gaze.

Their faces were inches apart.

Her lips nearly brushed against his chin.

"Let me go," she whispered, not moving.

"You held me all night, Ms. Montgomery. Don't I deserve compensation?" His voice was deep and rough.

Isabella flushed. Held him? Touched him?

No.4

Impossible.

"I sleep like the dead when drunk. I wouldn't do that—stop making things up!"

"Seems I need to refresh your memory. How you used my arm as your pillow..." Each word made her feel guiltier.

Despite her protests, the evidence was on his clothes.

"Enough! Just tell me what you want!"

Nathaniel's lips curved. "Kiss me."

Kiss him?

Her eyelids twitched. "Nathaniel, that's too much!"

I owe him for touching him, but...a kiss?

"Do you know how much trouble you caused today? Or should I show you?" His voice dropped lower.

She understood his meaning.

No.5

"Fine. But you forget this ever happened. Tell no one."

"Agreed." He smirked, waiting patiently.

She panicked under his intense gaze. "Close your eyes."

He smiled and complied.

She studied his perfect features up close.

His presence always felt so restrained.

Kissing him wouldn't be terrible.

She closed her eyes and leaned in.

Their lips met in an electric jolt.

Her heart raced wildly.

She tried to pull back, but Nathaniel cupped her head, deepening the kiss.

No.6

Her mind went blank, overwhelmed by his intensity.

She gasped for air, drowning in him.

"Isabella..." His voice was husky with emotion.

Isabella’s pulse raced as Nathaniel’s kiss left her breathless.

His voice alone was enough to unravel her defenses.

So hypnotic, so commanding.

She felt herself melting under his touch.

“Fine,” she whispered, her voice unsteady. “It’s not like it’s my first time. I’m not losing anything.”

She wanted this—needed to feel alive.

To reclaim a part of herself she thought she’d lost.

But Nathaniel’s expression shifted instantly.

No.7

His eyes cleared, intense and serious.

He pulled back, putting space between them.

“Don’t ever say that again, Isabella.”

She blinked, confused.

What had she said wrong?

He cupped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.

His voice was low, firm. “Listen to me. What happened five years ago wasn’t your fault. Your body, your soul—they’re still pure. You’re the most incredible woman I’ve ever known. Never belittle yourself because of something that wasn’t in your control.”

He stood up, adjusting his shirt with practiced elegance.

“I crossed a line today. I shouldn’t have let it go that far. I respect you too much for that. And I need you to respect yourself, too.”