The morning peace was shattered by the relentless ringing of Julian’s private cell phone.

He glanced at the caller ID and frowned, seeing his head of public relations flashing on the screen.

When he answered, the panic in his employee's voice was unmistakable.

Celeste had not gone quietly into the night after her humiliating exit.

She had run straight to the tabloids, spinning a web of vicious lies.

According to her fabricated story, Julian had been brainwashed by a gold-digging maid who orchestrated the entire theft.

Mara stood in the doorway of the dining room, holding a cup of coffee with trembling hands.

She watched Julian’s jaw clench as he absorbed the terrible news.

The billionaire ended the call and walked over to her, his eyes filled with fierce protectiveness.

He gently took the coffee mug from her hands and set it on the mahogany table.

Then, he pulled her into a comforting embrace, shielding her from the impending chaos.

Outside the gates of the Vale estate, a swarm of paparazzi had already gathered.

Camera flashes bounced off the wrought-iron fences like miniature lightning strikes.

They were hungry for a scandal, eager to tear apart the Cinderella story Celeste had twisted into a nightmare.

Julian looked down at Mara, gently brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

He promised her that he would handle the media and protect her reputation at all costs.

But Mara shook her head, a newfound strength blossoming in her chest.

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She refused to hide in the shadows while Celeste destroyed the life she was finally rebuilding.

If the world wanted a show, Mara was ready to step into the spotlight and tell the truth.