Chapter 4 Taking Down Sloane!
“I remember the contract your company signed with us clearly states. During the collaboration, you must keep your personal life ‘clean‘–no boyfriends allowed.” Nova’s voice was sharp. “You lied to us. We have every right to sue you for breach of contract.“]
As the words fell, Sloane’s face drained of color, turning ashen. Her shoulders trembled slightly.[]
Nova let out a cold laugh and nodded to Lila, who stepped forward immediately. “Ms. Reed, per the breach clause, you owe us five times the contract fee–that’s $4.5 million. Plus, you’ll have to issue a public clarification on behalf of the company.”
Each word hit Sloane like a hammer. She stood frozen, panic setting in.[]
$4.5 mullion?
She couldn’t afford that even if she emptied her entire savings.[]
Snickers broke out around them, followed by murmurs.
Sloane’s face flushed, then paled–her expression shifting so fast it was almost comical.[]
Nova’s gaze stayed cold. As she walked past Sloane, she whispered, “Ms. Reed, you’re way out of your league trying to mess with me. Start figuring out how to pay that fee.“0
Sloane’s face turned bright red with anger, but she didn’t dare fight back.
She couldn’t afford to–especially not with that $4.5 million hanging over her head.]]
What was she going to do?]]
Just then, a commotion broke out at the door.[]
Kael had arrived.
Sloane’s eyes lit up. She’d been waiting for this.
Nova frowned–she’d seen him too.
“Ms. Hale, you think Kael will choose you over me?” Sloane whispered, her tone dripping with confidence. “I can’t wait to watch him leave you behind. It’ll be hilarious.”
Last time, Kael had ditched Nova for her just because of a text.[]
This time, he’d definitely take her side.[]
Sloane’s eyes welled up with fake tears. She grabbed Nova’s hand, her voice shaky. “Ms. Hale, I’m so sorry for what I said earlier. Please forgive me. My mom’s sick, and I need this job to pay her medical bills… please.“[]
Nova almost laughed. Now Sloane was trying to guilt–trip her? Making her out to be the villain?[]
“What’s going on here? Kael’s voice cut through the tension as he walked over.
Before Nova could speak, Sloane turned to him, her eyes red and teary. “It’s my fault, Mr. Voss. I said something stupid and made Ms. Hale angry. I’m so sorry.“[]
She apologized, and her tears kept falling–making her look even more pitiful.[]}
Nova glanced at Kael, already resigned to his usual wishy washy act.[]
But to her surprise, Kael stood beside her. He looked at Sloane, his voice cold. “Ms. Reed, I’ll be asking Skyline Media for an explanation for your behavior. And since you just disrespected my wife–aren’t you going to apologize properly?“}
Nova’s eyes widened
For a second, she was transported back to high school–when she’d been bullied, and Kael had stood in front of her, using the exact same tone to defend her.[]
Sloane’s eyes stung Kael had always been so gentle with her… why was he being so harsh now?[]
She hit her lip and mumbled, “I’m sorry.”
Kael’s expression softened a little. He put a hand on Nova’s shoulder. “Baby, she apologized. Let’s not waste time on this. Let’s go.“]
S
Chapter 4 Taking Down Sloanel
Nova’s heart dropped.[]
So that’s why he’d defended her–just to get her to drop the issue with Sloane.]
Typical
But Nova wasn’t one to let people walk all over her.
She was going to make Sloane pay for provoking her.
She pushed Kael’s hand away and turned to Sloane, who was still sniffling.]
“If you’re going to apologize, do it sincerely. Your little stunt today will definitely end up online. Someone might twist it to make it look like I bullied you. So post a clarification on Twitter–right now.“[]
“Someone might twist it“? Sloane knew Nova was mocking her.[]
And posting a clarification? For a celebrity, that was a death sentence for her reputation.[]
Nova was ruthless. But Sloane had no choice.[]
She nodded stiffly. “Fine. I’ll do it, Ms. Hale.”
Nova smiled. “Oh, and don’t forget about that $4.5 million fee. I’ll be checking in.“]]
She turned and walked away, not sparing Sloane a second glance.[]
Kael hesitated for a moment, then hurried after her.]]
Sloane stood frozen, watching Kael choose Nova over her. Rage boiled inside her.[]
Her assistant walked over and patted her shoulder. “It’s okay, Sloane. We’ll get back at her next time.“[]
She leaned in and whispered a plan in Sloane’s ear.
Sloane’s eyes lit up. “You mean… that?“]]
—0
Nova didn’t feel like going back to the dinner. She didn’t want to ruin the employees‘ fun, so she stayed in a quiet corner alone.[]
Kael stayed with her. He went to the buffet, picked out her favorite grapes, and started peeling them one by one.
Nova’s eyes burned.]
She’d always loved grapes but hated peeling them. Kael had started peeling them for her years ago, just to make sure she got enough vitamin C.]
She remembered once, his friends had teased him for being “too soft.” Kael had laughed and said, “Who cares about being tough? As long as my girl’s happy.”
1
Now, his actions felt like a knife to her heart.
“I’m sorry you had to deal with that, baby.” Kael brushed her hair back, his voice gentle. “I’ll make sure Sloane gets what she deserves.”
His eyes looked so sincere. He’d defended her earlier–for real, this time.
So why had he cheated on her?]
How could he be so good at pretending?
Nova pulled away, her throat tight, she didn’t say anything.]
Just then, Kael’s secretary walked over. “Mr. Voss, we need you for an urgent call about the project,”
Kael sighed and hugged Nova tightly. “Wait for me here. I’ll be right back.“[]
“Okay.” Nova forced a small smile. As soon as he left, her expression turned cold again.
0
Half an hour passed.[]
Chapter 4 Taking Down Sloane!
Nova had eaten too many grapes, so she went to the restroom.]
As she rounded a corner, she heard loud, drunken voices at the end of the hallway.[]
“Quit playing hard to get! You think you’re better than us?“[]
“Nah, you’re not even half as good as Nova. You’re just a cheap copy.“[]
“C’mon, let’s see what you’ve got–“[]
Sloane was on the floor, her eyes filled with tears.]
She was huddled in a corner, trying to push away three drunk men who were grabbing at her.[]
“Im sorry! I won’t mess with Nova anymore! Please let me go!” she sobbed.[]
Nova frowned. She didn’t like Sloane–but she couldn’t stand by and watch three men bully a woman.]
She pulled out her phone to call security.]]
But before she could dial, a figure rushed around the corner.
Who the hell do you think you are?” Kael’s voice boomed. He tackled one of the men, throwing a punch. “You want to get blacklisted in New York? Touch her again and see what happens!“]]
Nova froze. That voice–she’d recognize it anywhere.]]
She looked up and saw Kael fighting off the men, his face furious.
The drunks scrambled away, yelling apologies.]]
Kael knelt down and pulled Sloane into his arms. “Are you okay? Did they hurt you?”
Sloane clung to him, sobbing, “I was so scared, Kael… I thought you’d never come.”
“I
Kael stroked her hair, his voice soft. “I’d never leave you.[]
Im sorry I couldn’t defend you in front of Nova earlier.
“Forgive me, okay?“[]
Nova’s phone slipped from her hand, crashing to the floor. Tears streamed down her face–hot, angry, and broken.[]
