Chapter 6 Scandal Exposed, Someone Loses It!
At her question, Kael’s expression shifted. He hesitated for a moment, then took her hand, his voice soft. “Nova, Sloane’s manager came to me. Her family’s in a tough spot–she can’t afford the breach fee. What if we let her do the endorsement this quarter? We’ll replace her next quarter, okay?“]
Nova’s heart turned cold, piece by piece.
In the end, he still couldn’t bear to let Sloane go.
She bit the inside of her lip, forcing a bitter laugh. “Do whatever you want.“[]
She pushed him away and lay back on the bed.]
“I’m tired. I want to sleep.“]]
Kael didn’t press further. But he knew he’d hurt her today, and guilt tugged at him.]
He climbed into bed behind her and wrapped his arms around her.[]
He’d make it up to her later, he thought.
The next day, Kael cleared his entire schedule to take care of her. He attended to every little detail–nothing was too small.]
But Nova felt nothing. She went to work as usual–today was the day of the photoshoot.[]
As soon as she walked into the studio, a loud,
se hit her ears–heavy metal music blared from the speakers.
Kael pulled her close, frowning as he called out, “Turn it down. My wife doesn’t like loud noises.“]
The windows were wide open, and willow catkins drifted in. He knew she had allergies, so he told someone, “Close the windows.“],
People around them sighed, talking in low voices about how much Kael doted on Nova.]
Once, it had been true–all it took was a frown from Nova, and Kael would know exactly what she needed.[]
But now, Nova felt nothing. No warmth, no joy–just emptiness.[]
She didn’t have the energy to play along with his act. “The shoot’s starting soon. I’ll go inside.
Kael squeezed her hand gently “Go on. I’ll wait out here for you.“]]
Nova forced a small smile. The second she turned around, the smile vanished.]
Her assistant Lila walked beside her, updating her on the schedule as she pushed open the door to the shooting room.
Then, a soft, doting voice filled the room–unmistakably Kael’s, though it was quiet enough to almost blend in.[]
“Good girl, don’t cry. I’ll come see you when I’m done, okay? I’ll make it up to you.”
1.“0
“I’m sorry you got hurt last time. That was my fault. I promise it’ll never happen again.“]
Nova’s face darkened. She clenched her hands at her sides.]
Not even 12 hours ago, Kael had promised her the same thing-“it’ll never happen again.” Now, he was saying it to his mistress, right under her nose.[]
She stopped walking and glanced across the room. Sloane was sitting on a sofa, playing with a cat in her lap.
“Lova, doesn’t Daddy’s voice sound nice?” Sloane cooed at the cat. “Ite’ll come see us tonight! Are you happy?”
Love?
Ja had a short temper–especially when it came to protecting Nova. She stormed over, anger in her voice.[]
Chapter 6 Scandal Exposed, Someone Loses It!
“Ms. Reed, this is work time. What do you mean by bringing a cat here?]
“And what did you just call that cat?“[]
Sloane pouted, scratching the ragdoll cat’s chin. She shot a sly look at Nova.
“Ms. Hale, Lova’s so good. She’ll let anyone hold her–she won’t get in the way of work. Don’t worry.“]
“You-!” Lila’s eyebrows furrowed.
Nova stepped in front of Lila, her gaze calm as she looked at Sloane.[]
Sloane smiled, standing up with the cat in her arms. “Lova was a gift from my boyfriend. He was worried I’d be lonely, so he got her for me. I was scared something would happen to her at home, so I brought her along. You’re such a generous person, Ms. Hale–you won’t mind, right?“]]
Boyfriend…
She meant Kael.
Nova could hear the pride in her voice–Sloane deliberately struck where it hurt.]
Nova had always loved cats. But Kael was a neat freak. He’d refused to let her keep a pet at home. Even though she’d wanted one so badly, she’d never pushed it.]]
So thoughtful” for putting his feelings first.
When Kael found out, he’d held her, saying she was
Now, Kael had bought a cat for Sloane.
Nova’s breath shook.
Sloane didn’t let up. She held the cat out to Nova. “I heard Ms. Hale likes cats. Mr. Voss never got you one, did he? Want to hold Lova?”
Nova narrowed her eyes, staring at the cat. Her voice was cold, steady. “Ms. Reed, you have a good eye for names. ‘Lova‘ is a nice name, and the cat is beautiful–very well–behaved.]
“But her owner doesn’t deserve her. After all, some people are too arrogant for their own good. I don’t care how other companies work, but you signed with mine–so you follow my rules.
“Get the cat out of here. Focus on your job first.“[]
Sloane’s face turned red, then pale. She’d expected Nova to lose her temper–not stay calm and put her in her place.[]
“Yes! Did you see Sloane’s face?” someone whispered.
“Tve had enough of her stuck–up act. Who does she think she is, trying to boss Ms. Hale around?”
Sloane’s face turned dark.]
Nova gave her a cold glance, a faint laugh escaping her. “Ms. Reed, if you’re not happy, you can break the contract. I’m still waiting for that $4.5 million fee.“[]
At those words, Sloane’s face got even worse. She had no choice but to hand the cat to her assistant and send it away.
Laughter broke out around them.
…0
The photoshoot finished without a hitch. Nova was talking to the photographer about adjustments when someone ran over. “Ms. Hale, it’s bad-!“]
Nova hurried to the restroom. Inside, Sloane and Lila were arguing. Sloane raised her hand, ready to slap Lila.]
“Stop!” Nova shouted.
But Sloane didn’t listen. She slapped Lila hard–payback for Lila’s earlier mockery.]
Lila cursed, then slapped Sloane back without hesitation.
Ah
Sloane’s cheek turned red instantly. She stumbled backward, falling to the floor, and hit her head on the marble wall.[]
IN
Chapter 6 Scandal Exposed, Someone Loses It!
Nova and Lila froze.
“What’s going on here!”
Kael’s voice boomed from the doorway, anger in every word. When he saw Sloane lying on the floor like a fragile doll, his heart jumped.[]
Sloane’s eyes filled with tears. She looked at Kael, and big drops rolled down her cheeks.[]
“Im sorry. I shouldn’t have argued with Lila. I won’t do it again…“[]
It was always the same act–cry a little, shed a few tears, and make everyone else look like the villain.]
Nova frowned, her fingers clenched tight]
Kael looked at Sloane’s wet eyes, his heart softening. He wanted to help her up, but he hesitated–remembering Nova was there. Instead, he told his secretary, “Help Ms. Reed up.“]
Then, he turned to Lila. his eyes cold.[]
“You slapped her. Aren’t you going to apologize? She’s the company’s spokesperson, whether you like it or not. What kind of example does this set? If you don’t apologize, I’ll have to let you go–per company rules.”
Kael could be gentle, but when he got angry, his aura was intimidating–enough to make anyone nervous.[]
Lia’s face turned white.
Apologizing to Sloane? It felt like eating dirt.]]
Nova couldn’t stand by. She touched Kael’s arm, saying, “Kael-“]
Sloane wiped her tears, her voice trembling. “It’s okay, Mr. Voss. I’m just a nobody, a small–time actress. Being looked down on, getting slapped… It’s normal for me. Don’t fight with Ms. Hale because of me.”
e.“]
Her words only made Kael more sympathetic.[]
He took Nova’s hand, his tone softening. “Nova, don’t defend Lila this time. If we don’t fix this, it’ll hurt the company’s reputation. Just listen to me,
Now’s throat tightened. The words she’d been about to say died on her lips. She stared at him, her chest aching like it had been stabbed.[]
For the company’s reputation“-that’s what he said.[]
But really, he just didn’t want his precious mistress to be upset.
Karl Karl, can’t you see how ugly you look when you’re this biased?[]
Nova took a deep breath, forcing back the pain. She pulled her hand away from his and stepped in front of the trembling Lila, shielding her.[]
She pulled out her phone from her pocket.[]
Her gaze was cold as she looked at Sloane, who was still sobbing.
“Oh, what a coincidence. I just took a photo. If I post it online, it’ll definitely cause a huge stir.“]]
At her words, Sloane’s face turned pale. She stared at Nova’s phone, panic in her eyes.[]
Had Nova taken a photo of her slapping, Lila?
Kael frowned. “What photo? Let me see. D
Nova leaned against the wall, a calm smile on her face as she looked at the panicked Sloane.[]
♡14)
