Chapter 10: The Scandal Begins

The next morning, Stella was awakened by the constant buzzing of her phone. Still half asleep, she reached for it on the bedside table. More than fifty unread messages flooded her screen. Most were from friends asking if she was alright, while others simply contained links to entertainment news websites. A strange sense of unease settled over her as she opened the first article.

The headline immediately caught her attention.

'ERIC CHILTON'S FIANCÉE SECRETLY MEETS NOEL'S TRUE LOVE AT CHARITY GALA.'

Below the headline was a photograph of Stella and Sophie standing alone in the hotel garden. From the angle it had been taken, it looked as though they were having a heated argument instead of a peaceful conversation. Another article claimed that Stella had publicly threatened Sophie out of jealousy. None of it was true.

Mrs. Judd hurried into Stella's room carrying her own tablet.

'Someone deliberately leaked these photos,' she said with concern.

'Every entertainment page is reporting a different version of the story.'

Stella calmly finished reading several articles before putting her phone aside.

'Someone planned this from the very beginning.'

Her mother nodded.

'The timing is too perfect.'

'Your engagement announcement yesterday, and this scandal today.'

Before they could discuss it further, Stella's phone rang again.

It was Eric.

'Have you seen the news?' he asked.

'Yes,' Stella answered honestly.

'Don't worry.'

'My public relations team is already investigating where those photographs came from.'

His calm voice immediately eased Stella's worries.

'Thank you,' she replied softly.

'I never doubted you,' Eric said.

'No matter what the media says.'

Those simple words touched Stella deeply.

Trust.

That was something Noel had never given her in either lifetime.

Half an hour later, the Chilton Group officially released a short statement.

'The rumors circulating online are false. Miss Stella Judd attended the charity gala as Mr. Eric Chilton's fiancée. We request that media outlets stop spreading fabricated stories. Legal action will be taken against anyone who intentionally damages Miss Judd's reputation.'

The announcement immediately caused another wave of discussion.

Many people praised Eric for protecting his fiancée so openly.

Others began questioning who had secretly taken the photographs.

Meanwhile, Noel stared at the news while sitting inside his office.

He remembered seeing Stella and Sophie speaking privately during the gala.

He knew Stella hadn't bullied Sophie.

Yet before he could contact any reporters, Eric had already solved the situation.

For some reason, Noel felt defeated again.

Across town, Sophie was equally shocked.

'I never told anyone about that conversation,' she said anxiously after calling Stella.

'I know,' Stella replied gently.

'Someone wants to create conflict between us.'

Sophie hesitated before speaking.

'Miss Judd... if you need me to explain everything publicly, I'll do it.'

Stella smiled faintly.

'Thank you.'

'But leave this matter to Eric.'

'He already has a plan.'

Later that afternoon, Mason entered Eric's office carrying a folder.

'We've identified the photographer.'

'He isn't from any media company.'

'Someone paid him to secretly take those pictures.'

Eric looked up.

'Who hired him?'

Mason placed another document on the desk.

'The payment came through several different accounts.'

'But all the transactions eventually lead back to one person.'

Eric's expression gradually turned cold.

'Who?'

Mason answered quietly.

'Linda Cross.'

Eric narrowed his eyes.

Linda Cross was a wealthy socialite who had spent years hoping her daughter, Olivia Cross, would marry into the Chilton family.

Eric had rejected every attempt without hesitation.

Now that Stella had become his fiancée, Linda clearly viewed her as an obstacle.

'Interesting,' Eric murmured.

'She wants to start a war before the wedding.'

He slowly closed the folder.

'Then we'll make sure she understands the price of attacking someone under my protection.'

That evening, Stella received another message from Eric.

'Tomorrow evening.'

'Come to the Chilton Estate.'

'It's time you officially meet the entire family.'

Stella looked at the message for several moments.

She knew the real challenge was only beginning.

Winning Eric's trust had been the easy part.

Now she would have to face the influential Chilton family... and not everyone would welcome her with open arms.