Chapter 15: The Rumor That Shook the City

The next morning, Serenity opened the bookstore as usual.

She had barely finished arranging the display when Jasmine rushed inside, holding her phone.

"Serenity!"

"You need to see this."

Serenity looked up in confusion.

"What happened?"

Jasmine handed her the phone.

An online entertainment website displayed a shocking headline.

"Mysterious Mrs. York Marries Billionaire for Money? Exclusive Sources Reveal Hidden Motives."

Serenity frowned.

"That's ridiculous."

She opened the article.

It claimed she had deliberately approached Grandma May months earlier to gain access to the York family.

It accused her of pretending to be kind while secretly chasing wealth.

There wasn't a single piece of evidence.

Only anonymous sources and fabricated stories.

"Someone is trying to destroy your reputation," Jasmine said angrily.

"This has Victoria written all over it."

Serenity sighed softly.

"Maybe."

"But getting angry won't solve anything."

Within an hour, customers entering the bookstore had already heard the rumors.

Some whispered among themselves.

Others looked at Serenity with curiosity.

"Is it true?"

"Did she really trick President York into marrying her?"

"She doesn't look like that kind of person..."

Serenity continued helping customers with the same gentle smile she always wore.

She refused to let the gossip affect her work.

Meanwhile...

At York Corporation...

Ben hurried into Zachary's office.

"Mr. York."

"The rumors have gone viral."

He placed a tablet on the desk.

Zachary read the article.

His expression became colder with every sentence.

"Find the source."

"Immediately."

"Already working on it, sir."

"Good."

"And prepare a press conference for this afternoon."

Ben looked surprised.

"You're going public?"

"Yes."

"No one attacks my wife without consequences."

Three hours later...

Every major news outlet in Wiltspoon gathered at York Corporation.

Reporters filled the conference hall.

Camera flashes illuminated the stage.

The room fell silent as Zachary walked to the podium.

"Good afternoon," he began.

"I normally don't respond to rumors."

"However, today's accusations concern my wife."

"Therefore, I will make one statement."

Every reporter listened carefully.

"Serenity Hunt never pursued me for money."

"In fact..."

"She agreed to marry me before knowing my identity."

The room erupted into whispers.

"She believed I was an ordinary office worker."

"Everything written about her today is false."

"My legal team has already begun defamation proceedings against every individual and organization responsible for spreading these lies."

"If anyone continues harassing my wife..."

"They will answer directly to York Corporation."

Silence filled the room.

No reporter dared ask another question.

His message was perfectly clear.

Later that afternoon...

The news spread across every television station and social media platform.

"President York Publicly Defends His Wife."

"York Corporation Announces Legal Action Against False Reports."

"Billionaire CEO Declares Complete Trust in Mrs. York."

Back at the bookstore, Jasmine stared at the television in disbelief.

"He actually did it..."

"He defended you in front of the entire country."

Serenity quietly watched the interview.

She hadn't expected Zachary to respond so quickly.

Nor so fiercely.

That evening, when Zachary returned home, Serenity was waiting in the living room.

"You didn't have to hold a press conference," she said softly.

"Yes," he replied.

"I did."

"Because you're my wife."

"And because I won't allow anyone to question your character."

Serenity walked toward him.

"Thank you."

"Not for protecting my reputation..."

"But for believing in me."

Zachary smiled gently.

"Believing in you is the easiest decision I've ever made."

For a long moment, neither of them spoke.

Then Serenity stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him.

It was the first time she had hugged him.

Zachary hesitated for only a second before returning the embrace.

Neither of them noticed...

That this simple hug marked the moment their relationship changed forever.

Across the city, Victoria watched the press conference replay on television.

She crushed the remote control in her hand.

"So that's how it's going to be..."

Her eyes burned with jealousy.

"If I can't separate them with rumors..."

"Then I'll make Serenity lose everything she values."

Outside, dark clouds gathered over Wiltspoon.

A storm was coming.

And it would test Zachary and Serenity's love like never before.