Chapter 8 - THE NIGHT VANESSA MADE HER MOVE
Vanessa wasn't finished.
She contacted a tabloid journalist.
Sold photographs.
Shared private messages.
And claimed Claire had abandoned Alexander while pregnant.
The story spread quickly.
MAFIA BOSS'S PREGNANT WIFE VANISHES AMID MARRIAGE SCANDAL.
Claire saw the headline while feeding Hope.
Her hands began shaking.
Evelyn sat beside her.
“Don't read it.”
Claire swallowed.
“They're saying I abandoned my baby.”
Evelyn looked at the screen.
Then frowned.
“That isn't true.”
Claire nodded.
“I know.”
But the damage was already happening.
Reporters began contacting shelters.
Private investigators searched hospitals.
And Vanessa's lies threatened the privacy Claire had fought to protect.
Rebecca Sloan filed legal notices demanding corrections.
Meanwhile, Alexander discovered Vanessa had been feeding information to the press.
He confronted her.
She smiled coldly.
“You think you can throw me away?”
Alexander stared.
“No.”
May you like
His voice hardened.
“I think I can stop letting you hurt my family.”
