Anna’s POV:
The social media storm around Claire and Frank had been raging for hours, but I noticed something odd as Daníel drove me from EcoMarine Group toward Seaside Manor. The hashtags that had been trending at the top were now slipping down the rankings.
Tell our PR team to keep that trending topic up,” I instructed Daniel, frowning at my phone. When I was dragged through the mud online, it stayed up for days. This one deserves the same treatment–not a minute less.”
Daniel nodded while keeping his eyes on the road. “The photos were posted using the same anonymous account Claire once used to expose you. People are already connecting the dots, realizing what she did to you before. Nobody’s going to defend her now.”
I gave a cold laugh. ‘Blake will defend her in a heartbeat. You’re being naive.”
“What’s our next move?” Daniel asked.
‘Claire is the least of our concerns,” I replied, my voice hardening. “Keep an eye on Frank. He’s bound to be implicated and will strike back. Have someone watch his private club. I need evidence.”
Ne
www.
By the time we reached Seaside Manor, darkness had fallen. I instructed Daniel to wait in the car and made my way toward the house. The garden lights illuminated the path, casting long shadows across the manicured lawn.
As I approached, I spotted Blake and Claire by the front door. I slowed my pace, remaining in the shadows of an ornamental tree.
Claire was sobbing, her slender dancer’s frame trembling dramatically. “Blakey, you have to help me,” she pleaded, reaching for his arm. “Frank is threatening me. I’m so scared…”
Blake took a small step back, his face expressionless as he stared down at her.
I watched from the darkness, a bitter smile forming on my lips. Three years ago, he knew what was happening, but he chose to do nothing. Meanwhile, I nearly sacrificed my career.
After a few more moments of Claire’s theatrical crying, Blake finally spoke words I couldn’t hear. Whatever he said made Claire wipe her tears and leave, her shoulders slumped in defeat.
As soon as she disappeared down the driveway, Blake turned his head sharply, his gaze landing directly on my hiding spot. “Are you going to come over here?” he called out.
My heart jumped. Is he going to defend Claire? God, I hate these three–way confrontations.
“Was it you?” Blake asked bluntly as soon as I stepped into the foyer. His voice was calm but probing.
“Did she come crying to you?” I countered, keeping my tone even despite the thorns in my words.
“She had quite a bit to say,” he admitted.
I shook my head, deliberately distancing myself. “It has nothing to do with me. I’m here for Nora, not interested in whatever’s happening between you two.” I moved into the living room and began gathering Nora’s things.
I turned quickly, not realizing Blake had followed/so closely behind me. We collided, both losing balance. As we fell, Blake twisted his body, pulling me on top of him and taking the impact of the fall with a pained grunt.
“Blake!” I exclaimed, genuinely concerned. “Are you alright?”
He breathed heavily beneath me, his voice low and intimate. “What are you so afraid of? How could I let you get hurt right in front of me…”
“Stop the act and get up,” I urged, feeling suddenly awkward.
1/2
Chapter 310
Blake didn’t move. Don’t. Let me catch my breath. You haven’t been on top of me for years… what’s a few more moments?
Heat rushed to my cheeks. “Where are you hurt?”
You’re worried about me?‘ he asked, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.
Seeing through his manipulation, I pushed away from him forcefully. “You’re impossible!” I stood up, brushing off my clothes..
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