Chapter 152

Chapter 152
Third Person POV

A small group of reporters huddled around a computer screen in their cramped office. The fluorescent lights cast harsh shadows across their faces as they examined photographs taken through hospital windows.

"These shots of her leaving the hospital are perfect," said a woman with short red hair, pointing to an image of Evelyn holding Oliver as she walked out with Ryan. "We can easily spin this into a story about her rushed departure."

"And look at this one," added a balding man, clicking to another photo. "The baby's face is just visible enough to start rumors about who the father really is."

The third reporter, younger than the others, shifted uncomfortably. "Are we sure about this? I mean, she just had a baby."

"That's exactly why it's newsworthy," the woman snapped. "The mysterious Moore heiress, formerly married to Bryce Finch, now with Ryan Carter's baby—except everyone knows it's not really his."

"The anonymous donor was very specific," the balding man said, tapping an envelope on the desk. "They want this to run during tomorrow's morning news cycle. Something about 'exposing the truth.'"

The office phone rang, interrupting their discussion. The woman answered, her expression shifting from annoyance to concern. She covered the mouthpiece and whispered to her colleagues, "It's the station manager."

After a brief conversation, she hung up, looking pale. "The story's been pulled. Someone from the Carter family legal team contacted the network executives. They're threatening to sue not just us, but the entire channel."

"What? How did they even know?" the balding man demanded.

The phone rang again. This time, the woman put it on speaker.

"I suggest you return the money you received and delete those photographs," said a calm male voice. "The person who hired you won't be contacting you again. Consider this a professional courtesy."

The line went dead, leaving the three reporters staring at each other in stunned silence.

---

Daniel Carter sipped his coffee at the breakfast table, watching as his wife Sophia arranged fresh flowers in a crystal vase. The morning sunlight streamed through the windows of their spacious dining room, illuminating the polished surfaces.

"Our friends acted quickly," Daniel remarked. "The story won't be aired."

"Thank goodness," Sophia replied, adjusting a lily. "Those reporters are more like vultures than humans. To think they would target a newborn baby and a new mother..."

"Dante says they even had photographs from inside the hospital," Daniel added with disgust.

Sophia paused, looking up. "Dante wants something in return, doesn't he?"

Daniel nodded. "Exclusive rights to introduce Oliver to the world. His exact words."

"Well, that seems fair," Sophia said thoughtfully. "Better Dante than those vultures. At least he has some integrity."

The sound of shuffling footsteps drew their attention to the doorway, where Ryan appeared, dark circles under his eyes but a contented smile on his face.

"Oliver not letting you sleep, is he?" Daniel asked sympathetically.

Ryan yawned and nodded, dropping into a chair. "He's got quite a set of lungs for someone so small."

A maid approached with a silver carafe. "Coffee, Mr. Carter?"

"God, yes. Thank you, Maria," Ryan replied gratefully as she poured a steaming cup.

"We were just discussing the situation with those reporters," Daniel explained. "Dante intervened before they could publish anything."

Ryan's expression darkened. "Someone paid them to run a hit piece on Evelyn and Oliver?"

"It appears so," Sophia confirmed. "But it's been handled. Dante made it clear that we would take legal action if they proceeded."

Ryan clenched his jaw. "Who would do something like this?"

"We have our suspicions," Daniel replied carefully. "There are only two people who might benefit from hurting Evelyn publicly."

Ryan nodded slowly, understanding exactly who his father meant.

---

The sound of Oliver's cries echoed down the hallway, interrupting their conversation. Ryan rose immediately.

"I'll check on him," he said, already moving toward the door.

In the nursery, Ryan found Evelyn gently bouncing Oliver against her shoulder, whispering soothing words.

"Shh, baby... Mommy's here," she murmured, her voice soft and melodic. Oliver's cries diminished to small hiccupping sounds.

Ryan watched from the doorway, his heart swelling with love for both of them. Evelyn noticed him and smiled tiredly.

"He needs changing," she explained, moving to the changing table.

Ryan joined her, watching as she expertly unfolded a cloth diaper. "Using the cloth ones today?"

Evelyn nodded, carefully cleaning Oliver before positioning the fresh diaper. "Your mother suggested alternating between cloth and plastic to avoid irritating his skin."

Ryan handed her a small container of powder. "Smart. Mom knows her stuff."

They worked together, a well-coordinated team despite having been parents for less than a week. Once Oliver was clean and comfortable, they debated what to dress him in.

"The yellow shirt?" Ryan suggested, holding up a soft cotton onesie. "Weather report says it's going to be hot today."

Evelyn agreed, and they dressed their son together, their movements synchronized and gentle.

As Oliver settled, Ryan shared what he'd learned downstairs. "Someone tried to plant a story about us. Paid reporters to spread rumors."

Evelyn's expression hardened. "I think we both know who's behind this."

"Two possibilities," Ryan agreed.

Evelyn stroked Oliver's cheek. "Then it's time I return some of their 'love, care, and concern.'"

"What are you thinking?" Ryan asked, recognizing the determined look in her eyes.

"A counterattack," she replied. "We give an exclusive interview, introduce our little one to the world, show everyone how happy we are."

Ryan smiled slowly. "And announce we'll soon share our wedding plans?"

"Exactly," Evelyn confirmed. "It's a trap, of course. We're dangling bait, making them angry enough to act directly instead of hiding behind paid reporters."

"I like how your mind works," Ryan said, leaning in to kiss her forehead.

---

Back in the dining room, Ryan and Evelyn shared their plan with Daniel and Sophia, who immediately offered their full support.

"I've already spoken with Dante," Sophia said. "He'll be here this afternoon to discuss the details."

Daniel regarded Evelyn with newfound respect. "You're a force to be reckoned with."

"Motherhood brings out the lioness in women," Sophia observed with a smile. "We should coordinate your outfits for the interview. Something that projects strength and power."

"And something adorable for Oliver," she added, her eyes lighting up. "I found the most darling little ensemble yesterday."

They spent the next hour finalizing the details, energized by their shared purpose. By early afternoon, they gathered in the living room, dressed and prepared for Dante's arrival.

The butler appeared at the doorway. "Mr. Dante Romano has arrived, sir."

A moment later, a tall, elegantly dressed man with silver-streaked hair entered the room, his manner confident but respectful.

"The Carter family," he said with a slight bow. "It's an honor to see you all again."

His gaze fell on Evelyn and the baby in her arms, and his expression softened. "And this must be the young man causing such a stir."

The game was about to begin.