Chapter 36 News Break
"Honestly? I have no idea." Eva's lips quirked. "But what can you do? You're stuck with me now."
Adrian laughed, the sound genuine and unexpected, lighting up his whole face.
The tension between them faded, replaced by a quiet that felt more comforting than silence.
Their faces were just inches apart. Adrian's eyes moved from her trembling lips back to her eyes.
Eva swallowed hard and glanced away, avoiding his intense gaze, and started tracing idle circles on the countertop with her fingertip.
Adrian's hand moved closer, hovering just above hers without touching.
It was the kind of moment that could go either way, with words left unsaid and questions hanging in the air.
The space between them felt fragile, charged with uncertainty. Adrian gently lifted Eva's chin.
Eva met his eyes and held his gaze. Her heart skipped a beat.
And then he kissed her.
For a moment, the world narrowed to the quiet space between them.
Adrian gently bit her lip.
Eva caught her breath in surprise, then smiled against his lips. The kiss was brief and gentle, almost shy, but it left her cheeks warm and her heart lighter.
When they pulled apart, Adrian was the first to look down. "Sorry, I couldn't help myself."
Eva laughed, a little breathless and giddy. "It's okay. Don't ever apologize for that."
Two days passed.
And Helena did not turn herself in.
So, true to her word, Eva released all the information she had in her hands to the media.
Her chest tightened as she hit send, anxiety twisting in her stomach. Every instinct screamed at her to hold back, but she forced herself to see it through, trembling hands betraying the war waging inside her.
She knew there was no turning back, and yet, mingled with the fear was a stubborn, desperate hope—for justice, for an end to all the secrets and lies.
Over the past two days, they have been preparing for this outcome. Leonard worked with selected journalists from trusted news sources who would share the facts without exaggeration.
Adrian's PR team managed the Cavanaugh side, preparing statements and planning strategic leaks. They aimed to release the news gradually to shape the story in their favor.
As the clock struck 12 in the middle of the night, the dam broke.
"Fransis Family Matriarch's Secret Exposed: Decades Of Fraud, Embezzlement, And Conspiracy"
"Helena Park's Secret Life: The Con Artist Who Infiltrated High Society"
"Murder Plot Uncovered: Socialite Planned Husband's Death"
"Inside The Heist: Helena Parker Implicated In Multimillion-Dollar Company Funds Theft"
"Trust Betrayed: Board Members Reel From Discovery Of Embezzlement At Parker Enterprises"
"Deadly Motive: Investigators Link Missing Company Funds To Failed Murder Plot"
The story took over every news report. Helena's face was everywhere; her socialist photos appeared alongside reports of her financial crimes. Her carefully built public image was falling apart right before everyone's eyes.
Eva watched the news coverage from her father's study, with Adrian and Daniel beside her. Richard had gone to his room, unable to face the public unraveling of his marriage.
"Police are now searching for Helena Park," the news anchor reported. "She was last seen at the Fransis estate two days ago and is believed to have fled the country. International authorities have been alerted, and several countries have agreed to extradition requests."
"Do you think she has fled the country?" Eva asked, eyes still trained on the TV.
"Maybe, but she won't get far," Adrian said quietly. "I have people tracking her movements. The moment she surfaces, we'll be the first to know."
"And then what?" Eva asked.
"And then she faces justice." Daniel's voice was hard. "For everything she's done."
Eva nodded slowly.
Part of her still found it hard to believe.
Helena, the woman who had helped raise her, attended her wedding and sat across from her at countless family dinners, was a monster.
She was a predator who spent years ruining Eva and her family's lives, all while smiling and sipping champagne.
How had she not seen it?
But that was Helena's talent. She wore a perfect mask.
Even now, Eva remembered moments that felt real, like when Helena comforted her after Derek's cruelty, offered advice, or acted like a caring stepmother.
But now she knew it was all a lie.
Helena showed people only what she wanted them to see.
"Hey." Adrian reached for her hand. "You're getting overwhelmed."
"Sorry, I was processing everything."
"Don't think too much." He squeezed her fingers. "Helena fooled everyone: your father, the society circles, and even Reena to some extent. You're not at fault for believing her lies."
"I know. It's just..." Eva sighed. "I keep wondering if there were signs I missed. Warnings I should have noticed."
"There probably were. And you might have missed the clues because you were just a child, and then you grew up to be a young woman dealing with your own trauma, and then you became a wife trapped in an abusive marriage."
Adrian turned her to face him. "You had your own problems to deal with. You weren't prepared to see through a professional con artist. None of us were."
Eva leaned into him, finding comfort in his steady presence.
"When this is over," she said quietly, "I want to do something meaningful. Something that helps other women who've been through what I've been through."
"That's a good idea. What did you have in mind?"
"I don't know yet. Maybe a foundation. Something that gives resources to abuse survivors, like legal support for women leaving toxic marriages, or helping them find steady jobs so they can move on with their lives."
Eva fiddled with her fingers. "Maybe I could talk with Uncle Leonard, see if he has any advice, and ask how to begin, or maybe contact some shelters to find out what they really need. I don't have it all planned, but I want to take the first step."
She looked up at him. "I spent seven years feeling helpless. I don't want anyone else to go through that."
Adrian's expression softened. "That's a beautiful idea."
"You think so?"
Adrian nodded. "With your kind heart, I think you'll change the world." He kissed her forehead.
"And I'll stand by you and help you along the way."
Before Eva could respond, her phone buzzed.
She glanced at the screen and froze.
It was an unknown number.
She hesitated, then finally answered the call. Her voice was cautious. "Hello?"
"Eva." Helena's voice sounded from the other side.
"You really released everything." Her voice was cold and steady, but underneath Eva could sense something sharp and dangerous. "You think you can destroy me with this little media circus? You were always naive. If you think this is the end, you're wrong. Some things can't be undone, Eva. I hope you're ready to live with what happens next."
Eva's blood chilled.
"Helena. Where are you?"
"Somewhere you'll never find me."
"And why are you calling me? Do you want to surrender now?"