Chapter 150: The Media Siege
Ryan’s heart softened instantly. The violent rage he had felt toward Damian vanished the moment he looked at the boy. He knelt down, reaching out to wrap his large hand around the child's tiny fist.
"As long as I’m here, he won’t get a single step closer to you," Ryan promised.
"Then you have to protect Mommy too," Elias said, his big eyes searching Ryan’s face for reassurance. "Mommy cries in her sleep sometimes. She’s very scared."
Evelyn stiffened. she turned her head away as her eyes grew misty. Ryan looked up, his gaze cutting through her defensive wall and meeting her eyes directly. In that moment, her armor seemed to crack.
"I will," Ryan said with the weight of a sacred oath. "I’ll protect her with my life."
Ten minutes later, they were inside the studio’s lounge. Evelyn poured a glass of warm milk for Elias before turning to face Ryan, who was still standing by the door.
After the scene outside, she knew the truth. She couldn't stop a mad dog like Damian or a woman like Sienna on her own. Her fake adoption papers might fool the police or the public, but they wouldn't fool Ryan, nor would they stop those who truly wanted her destroyed.
"I accept the security plan," Evelyn finally said. She took the document from her bag and set it on the table. "But I have conditions."
Ryan tilted his head, signaling for her to continue.
"First, your men only handle the perimeter and Elias’s transport. They are not to interfere in our lives or enter my apartment."
"Second, I will pay you three times the market rate. This is a business deal. I don't want favors or charity."
She needed that boundary. Ryan felt a pang of sympathy seeing her so cold and professional. Four years ago, she had shown a hint of reliance on him, but now she was covered in thorns, pushing everyone away to protect her shattered heart.
"Deal," Ryan said without hesitation. He pulled out his phone and made a quick call. "Get Group A in position. Now."
He hung up and looked at her deeply. "My secretary will send the bill. But Evelyn, don't think so lowly of me. I’m not doing this just for you." He glanced toward Elias, who was quietly sipping his milk. "I still have a score to settle with the Greens."
The media storm hit faster than anyone expected. Within twenty four hours, high-definition photos were plastered across every major social media platform in New York. The images were crystal clear. One showed Evelyn at a supermarket, wiping ice cream from Elias’s face. Another showed her carrying the boy into her apartment, looking exhausted but tender.
The captions were cruel and calculated. One headline read: The Secret Life of a Fallen Socialite: Who is the Father? Another suggested her success as a designer was bought with her body rather than her talent.
Vicious comments flooded the internet. While Evelyn struggled, her competitors at M.X Design watched the scandal grow with satisfaction. They knew that if they destroyed Sophia Bell’s reputation, her clients would come crawling to them instead.
Evelyn sat at her desk, scrolling through the news. She knew Damian was behind this. Seeing the insults directed at her four year old son made her feel physically ill.
"Miss Bell, we’re suspending our partnership due to the controversy," one caller said.
"Your damaged reputation is a liability to our brand. We are terminating our contract effective immediately," said another.
The phone wouldn't stop ringing. Suppliers and retailers were cutting ties, terrified of the scandal. Evelyn stared at her screen, where a zoomed-in photo of Elias was surrounded by red arrows and slurs.
Four years ago, Damian ruined her for Sienna. Now, he was using a child as a weapon to force her to submit.
"Bastard," she whispered. She tried to close the laptop, but the comments stayed burned into her mind. People called her designs "dirty" and her son a "bastard."
Evelyn curled up in her chair, hugging her knees as her body began to shake. She thought she was strong, but when the world attacked her child, the pain was unbearable.
The door swung open. Ryan walked in with two lawyers. He took in the messy room and the trembling woman, and a murderous look flashed in his eyes.
"Send this file to every partner we have," Ryan told the lawyers. "Nova Group is providing a full guarantee for Sophia Bell’s studio. Anyone who cancels a contract is an enemy of Nova. They’ll never work in this city again."
The lawyers nodded and left, closing the door behind them. Ryan walked over to the desk and turned Evelyn’s chair so she had to face him. He leaned down, pinning her between his arms and the chair.
"Why are you crying?" his voice was low and steady. "Don't let them win. This is exactly what they want. If you break down, they’ve already won."
Evelyn bit her lip and looked away. "I’m not crying. I’m just disgusted."
"Then let’s give them something real to be disgusted about." Ryan pulled out a handkerchief and wiped her eyes with a touch of rough tenderness. "My PR team is already working. The photos will be gone in thirty minutes. Every person who shared them will be sued by morning."
He paused, his thumb brushing her cold cheek. "Also, a bridge loan for Omni Group was just rejected. That’s the first price Damian pays for touching what’s mine."
Evelyn looked at him, surprised. He was angrier than she was.
"Thank you," she said softly.
"We don't need to be that formal," Ryan said, straightening his cuffs. "Get your things. We’re going to pick up Elias from school. There will be reporters at the gate, and I’m not letting you face them alone."