Chapter 31 Manipulative Guests: The Interview
Today’s episode was already trending before it began. “The Thornes and the Moreaus — The Power Families Finally Speak.”
Damien Thorne sat beside Talia Moreau, cameras blinking red around them.
The talk show’s host, Vanessa Dale, was known for her sharp traps. Her interviews always seemed warm until you realized she’d pulled confessions from her guests like threads.
Damien adjusted the button of his navy suit, his smirk barely visible, while Talia, radiant in an off-shoulder lilac dress, sat poised like the perfect heiress she’d always pretended to be.
“It’s such a delight to have the two of you here. The world’s been talking non-stop about the recent engagement between Julian Thorne and… Seraphina Moreau.” Vanessa Dale started, her voice smooth and welcoming as usual.
“Yes, it’s been quite the buzz, hasn’t it?” Talia said, keeping her polite smile. Her tone was gentle and inviting. “Julian is… a remarkable man. I’m genuinely happy he’s found someone who brings him peace.”
Vanessa leaned forward, sensing the bait. “That’s very gracious of you, considering… you and Julian were once rumored to be close.”
Talia gave a small soft laugh, a sound rehearsed for pity. “It was true I was his betrothed. It’s sad Julian turned out to be…you know the rest.” She giggled softly. “The Thornes and Moreaus have always had ties, long before me or Seraphina. I just hope… whoever holds our family’s name does it with grace and integrity.”
Her words dropped like perfume, sweet but laced with poison.
“That sounds deep.” Vanessa said before turning to Damien.
“Mr. Thorne, you’ve known Seraphina Moreau for years, haven’t you? You were so angry in the viral video and some people thought it was for show while others believed you and her had history like you said.”
Damien’s smile widened faintly, his hand resting on his knee. “We dated once,” he admitted easily. “Back then, I thought I knew her well. She was the quiet, reserved and driven type. Sadly, she never opened upto me about her real identity. I didn’t know she was a Moreau.”
The lie rolled off his tongue smoothly.
“Oh, that’s new. Do you have any idea why she lied?” Vanessa asked softly, empathy in her tone.
Damien exhaled slowly. “Seraphina is so secretive in nature. I mean…she has a son which she kept a secret by the way.”
“A son?” Vanessa asked incredulously.
“Yes. When we dated, I told her many times that she had no reason to hide her son even though the boy was a result of her one night stand with a stranger. I should have known she was hiding things from me too.” He lifted his gaze to the camera, “I just hope she’s not deceiving my brother as well. All in all, I bear no grudge against Seraphina. I once loved her deeply. And whatever had happened that night during her proposal was an impulse response to her betrayal.”
Talia shifted, adding lightly, “She’s been through a lot. We all have. Losing her parents, being away all those years… I can’t imagine what that must have been like. People heal differently.”
Damien looked at Talia. “Right? I only wished she had confided in me and let me know all that as well.”
Vanessa’s brows lifted. “Wow. That’s news to me, and I’m sure it is to many out there as well. We all thought she died in a fire accident which we are glad isn’t the case by the way. Some people online say her return is… suspicious. Especially since she’s suddenly engaged to your brother, Mr. Thorne.”
Damien chuckled softly. “It truly is. But Julian has always been someone who follows his instincts. I just hope she’s not overwhelmed by how much power that comes with.”
He said in a polite tone- enough to sound sincere, sharp enough to raise doubts.
Talia added smoothly, “Julian is kind, but he’s… I will use the word ‘intense’. Whoever stands beside him must be very stable emotionally. He deserves peace after everything he’s been through.”
Vanessa’s tone turned more probing. “Do you mean his supposed… condition?”
Damien’s gaze flicked up briefly, a flash of mischief in his eyes before he looked away. “Let’s just say not everything the media reported was true- or false. My brother’s past is his own to tell. But I’ll say this… Seraphina seems to have a way of making people forget reason. That can be dangerous.”
Talia touched his arm lightly, giving the camera her warmest, most pitiful smile. “We don’t want to judge. We just hope she’s sincere with him. For everyone’s sake.”
The host nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. “You two sound genuinely concerned for them.”
Damien’s tone turned low, almost protective. “Of course we are. Family is everything. We’d never want Julian to go through heartbreak. He’s been through enough.”
Vanessa wrapped it up with her signature grace. “Thank you both for your honesty. I’m sure your words will give the public… much to think about.”
As the lights dimmed and the cameramen lowered their equipment, Talia crossed her legs and leaned close to Damien. “You think they bought it?”
Damien’s expression relaxed, eyes glinting. “We said those with some quiet boldness. They will eat it up.”
He rose from his seat, tugging at his cuffs, his tone dropping low enough for only her to hear. “Now, let’s see how Seraphina likes being painted as the unstable one.”
Talia smiled faintly, a flicker of triumph in her gaze. “She won’t last long under pressure. She panics easily.”
Damien tilted his chin up proudly, his gaze following Vanessa Dales as she disappeared to the dressing room.
When he and Talia got outside, he paused his steps.
“Huh, Talia?”
She raised a brow in question.
“You proceed to the car. I think I forgot something inside.”
“Oh, don’t keep me waiting.”
Damien went back inside, seeking permission into the dressing room.
When he got in, only Vanessa was there. He grabbed her from behind and tickled her. She leaned into him, shifting her waist closer to him. “I thought you left.”
“I couldn’t leave. Not after seeing how hot you showed up in this stunning red dress. I almost stuttered during the interview.” He whispered behind her ears.
Vanessa turned to face him squarely. “How I’ve missed you, Damien.” She breathed the words out, need apparent in her tone.
Damien’s lips shifted into a dark smile. He kissed her then pulled away slightly. “How does a hot quickie sound?”
Vanessa licked her lips. “I will lock the door first.”