Morning sunlight poured through the heavy velvet curtains of the Marquez estate, but it did nothing to lift the suffocating tension in the room.
Clara sat curled up on the living room chaise, scrolling viciously through her phone, teeth clenched so tightly her jaw ached. Vanessa stood across from her, pacing, her freshly manicured nails tapping against her phone screen with increasing agitation.
The media backlash had hit like a tidal wave—one neither of them had been prepared for.
"Abused daughter slapped by estranged billionaire father at charity gala."
"Clara Marquez and Vanessa Marquez remain silent after shocking gala incident—social media turns on them."
"Justice for Ella" trending worldwide.
"Idiots," Vanessa hissed under her breath, pressing her phone to her ear again, calling their PR manager for the third time in twenty minutes. Voicemail again.
"We need control of this now—why is no one picking up?"
