The sidewalk outside the A-Side studio was a war zone. The “Luna Scandal” had drawn the paparazzi like blood in the water. As soon as Victoria stepped out of the black SUV Marcus Thorne had sent, the flashbulbs blinded her.
“Victoria! Is it true you tried to abort the baby to hurt Seraphina?”
“Mrs. Croft, look this way! Are you admitting to the affair?”
The questions were physical blows. Victoria lowered her head, clutching her guitar case, trying to push through the wall of bodies. A microphone struck her shoulder. She stumbled.
Suddenly, the chaotic noise dampened, replaced by a collective hush. A sleek, silver Koenigsegg Gemera–a car worth more than the entire studio block–pulled up to the curb. The door opened, and Dominic Valerius stepped out.
He was William’s business rival, a “Billionaire Shark” known for swallowing companies whole, but today he looked like a dark prince. He adjusted the cuffs of his bespoke charcoal suit and walked straight into the fray. He didn’t shout. He simply placed a hand on the shoulder of the loudest photographer and smiled a smile that didn’t reach his cold, predatory eyes.
“Gentlemen,” Dominic purred, his voice low but carrying an effortless authority. “You’re frightening the lady. And we wouldn’t want to damage such a national treasure, would we?”
He extended a hand to Victoria. “Mrs. Croft. Or should I say, Luna? I’m a great admirer of your work.”
Victoria hesitated, then took his hand. His grip was warm, firm, and undeniably protective. He pulled her to his side, shielding her from the cameras with his own body.
“Mr. Valerius,” a reporter stammered. “Are you… are you involved with the contestant?”
Dominic turned to the cameras, flashing a dangerous, charming grin. “I am investing in the future of music. And frankly, anyone who harasses my star investment answers to my legal team.”
Miles away, in his office, William watched the live feed on his monitor. He saw Dominic’s hand resting possessively on the small of Victoria’s back. He saw Victoria look up at Dominic, not with fear, but with relief.
William gripped his crystal tumbler so hard it shattered, amber liquid and blood dripping onto his desk.