Chapter 2

"Has the press release gone out?" I asked.

Simon turned to look at me, a hint of disappointed helplessness in his eyes, but he quickly shook it off.

"Yes," he replied.

I took a sip of water to moisten my throat. "How's the online buzz looking?"

Simon looked at me and sighed, taking out his tablet.

"The topic has been removed from the trending list. PR put out a statement, saying the video was a malicious edit," Simon said.

"The paid trolls are already at work, guiding public opinion. The stock price has stabilized."

Good. As long as the money's safe, nothing else matters.

I let out a sigh of relief, leaned back against the pillow, and closed my eyes.

"Thanks for your hard work. Go get some rest. We've got an early meeting tomorrow," I said.

Simon tucked me in, and as he pulled his hand back, his fingers brushed against my cheek.

I opened my eyes and was just about to speak.

But before I could, the door suddenly swung open, and Edward stood in the doorway, his face dark and stormy.

Simon straightened up calmly, his expression unchanged.

"Mr. Grant," he greeted politely, giving a slight nod before walking out of the room.

Edward stormed over to the bed. "What the hell was Simon doing? Was he touching your face?"

"Have you been having an affair with him all along?" he demanded.

I leaned back against the headboard and rolled my eyes. "You're crazy."

Edward let out a cold laugh. "Fine, Nancy. If you're so tough, then just stay in the hospital until you die."

"I was going to take care of you, but I guess I was just being foolish."

With that, he turned and left, slamming the door behind him.

The next morning, I was having breakfast when Vivian Blythe walked in. Her neck covered in hickeys.

"Oh, you're still hooked up to an IV?" she said.

"Edward was so relentless last night. He kept me up so late that I didn't even have time to come see you."

I slowly ate my oatmeal from the thermos, ignoring her provocation.

Seeing that I wasn't taking the bait, Vivian got annoyed and reached out to snatch my bowl.

I twisted my wrist, dodging her hand.

"So you actually admit you're Edward's girl?" I shot back.

"Honestly, I almost thought you were the star at some nightclub. Look at your outfit and those hickeys. You really look the part."

Vivian's face darkened. "Are you calling me a whore?"

"If the shoe fits, wear it," I said, setting down my spoon and casually wiping my mouth with a napkin.

"Listen, girl, if you're going to be someone's lapdog, at least stay on your leash. Just because you blow your sugar daddy's money on a couple designer bags doesn't mean you're suddenly hot stuff."

Vivian froze for a couple seconds, then went absolutely ballistic.

"Edward loves me! I'll be pregnant with his child soon, and then you'll be the one thrown out on the street," she snapped.

She raised her hand, ready to slap me across the face.

My gaze turned icy as I reached for the hot porridge on the table, ready to throw it at her.

But before she could, a hand seized Vivian's wrist in a firm grip.

Amy Grant, Edward's mother barked, "Who are you?"

Then she flung Vivian's hand aside.

Vivian rubbed her reddened wrist, glanced at Amy's outfit, and instantly went off on her.

"Where did this old bat come from? How dare you get in my way? Do you even know who I am? Believe it or not, Edward will destroy you," she snapped.

Clearly, Vivian had no idea who she was dealing with.

Amy had spent years devoted to a quiet, spiritual life, rarely appearing in the media, especially not in circles where minor celebrities like Vivian could ever run into her.

I leaned back against the headboard, nearly bursting out laughing.

What a fool. She's really asking for trouble.

Amy was so furious she actually laughed, then turned to look at me.

"So this is what Edward goes for? He must be out of his mind," she scoffed.