Chapter 3: The Empire Begins to Crack
Chapter 3: The Empire Begins to Crack
News traveled faster than Isabella expected.
By sunrise...
Every major business publication carried the headline.
SOCIALITE ACCUSED OF ASSAULTING PREGNANT PHILANTHROPIST INSIDE PRIVATE HOSPITAL.
The gala footage leaked.
Hospital surveillance followed.
Sponsors withdrew.
Charities removed Isabella from their boards.
Luxury brands quietly canceled contracts.
Then Marcus made his own announcement.
Standing before dozens of reporters, he spoke without emotion.
"My wife was the victim of a violent assault."
"I will cooperate fully with law enforcement."
"Our family will pursue every legal remedy available."
Someone asked...
"Was Ms. Rossi involved with you personally?"
Marcus paused.
Long enough for cameras to notice.
"I made serious mistakes."
"But I will not allow those mistakes to endanger my family."
Across town...
Isabella watched the broadcast alone.
Her attorney slowly closed his laptop.
"The evidence is overwhelming."
She whispered...
"You said we could still win."
He looked at her.
May you like
"I said we could negotiate."
"Winning ended when the cameras started recording."
