Chapter 4 - The Corporate War(Target: 2,000 words - Focus: Ethan attempts a desperate counter-attack using media blackmail; Aria executes a flawless legally-binding trap.)
A week had passed since the dinner. I was resting comfortably in my private penthouse, surrounded by top-tier medical staff ensuring my baby was completely healthy after the ice-water incident. Thankfully, my little girl was a fighter; her heartbeat was strong.
Marcus entered my study, looking grim. "Aria, the Vances aren't going quietly. Ethan has gone to the media. He’s booked an interview with a major national news network for tomorrow morning. He’s planning to frame you as a tyrannical, power-mad tech billionaire who abandoned her hardworking husband and his family during a high-risk pregnancy."
I sipped my warm chamomile tea, unbothered. "He thinks he can use public relations against the woman who controls the infrastructure of the media network he's bleeding on? Let him do the interview, Marcus. In fact, fund it. Make sure it’s broadcast live globally."
Marcus smiled, understanding my strategy immediately. "Consider it done."
The next morning, Ethan appeared on the television screen, looking intentionally disheveled and pitiful. He sat across from a prominent journalist, wiping fake tears from his eyes.
"My wife, Aria, completely deceived us," Ethan lied to the cameras, his voice trembling with rehearsed sorrow. "She hid her billions, and the moment my elderly mother had a small, private emotional outburst at dinner, Aria used her massive corporate power to fire my entire family, evict us from our home, and leave us completely destitute. She is unstable, and I am terrified for the safety of our unborn child. I am filing for full custody and a fair distribution of her multi-billion-dollar assets."
The internet exploded. Comments began rolling in, attacking the "Heartless Billionaire Bride."
But the live broadcast wasn't over.
"We have a surprise guest joining us via live satellite link," the journalist suddenly announced, receiving a cue from her earpiece. "The Chairperson of Apex Global herself, Aria Vance."
The screen split, revealing me sitting in my elegant, sunlit office, wearing a pristine white power suit, looking radiant, calm, and undeniably powerful.
"Thank you for having me," I said smoothly.
Ethan looked panicked on screen, not expecting me to face him publicly. "Aria... please, let's stop this madness and settle this as a family—"
"Ethan," I interrupted, my voice cutting through his lies like a diamond blade. "You mentioned a 'small, private emotional outburst' from your mother. Let’s show the world what a Vance family dinner actually looks like."
Before Ethan’s team could cut the feed, Marcus executed our master play. The network’s control room—fully owned by an Apex subsidiary—overrode the broadcast.
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The video that played next wasn't a corporate statement. It was the crystal-clear, high-definition security footage from the Vance dining room. The world watched in horror as Beatrice hoisted the filthy bucket of freezing water and slammed it over the head of an eight-month-pregnant woman. The world heard Chloe’s cackling laughter, Richard's chuckle, and saw Ethan calmly adjusting his tie while his pregnant wife gasped in pain.
The live comment section turned into a bloodbath of public outrage within three seconds.
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