CHAPTER 23 Celeste's POV " Twice the Scandal ? Former Mis Vaughn Exposed in Late - Night Rendezvous with Another Lover - Billionaire Ex Goes Berserk ! " The headline practically screamed at me from my phone screen , the bold , flashing text a cruel mockery of my already crumbling reputation . My stomach twisted as I read the words again , each one feeling like a fresh slap across my face . Another lover As if I'd been cycling through men like they were disposable . It was everywhere ! Every tabloid , every social media page , every gossip site . My name , my face , plastered across the internet like a dirty secret the world couldn't wait to tear apart . " Celeste Monroe strikes again ! After being exposed in a scandalous video , the disgraced Mrs. Vaughn is caught sneaking around with another man ! Who are her secret lovers ? It wasn't enough that the world had branded me a whore once before - now , they were determined to do it again . And why ? Because of Damien Vaughn . If he hadn't drawn attention to himself - recklessly flaunting his wealth , causing a drunken spectacle - none of this would have happened . His car was impossible to miss , the license plate practically a flashing neon sign pointing straight to me . Now , I was once again the center of a media circus , my name dragged through the dirt , my life torn apart for the world's entertainment The article twisted everything , weaving a narrative where I was a woman who jumped from one affair to the next , a gold- digger who stole from my ex - husband's company with the help of my lovers . They even had the audacity to bring up my past , throwing the scandalous video in my face , making sure no one forgot just how " morally corrupt " I was . And the worst part ? They were looking for him Thra . His name wasn't in the articles yet , but it everything . And when they did , when only a matter of time before the press dug deeper , before they uncovered name was tied to mine , they would rip him apart too . I squeezed my eyes shut , my pulse hammering . No company would want to work with me now . The doors I had been struggling to pry open after my divorce were already slamming shut again . My name was tainted And I knew exactly who to blame Sighing , I leaned back on the couch and thought of calling Thea . He was the only one who could help me . He had the power to make all of this disappear - one call , one order , and the tabloids would be crushed like insects under his heel . No more rumors . No more media vultures circling my name But no . I can't drag him further into this . This is my mess . Theo had worked too hard to build his empire . I wasn't going to let them ruin his name because of me . Lexhaled sharply and focused on what I could control I opened my laptop , scrolling through endless job listings - freelance work , part - time gigs , anything . But the moment my fingers hovered over the application forms , the same realization came crashing down on me , COMETER 20 +25 BONUS No one wanted to work with me . I had reached out to past clients - not a single response . Even projects I had been promised before this new scandal had mysteriously " Tallen through . " The Vaughn name was a double - edged sword . The moment I lost its protection , I was nothing but a liability . My nails dug into my palm as I continued searching , determined not to give up . That was when I saw it . An upcoming charity g gala An elite event , the kind that attracted CEOs , investors , high - profile clientele - the very people who would surely have a need for my designs . If I went , I could reconnect , rebuild my reputation on my own terms . I barely had time to dwell on it before my phone rang . To my surprise , it was Theo " Hi , Celeste ! Did you hear about the charity gala ? " Theo said smoothly , as if he'd read my mind or had been spying on me earlier . " It's the perfect opportunity for you to turn things around . " He didn't mention the headlines , the vicious rumors spreading like wildfire . But I knew he'd seen them . He wasn't here to offer pity or dwell on the gossip . Instead , he spoke like it didn't exist , like I still had the power to control my own narrative . I exhaled , gripping my phone tighter . " Theo , I appreciate it , but I don't need your help . " His silence stretched for a moment " Celeste- "I mean it , " I cut in " Just let me handle this on my own . " But deep down , I wasn't sure if I was saying them for him or for myself , The words tasted like steel on my tongue . B The gossip was unbearable . Soon they'd sniff out the truth about Theo's involvement And the last thing I wanted was for my good friend - who had already done e so much to suffer because of me . " You shouldn't have to deal with this alone ," Theo suddenly said , his voice quieter now " Don't worry , " I lied , forcing a smile as if he could see it . " Til figure it out . " Before he could say anything else , I ended the call . I closed my eyes and took a deep breath . I knew Theo would never turn his back on me , that he would respond request if I asked . But he'd already gotten me out of the asylum , and that was more than enough . to my every Maybe he's just feeling guilty about the whole thing , even though he didn't do anything wrong . After all , we haven't seen each other for such a long time . And then now , this . I pulled my legs toward my chest and rested my chin on my knees , trying not to cry again . " Oh , Theo , you're such a wonderful friend , " I whispered . " But I can't let you do this . And it may be too late to save me , anyway . " I didn't realize how long I'd been staring into space , thinking about all the chaos , until a sharp knock on my door startled me My breath hitched I hadn't even moyed before it swung open Theo stood there , his expression determined . But his next word I'm not leaving you again , Celeste . " shattered every wall I had tried to put up . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!