15 Chapter 15 - Scandal and Revelation 15 Chapter 15 - Scandal and Revelation By morning, Manhattan awoke to chaos. 1 **BREAKING: Billionaire Mason Rutherford arrested for kidnapping ex-fiancée turned fashion mogul Lina Hart.** The footage was everywhere-Mason's gaunt face lit by the flash of a hundred cameras, hands cuffed behind his back as police escorted him from Rutherford Manor. In contrast, Lina stood quietly by Bruce's side, wrapped in his jacket, gaze steady and unreadable. The headlines came fast: > **"From Bride to Brand: Lina Hart Survives Again"** > ***Caroline Monroe Is Alive-and Not Forgiving"** > ***Bruce Chen Identified as Luxury Conglomerate Heir-Hiding in Plain Sight?"** In Bruce's penthouse, Lina curled on a marigold-colored sofa, fingers wrapped around a mug of herbal tea. The windows framed a skyline that once made her feel small. Now, it simply looked... manageable. Bruce entered with a tray of toast and sliced fruit. "You should eat." "I already did," she said. "Lina." She gave a small smile and took the plate. "You haven't asked why I never told you who I was," Bruce said. She didn't look up. "Because it didn't matter to you whether I thought you were someone important." "And because I needed to prove I could build something real without a name tag." 10.15 174 < 15 Chapter 15 - Scandal and Revelation She met his eyes. "You did." He hesitated. "I still want to build something. With you." "Because I need rescuing?" "No," he said firmly. "Because I see you. Not the survivor. Not the myth. Just... you." She set the plate aside. "And if I say I need time?" "I'll wait." That afternoon, a courier arrived with a thick envelope. Inside: a notarized transfer of 51% creative control over the Rutherford-Ardent Luxe partnership. Signed by Mason Rutherford. No note. No plea. Just... surrender. Lina stared at the document. Freedom in black ink. The media frenzy spun on, but Lina kept quiet. No statements. No interviews. No tell-all exclusives. She let her silence speak louder than anyone else's noise. 10.15 2/4 < 15 Chapter 15 - Scandal and Revelation Fashion critics called it brilliant. Human rights groups called it brave. Tabloids called it icy. She called it peace. One afternoon, Bruce found her at the piano in his living room, fingers moving gently over the keys. The same nocturne Mason used to play-except hers was slower, softer. Unfinished. She stopped mid-measure and looked up. "I don't want to be defined by him. Or by what he did." "You won't be," Bruce said. She turned on the bench. "I want this brand to mean something. Not just beauty. Not just redemption. I want it to create paths. Scholarships. Training for women who've survived worse." Bruce grinned. "Good. Because I already drafted the foundation paperwork." Lina blinked. "You what?" "I had a feeling." She stood, stepped forward, and wrapped her arms around him. No hesitation. No apology. Just warmth. Just choice, - Outside, drones circled the building, trying to catch a glimpse, But inside? 10:15 314 15 Chapter 15 - Scandal and Revelation Inside was quiet. Inside was calm. Inside was a woman who had been dragged underwater-and resurfaced stronger. Not because someone saved her. But because she saved herself. Comment 0 Leave the first comment for this chapter. Vote 5 Show support to the author by leaving comments when sending gift. Swipe Left To Continue > 图 Send Gifts