Tara kicked off her heels, tossed her bag aside, and began taking down every framed photo in the villa.
She removed the pictures, burned them one by one, and threw the empty frames away.
She hadn’t realized just how many there were.
The living room, the hallway, the bedroom, the study, the gym, the walk-in closet—walls, shelves, tables—they were everywhere.
As she worked, her phone rang.
Seeing that it was her father, she answered, only to be met with his angry voice. “Tara, what’s going on online? How could a scandal like this come out now?”
Feeling drained, Tara sank onto the carpet and replied softly, “Dad…”
Her nose stung, and her throat tightened.
Hearing her tone, Joe’s voice immediately softened. “Don’t cry, sweetheart. Don’t cry. I’m here. We won’t let them get away with this! Leave it to me. I’ll make sure those websites pay for this!”
The warmth of Joe’s concern broke down the last of her defenses. Tara covered her mouth, choking back sobs as the night’s frustrations poured out.
Joe sighed. “There’s no use crying now. But I’ll deal with Leo and that woman for you!”
Tara wiped away her tears. “No need, Dad. I was just too foolish and naive. This is my own fault. Besides, I’ve already decided to move abroad. Let’s just leave it at that.”
Joe let out a frustrated sigh, torn between wanting to scold her and not wanting to hurt her. “You… you’re impossible.”
But his heart ached for her.
After asking about the progress of her immigration paperwork, Tara ended the call. She took a long shower and went to bed.
Leo didn’t come home that night.
There were no calls, no messages.
When Tara woke the next morning, the sun was already high.
The first thing she did was check her phone. All of her photos and videos had been completely wiped from the internet.
As she sat down to breakfast, Leo returned.
He was still wearing the same clothes from the day before. His hair was disheveled, his eyes bloodshot, and his stubble was unkempt.
It was obvious he hadn’t rested all night.
Sitting across from her, Leo’s voice was low and demanding. “Did you file a lawsuit over the online photos?”
Tara dabbed her lips with a napkin and met his gaze. “Yes, I have to protect my rights.”
Leo spoke in a detached, business-like tone. “The company has already signed Nina. She just returned to the country, and we need to generate publicity for her. I’ll give you 50 million if you drop the lawsuit and allow the use of your photos and videos for promotion.”
Tara’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “Mr. Carter, I’m not one of your employees. I have neither the obligation nor the desire to cooperate with your publicity stunts.”
Leo’s sharp brows knitted together as he slammed his glass of milk back onto the table, his cold eyes locking onto her.
“Jealous? Angry about last night?” he asked, his tone icy. “Nina hurt her face and foot so I had to rush her to the hospital. Her looks are her livelihood. She can’t afford to be scarred.”
Tara smiled faintly. “I’m not angry. Do whatever you want to promote her, just don’t drag me into it. Understand?”
Leo’s gaze turned steely, his voice dropping further. “You’ve always been obedient and sensible. I hope you won’t disappoint me.”
Tara’s tone remained calm. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Carter, but I’m standing by my boundaries.”
Leo stared at her, as if he couldn’t quite process the change.
He lit a cigarette, taking a deep drag and exhaling a swirl of smoke.
