Chapter 7 A Storm In The Spotlight

• The next morning, Sandra’s phone exploded with notifications before the sun even rose. At first, she thought it was an early call from the Lancaster team. But as she unlocked the screen, her breath caught.
• Breaking: Lancaster CEO’s Director – More Than Just Business?
• Is Sandra Vega Sleeping Her Way to the Top?
• Images flooded her phone grainy shots of her stepping out of Steve’s penthouse, lingering glances in boardrooms, a blurry kiss on the terrace from last night.
• “No,” she whispered, fingers trembling.
• Not just because of the invasion. But because someone had planned this. Purposefully. Precisely.
• She scrolled further. Her academic records. An old tweet about wealth inequality. A blurry photo of her in college at a protest.
• All spun into a narrative: The ambitious, manipulative outsider seducing a billionaire.
• By the time she arrived at Lancaster Tower, she could feel the stares. Whispers swirled like smoke. Eyes followed her every step.
• Steve’s assistant, Cara, intercepted her at the elevator. “Sandra. He’s waiting for you. He’s... not happy.”
• The doors slid open, and she stepped in, her chest tight.
• When she walked into Steve’s office, he was already pacing.
• “I just saw it,” he said without turning. “It’s everywhere. CNN Business. Bloomberg. Even TMZ.”
• “Someone set us up,” Sandra said. “That kiss wasn’t visible from inside your place. They had to be watching from across the street.”
• “I already have my head of security tracking the photo angle. But this...” He ran a hand through his hair. “This isn’t just an invasion. This is character assassination.”
• Sandra dropped her bag on the couch. “They used my past, Steve. They spun it like I’m some manipulative, social-climbing—”
• He crossed to her, cupping her face. “Stop. You are brilliant, and capable, and this job is yours because you earned it. Nothing they print changes that.”
• She closed her eyes. “But the board will care. Investors will care. And your enemies... they’ll twist this into a weapon.”
• “They already have.” He dropped his hands, jaw clenched. “I spoke to Harold this morning. He’s calling for a special review of your role. He says your ‘influence’ may be compromising executive decisions.”
• “Of course he is,” she muttered. “They’re trying to force me out.”
• “No.” Steve’s eyes burned with quiet fire. “They want to force us apart.”
• There was silence between them. Heavy. Breathing.
• Sandra’s voice was low. “You could tell them we’re not involved. Make it seem like a rumor.”
• He stared at her. “Do you want me to?”
• Her throat tightened. “No. But it would make it easier for you. Safer.”
• “I’m not choosing safe,” he said. “Not anymore. I’m choosing you.”
• That afternoon, Sandra stood in front of a press podium at Lancaster Global—her first public appearance as Systems Strategy Director. Reporters waited like wolves, cameras flashing.
• Steve had offered to do the press alone.
• She’d said no.
• The PR team had begged her to stay quiet.
• She’d said no to them, too.
• She stepped up, shoulders straight, voice clear. “There’s been speculation about my role in this company and my relationship with its CEO. Let me be direct I was hired because I revolutionized system operations during a critical pivot. I continue to serve Lancaster Global because I bring value.”
• A murmur rippled through the press.
• “As for my personal life, I’m not ashamed of who I love. But I won’t apologize for having earned my place in this boardroom. And I won’t let anyone use my private life to tear down my professional integrity.”
• Questions flew from all directions, but she’d said what she came to say. She stepped down with her chin high, heart pounding.
• Steve met her backstage. “You were incredible.”
• “I was terrified.”
• “Didn’t show.”
• She looked at him. “What if this isn’t enough? What if the board uses this to call for a vote?”
• Steve’s eyes narrowed. “Then I’ll burn them down before I let them take you from this company. Or from me.”
• But in a corner office across town, Ethan Draven sat watching the press conference replay on mute. His fingers drummed against his desk.
• “Well played, Vega,” he murmured.
• His phone buzzed.
• “Did it work?” Harold’s voice came through, rough with irritation.
• “Not as planned,” Ethan said. “She’s smarter than I thought. Spoke like a pro. The sympathy is swinging her way, and Lancaster’s too stubborn to let her go.”
• Harold growled. “Then we need a new play. Something deeper. Something dirtier.”
• Ethan smiled coldly. “Already in motion.”
• He opened a folder on his desk labeled SANDRA VEGA – Confidential.
• Inside was a photo of Sandra and a young man in handcuffs from years ago.
• Her brother.
• Ethan’s smirk widened.
• “Let’s see how she handles this secret.”