The world didn't end in fire—it ended in headlines.
By Monday morning, Empire Brands was no longer a company; it was a scandal wrapped in chaos, wrapped in rumor. The media didn't sleep. News vans lined the sidewalks outside the corporate headquarters, reporters shouting into microphones while flashbulbs went off like gunfire.
Every outlet had its version of the story.
"Wellington Family Implodes."
"CEO's Brother in Assault Scandal."
"Corporate Royalty Tarnished by Love Triangle and Power Grab."
The company that once symbolized luxury and legacy now bled reputation by the minute.
Inside the glass tower, tension hung like a fog. Executives spoke in hushed tones, the clack of heels and the buzz of phones forming a nervous rhythm. Even the lobby receptionist kept glancing toward the elevators, waiting for the next explosion.
Vanessa walked through the revolving doors with Sienna at her side, both dressed in sharp black—mourning attire not for a person, but for pride.
