The news had spread like wildfire.
Social media was ablaze with her face — Ayla. Not Celeste. Not the elegant, mysterious girl everyone thought they knew. No, the world now knew the truth: she was the missing daughter of the feared and powerful Viper.
From gossip blogs to business headlines, everyone had something to say. Heiress to two empires. Daughter of two enemies. Who will she become now?
Inside Elise and Jean's home, the television was muted, but the tension was loud. Ayla sat curled up on the living room couch, a blanket tucked under her arms as she scrolled through her phone. Her photo — the one taken while unconscious at the hospital — was everywhere. Edits. Conspiracies. Sympathy. Praise. Hate.
All of it.
"They act like I'm a mystery they have to solve," she whispered.
"You are," Elise said gently, setting down a tray of warm tea. "But not to us."
Jean stood by the window, arms crossed, phone in hand. He had just ended a call with one of their longest-standing business partners, who had hesitated before asking, "So… is she still your daughter?"
Jean hadn't hesitated.
"She always will be."
That was the decision they had made — quietly, without the board, without the public. Just the two of them, looking at the girl who had brought life back into their home. Ayla might not have been born from them, but she had been raised in their love. They couldn't — wouldn't — lose her again.
Her shares remained untouched. Her name stayed in the family.
"People are scared," Ayla said softly, eyes flicking to the screen. "Because of who my father is."
"And some are curious," Elise added, "because of who you are. Not Viper. Not Leon. You."
Damien walked in then, suitcase already zipped, his expression a mix of frustration and reluctance.
"Do you really have to go?" Ayla asked, standing up.
He moved closer and cupped her face with one hand. "I wish I didn't. But if I don't sign this deal in person, they'll back out. They're panicking over the media storm too."
Ayla nodded, eyes low. "They think I'm unstable."
"They think you're unpredictable," Damien corrected. "And that scares them. But it also makes you powerful."
He leaned down and kissed her forehead. "I'll be back in two days. Max. I've already set a limit. Nothing keeps me away from you longer than that."
Ayla held onto his hand tightly. "Promise?"
"Promise."
Elise gave them space, turning toward Jean, her voice low but insistent. "She needs protection now more than ever. From business vultures. From those who want to use her… or bury her."
Jean nodded. "I've already scheduled a full security sweep of the house. And I'm informing the board tonight — her position stays."
They watched Damien hug Ayla one last time before heading out.
Outside, the world roared with headlines and questions.
Inside, they were building something quieter — not just safety, but a future Ayla could finally choose.