Chapter 9 - The Paparazzi Ambush
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The victory in the boardroom was absolute, but the war in the press was just beginning.
As Ethan and Grace exited the towering glass skyscraper, they were met by a chaotic sea of flashing lights and shouting reporters. The news of Richard Cole's sudden resignation had already leaked, and the paparazzi were rabid for a statement from the billionaire and his mysterious new woman.
"Ethan! Is it true you left Vanessa for the help?"
"Grace! Are you marrying him for the money?"
The questions were vicious and designed to provoke. Marcus and the security team formed a wedge, pushing aggressively through the crowd toward the waiting SUV.
A particularly aggressive photographer lunged forward, shoving his massive camera lens directly into Grace's face.
"Hey, sweetheart! Did you manipulate the cripple to get out of the slums?" the man sneered.
Grace flinched, blinding light burning her eyes.
Before Marcus could intervene, Ethan’s wheelchair surged forward with terrifying speed. He deliberately rammed the heavy motorized footrests directly into the photographer's shins. The man yelped in pain, stumbling backward and dropping his expensive camera onto the concrete with a loud crunch.
The entire press gaggle went dead silent.
Ethan glared at the surrounding reporters, his dark eyes burning with a violent, protective fury that nobody had seen since his accident.
"If any of you ever disrespect this woman again," Ethan snarled, his voice carrying the dangerous weight of a man who owned half the city, "I will personally ensure you never work in media again. Get out of my way."
The reporters scrambled backward, clearing a wide path.
Ethan reached out, grabbing Grace's trembling hand and pulling her safely behind his chair as Marcus opened the SUV door.
Once inside the quiet, tinted cabin, the adrenaline crashed. Grace leaned back against the leather seat, trying to steady her breathing.
"You didn't have to do that," Grace whispered, looking at him. "You could get sued for breaking his camera."
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"I don't care," Ethan said fiercely, refusing to let go of her hand. His thumb gently stroked her knuckles. "Nobody speaks to you like that. Ever again."
Grace looked down at their joined hands. The contract said this was a fake relationship. But the heat radiating from his grip, and the fierce, protective fire in his eyes, felt terrifyingly real.
