The silent challenge

Silas's features twisted with a mixture of hurt and confusion. "Why? Aren't you enjoying our time together?"

"Of course I am," she reassured him. "But I need to understand why that man leaked the photographs." Her voice held a note of pleading, hoping he would comprehend her urgency.

"Caleb can handle it," Silas insisted, trying to put her at ease. "He'll get to the bottom of it and report back."

Esme, however, was resolute. "No, Silas. I need to speak to the man myself. This is important to me. You don't know Ruby the way I do, the pain she has caused. This is not a simple case of humiliation. There's a hidden motive, and I intend to expose it." Her jaw was set in a determined line. 

Memories resurfaced – the sting of betrayal, the vow to punish Julian, the need to unveil Ruby's true nature. Esme hadn't forgotten, not for a single moment.