Chapter 85: The First Challenge

If there's one thing I've learned about success, it's that it always comes with a cost. That morning, as I walked into the estate's sunlit dining room, I had no idea that our first real challenge as a couple was already waiting for us, masked behind a polite knock on the door.

Sophie was the first to break the news. She strode in, phone in hand, her usual confidence shadowed by a furrowed brow.

"Emilia," she said, setting her phone on the table. "We have a problem."

I glanced at her, trying to gauge the seriousness in her tone. "What kind of problem?"

Damien, who had just returned from his morning run, entered the room in time to hear her response.

"It's about your international accounts," Sophie said, her voice clipped. "Someone's been spreading rumors that your company is involved in questionable financial practices. It's already made waves overseas."

I froze. "What kind of rumors?"