Chapter 5

As Ares strode out of the building, his men flanking him, he felt a sense of satisfaction. Martina had been a thorn in his side for too long, and it was time to show her who held the power.

He got into the backseat of his sleek black car, Antonio sliding in beside him. The driver closed the door and started the engine, pulling away from the curb with smooth precision. Ares took out his phone and dialed a number, his eyes cold and calculating.

"Jackson," he said when the call connected. "I need you to run a story. Headline: 'Media Mogul Martina Romano's Affair with Ares Saviano: A Scandalous Night Exposed.' Make it look legitimate, I will have some pictures from last night sent to you. Make sure it hits every major paper and news site by morning."

There was a brief pause on the other end, then a response. "Consider it done, Mr. Saviano."

Ares hung up the phone, a smirk playing on his lips. He glanced at Antonio, who looked concerned.

"Ares," Antonio said hesitantly, "are you sure this is a good idea? Won't this just make Martina more determined to post more articles against you?"

Ares leaned back in his seat, his smirk widening. "That's the plan, Antonio. I suspected she might have more evidence starched somewhere, she looked too relaxed. Now, she can post all the articles she wants, but no one will believe her anymore. They'll just see her as a crazy girl who is obsessed with Ares Saviano because he rejected her after a one-night stand."

Antonio nodded slowly, understanding dawning in his eyes. At first, he wondered where Ares was going with this but now it makes perfect sense. "So you discredit her completely. Smart."

Ares chuckled, a low, menacing sound. "Exactly. By the time I'm done, Martina Romano will be nothing more than a laughingstock in the media world. No one will want to work with her and no one will ever dare to cross me again."

As Ares's car sped through the city streets, he stared out the window, his mind already moving to the next steps of his plan. He rubbed his bottom lip thoughtfully, a habit he had when deep in thought.

"You know what, I want every single detail about her movements, her plans, her contacts. Everything. I need to know how deep she's dug herself."

Antonio shifted uncomfortably in his seat, the weight of Ares's words heavy in the air. He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Ares, I understand your need to control the situation, but isn't this going too far? Ruining her reputation should be enough to stop her. Going after every detail of her life..."

Ares turned his sharp gaze on Antonio, his eyes cold and calculating. "Antonio," he interrupted sharply, "I decide what's necessary. Martina has chosen to challenge me publicly. She needs to understand the consequences of her actions, so stop questioning me and get what I need done."

Antonio swallowed, feeling the tension in the car. He knew better than to argue further when Ares was in this mood.

"I'll get it done," Antonio finally replied, his voice resigned. He knew there was no point in questioning Ares further. His role was clear—to execute orders without hesitation or doubt.

Ares nodded curtly, his gaze returning to the passing cityscape outside. His mind was already planning the next move, strategizing how to dismantle Martina Romano's credibility piece by piece. She had dared to challenge him, and now she would face the full force of his retaliation.

He will ruin her.

BACK AT TRUELINE INVESTIGATIONS, the atmosphere was tense and charged with rumors swirling around the explosive encounter with Ares Saviano. Richard Blake had swiftly canceled the meeting as whispers and speculations filled the air. The news of Ares's accusations had spread like wildfire through the office, leaving everyone in disbelief.

Martina could feel the weight of judgmental eyes as she waited back in the board room on Richard's order. Richard finally faced her once everyone was gone, the look of disbelief plastered on his face.

"So, Miss Martina Romano, do you have anything to say regarding those accusations?"

"What?" Martina frowned, she knew this was how the situation would turn around but she didn't expect someone like Richard, her boss and someone who she respected to see her that way.

She would never do something so foolish, knowing it would ruin her reputation.

"Do you really believe the nonsense he just said? I posted those articles to expose him, his family, and all the illegal dealings they have been involved in," Martina explained, her voice laced with anger.

"I am well aware of how serious you take your work, but you weren't exactly explaining or trying to defend yourself from his accusations," Richard raised an eyebrow.

Martina clenched her fists, trying to keep her composure. "Richard, he was holding a gun. I had to be careful with my words, but I made it clear that I didn't sleep with him. He was trying to intimidate me, and I didn't want to escalate the situation."

Richard sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I understand that, Martina. But you have to realize how this looks. The rumors will already begin to spread, I don't have the willpower to stop them from talking, even before they left this board meeting they were already questioning your integrity. I can't control the narrative anymore."

Martina's eyes widened in disbelief. "You don't trust me, Richard? After everything I've done for this company, I have put in more work than any of them. Are you willing to believe Ares Saviano over me?"

Richard shook his head, his expression pained. "It's not about trust, Martina. I know you're a respectable woman and a brilliant journalist, but I have to consider the company's reputation as well. I'm sorry, but I have no choice. I have to put you on leave until further notice."

Martina felt a surge of frustration and betrayal. She had worked tirelessly to uncover the truth about the Saviano family, and now her own company was turning its back on her. How did it get to this point? She was certain that Ares would be the one getting into trouble not her, but the table had turned so quickly.

"Richard, please. You know this isn't fair. You will only be proving them right by doing this. I did not do whatever nonsense he is accusing me of."

Richard's face softened, but his resolve remained firm. "I know it's not fair. But right now, it's the best course of action. Take some time off, let things cool down, and we'll reassess the situation later."

Martina gritted her teeth, determined not to give up. "Richard, I have more evidence. If you just let me explain, you'll see that I'm telling the truth. Ares is trying to discredit me because he's afraid of what I know."

Richard shook his head, frustration evident in his eyes. "You should have thought about that before posting the article without consulting me or the company. Now we're all dealing with the fallout."

Martina's voice rose in desperation. "I did what I had to do to expose him. I couldn't risk the story being buried or altered. Please, just give me a chance to prove myself."

Richard sighed deeply, his patience wearing thin. "My word is final, don't push me to say more Martina."

Martina felt a wave of hopelessness wash over her. She had always prided herself on her integrity and dedication to the truth, but now it seemed like none of that mattered. "So that's it? You're just going to suspend me without hearing me out?"

Richard's expression softened slightly, but his decision remained firm. "Take some time off, and we'll reassess once things have calmed down."

Martina nodded reluctantly, feeling a lump form in her throat. She gathered her belongings and left Richard's office, she barely made it out of the office when her phone began to ring.

It was Camila.

Martina answered the call, her voice tight with anger. "Hey, Camila."

"Martina, how's it going at the company? Did you manage to clear things up?" Camila's voice was filled with concern.

Martina took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "No, it's a mess. Richard put me on leave."

"What?"

"Ares Saviano is a dead man," Martina spat between gritted teeth.