The Deal We Never Made

Name: The Deal We Never Made
Rating: 5.0 (1 reviews)

Manie D

Romance | Ongoing

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I've built my career in digging out hidden secrets and exposing them as a journalist that I am. But the story in which I am going to embark might bring my doom. The main focus of my research is Ethan Blackwell, a billionaire businessman and the owner of Blackwell Enterprises. I have tried to-label him as a corrupt person, making his late father responsible for causing the plane crash that claimed the lives of my parents. Sackings and other dismissals started and seemed quite brutal. Still, Ethan comes back with defamation trial that puts all the work I have invested at risks of being destroyed. Desperate for a way out, I agree to an crazy deal: come to his house and pretend we are engaged for three months, and he will withdraw the lawsuit. Strategically, the decision made at the beginning aims at protecting my career but soon evolves into something beyond a strategic plan. The life I'm pulled into is as glamorous as it is ruthless. The media does not back down, Ethan's mother hates me, and ex-girlfriend is right behind to make sure I am done for, figuratively and literally. After getting to know Ethan better, I no longer dream of posing as a different person, but am practically living a different life. I perceive a man carrying the mantle of his father without him understanding what this means which is the past I've been researching all this time. I never thought, I would develop feelings for him. But now, caught between justice and desire, I have to decide: leave the man I have interest in or endanger myself and everything in my pursuit for the whole truth. Secrets brought us together. Will the truth tear us apart?

Modern First love Revenge CEO Attractive Arranged marriage Second chance

Chapter 6 Learning The Rules

05-27 09:16

Chapter 1 The Scandal Breaks

Madison's POV

"Is this the best you could come up with? Have you lost your mind, Madison?" Harold's voice echoed loudly through the newsroom, cutting through the oppressive silence like a sharpened blade.

I had barely lifted my head up from the table when my gaze met dozens of pairs directing their attention to me. This led to rumors and endless whispers being passed around like vices. My editor was usually coolheaded, but not today for some strange reason.

I was left standing with my hands gripping the side of my desk. "I did my job, Harold. I reported the truth."

"The truth?" Harold came toward me with the printout of my article as if it was a weapon of some sort. "You call this the truth? This is a death wish!"

"I'll never apologise for saying the truth," I retorted angrily even if my voice trembled.

In essence, the atmosphere was electric enough; one could literally feel the tension and choke on it. Mobiles rang, type-writers clicked and all around there were people editing their files and documents but the real drama was on.

Harold threw a file paper on my desk and almost whispering the words he had screamed just this morning. "Did you have any concept what sort of scenario you've just triggered? Ethan Blackwell doesn't play fair about it. But now you have ensured that the whole of this paper is in his sights."

I was still trying to make a comment about what he said when the double doors to the newsroom flew open, and banged against the walls. Eyes widened and lips parted collectively as people in the room drew in their breath at the same time.

There he was. Ethan Blackwell.

He entered the room like the predator he was, wearing an expensive business suit, his eyes hissed with resentment. His polished shoes were the only sound heard in the large expanse of the newsroom.

I stood, willing my knees not to buckle. He was even more intimidating in person than I remembered.

"Madison Russo," he said, his tone a deep productive rumble.

The anxious feeling grew in my chest but, despite the adrenaline, I had to control myself. "Mr. Blackwell."

He stood in front of my desk leaning over me. As usual, he was taking up all the space; physically present but emotionally and mentally unbearable.

"Do you have any idea what you've done?" he asked, in a calm tone, too calm. And it scared me but I couldn't back out now.

I met his gaze, refusing to back down. " I just brought your evil deeds to light."

He gave a sarcastic smile. "You really believe this is all about telling the truth?" No. It is more directly about you writing the lies. Fabrications. Baseless allegations that will be costly to you."

"Everything in that article is backed by evidence," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

He leaned in closer, as he stared deep into my eyes. "Evidence that won't hold up when I'm through with you. Do you know how easy it is to bury someone like you, Ms. Russo?"

The threat hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. My palms were clammy, but I clenched them into fists at my sides. "You can try, Mr. Blackwell, but I won't be silenced."

His expression darkened. "You'll regret this. That's a promise."

Not a word more was said than he went out, and the door banged to after him.

Again there was whispering in the newsroom and I dismissed it. My hands shook as got back on the chair.

A shadow loomed over my desk. It was Harold, my editor looking uncomfortable, his tie slightly loosed.

"Madison," he started with his deep voice.

I knew what was coming.

"I have just been speaking with the board," he went on to say. "They're not happy. I have been informed that Blackwell's team is consulting its lawyer and, as you can imagine, that we cannot afford to do that here".

I rose slowly; the noise of the chair against the tiled floor was loud. "So you're.. you're firing me?"

"It's not personal," Harold muttered, avoiding eye contact with me. "Madison, you're a good journalist, but this ... this is beyond us. We can't stand behind you on this one."

I immediately flared up with anger. "So you're giving up because the pressure is too much? Letting him have say in what we can and can't report?"

Harold sighed. "This is bigger than you, Madison. Bigger than me."

I grabbed my bag and turned toward the door, my pulse roaring in my ears. "You're making a mistake," I said, echoing Ethan's words.

He winced but didn't argue. "Please leave your badge on the desk on your way out."

---

The coming of cold air outside felt like I was being slapped. I strolled about the city harassed as different thoughts ran through my mind with most dominant being. As I had come to know, Ethan Blackwell was a monster, but that is where my fears ended and began.

I stopped by at my usual coffee shop to gain some clarity on what I intended to do which was to calm my head down. The barista gave me my drink with a small smile and I think she read the article stares.

"Rough day?" she asked.

"You have no idea," I said low, wrapping my fingers around the cup, which radiated warmth.

I went to a corner, and pulled out my laptop. I couldn't stop now. After all, Ethan was powerful, but I had facts, solid, obvious facts in front of me. If he wanted a fight, he'd get one.

My phone buzzed again. Jessica.

"You scared the living daylights out of me!" She exploded the second I answered the call without even a greeting.

"I was thinking about the truth," I replied, though my voice lacked conviction.

"Ethan Blackwell is dangerous," she said. "I know you're hell bent for a revenge but mind the consequences and he's coming for you."

"Good," I shot back. "Let him come. I have nothing to lose."

"That's where you're wrong," Jessica said, her tone softening. "You've worked too hard to throw it all away. Just... be careful, okay?"

I nodded, even though she couldn't see it. "I will."

---

Hours later, I found myself walking aimlessly through the city. The lights blurred as exhaustion set in, but my mind was too restless to stop.

When I finally returned to my tiny apartment, I collapsed onto the couch, staring at the ceiling. My phone buzzed again, a notification flashing across the screen:

"Ethan Blackwell announces impending legal action against a reckless journalist"

I closed my eyes, a mix of fear and resolve churning in my chest.

This was only the beginning.