Chapter 3 - The Smear Campaign
By Monday morning, the news had exploded. But it wasn't the narrative of a abusive groom—Ethan’s powerful PR machine had worked through the night.
A prominent tabloid published a headline accompanied by a cropped video of the incident: “Bride Suffers Severe Breakdown at $500k Wedding, Abandons Groom Over Harmless Prank.” The article quoted "anonymous family sources" claiming Emma suffered from severe emotional instability and substance dependence, framing Ethan as the long-suffering fiancé who had spent months trying to save her from herself.
Emma stood in the high-rise office of Victoria Vance, a top-tier matrimonial attorney known for dismantling high-profile abusers. Victoria turned off the television monitor with a sharp click of her remote.
"Standard playbook for men like Ethan Vance," Victoria said, leaning back in her leather chair. "He’s trying to destroy your credibility before you file for annulment and emergency protective orders. If the public thinks you're unstable, any allegation of abuse or coercion will look like revenge."
"He's threatening my father’s company," Emma said flatly. "He claims he has evidence of financial mismanagement."
Victoria smirked, a predatory glint in her eye. "Then we hit him where it hurts most: his investors. Ethan’s venture capital firm relies heavily on public image and ethics clauses from major European stakeholders. If they discover his personal conduct violates their moral governance policies, his funding gets frozen instantly."
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"I don't just want my freedom, Victoria," Emma said, leaning over the glass desk. "I want my life back. My company, my security, and my dignity."
"Then get ready for a dirty fight, Emma," Victoria warned. "Because when a controlling man loses control, he becomes capable of anything."
