Chapter 16 I scrolled through the trending news headline that had my name plastered all over it Renowned designer and owner of New Yorks top boutique , Sharon Wright , is caught in an unpleasant scandal .
Allegedly , she engaged in an affair while still married to Edgar Hanson A wave of panic hit me .
The last thing I wanted was my name entangled in a scandal .
Dealing with yesterdays cyberattack and financial losses was already exhausting I didnt need another crisis .
Whats going on ? Nathans voice came from beside me .
Nothing I replied quickly , avoiding his gaze .
I need to go ! Nathan raised an eyebrow as if reminding me of Dr.
Liams advice ) I sighed .
Theres just … something I need to take care of .
% Then Im coming with you .
Theres no need .
I can handle it alone .
He had already driven me to the hospital and back , I didnt want to trouble him further .
No.
Nathan shook his head and walked ahead of me toward my car .
Tm not letting you go alone .
Frustration built up inside me as I followed him , realizing for the first time how stubborn he could be Come on , Nathan .
I promise Im not going to work , I tried to reason with him .
I just- No , he cut me off firmly My patience started to wear thin .
He wasnt listening to me , and this wasnt just about wanting to be alone .
Something was happening , and I needed to deal with it .
Instead of arguing , I made a quick decision I called for a taxi .
Hey , where are you going ? Nathan matched my pace as I headed out of the basement parking .
I ignored him , focusing on booking an Über ..
Go home , I said , hoping hed drop it .
Not until you go back upstairs , Sharon His voice carried a note of authority that only fueled my imitation I stopped walking and turned to face him , exhaustion evident in my eyes .
!! I was so damn tired .
It felt like my problems never ended .
Know your boundaries , Nathan .
Youre just my neighbor a stranger to me My voice was sharp .
So what ? he challenged , unfazed .
Stop trying to control me I said , my tone firm .
And for the love of God , stop getting close to me .
His gaze darkened with curiosity .
What do you mean ? I didnt answer .
Instead , I glanced around , scanning the area for paparazzi .
The last thing I needed was another photo of us spreading online .
The moment my taxi pulled up , I got in and left without another word .
Through the rearview mirror I saw Nathan still standing there , watching me with an unreadable expression .
I forced myself to look away and focus on the road ahead I was on my way to Hazels office .
She had called me earlier , warning me about the article making rounds online .
A small part of me suspected Edgar was behind this .
The photos on Gothamist showed Nathan and me together at the hospital .
And we had just run into each other recently But why would he do this ? Was ruining my life once not enough ? When I arrived at Hazels company in DUMBO ( Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass ) , I wasted no time heading inside ! I informed the receptionist about my appointment , and soon after I was escorted to Hazels office on the fifth floor The long haired woman , sporting round glasses , was busy at her desk , typing away on her keyboard .
Hey I greeted her Sharon , you okay ? Hazel asked , concern in her voice .
I nodded , though my mind was racing .
A scandal like this could damage my brand and boutique .
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news , Hazel said .
Tm already looking into who posted that garbage article about you .
I nodded again , watching her work I ran into Edgar , I admitted after a moment .
Hazel turned to me , interest piqued We didnt see each other often , both too busy with our businesses , but when it came to things like this , we never kept secrets .
You think he did it ? I dont know .
Even if he did , we dont have proof .
Hazel studied me .
Do you want me to find it for you? I dont want to trouble you Hazel laughed .
Come on , do you even know who I am ? I have a whole team of hackers at my disposal Right .
I had almost forgotten that .
But could this news be erased that easily ? I didnt even know how long it had been up or how many people had seen it already !! So far , no one had messaged me about it , which was a small relief .
Can I hire Cero again ? I asked after some thought .
Of course .
Hes the best among them , Hazal said , pulling out her phone Tll get in touch with him now Is he on leave ? ||| Hazel shook her head .
Most of my hackers work remotely .
They only come in for emergencies or special client requests I nodded , but for some reason , her words made me think of Nathon X Working from home ? % Only going to the office when necessary ? Could Nathan work like this too ? Hell be here in ten minutes , Hazel announced , setting her phone down .
Want some coffee ? Or hot chocolate ? Tm cutting back on both I said .
She nodded in understanding .

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To be honest , I wasnt in the mood for anything .
The news had killed my appetite .
Even opening social media felt terrifying What if my inbox was flooded with people believing those rumors ? True to her word , the hacker I was already familiar with arrived at the office , dressed in his usual all black attire , face covered except for his striking blue eyes .
His gaze , usually sharp and intimidating , seemed a little softer today but it still held an undeniable authority ! I avoided making eye contact letting Hazel handle the introductions ? If I had known this would be the situation , I might have chosen another hacker , preferably a woman .
But Ceros skills were unmatched.X I could only hope hed deliver again .
You already know each other , right ? Hazel addressed him .
Mrs.
Wright the boutique owner you visited before .
Shes your client again , but this time , its personal Cero gave a slight nod .
Whats the issue ? Hazel turned her laptop toward him , displaying the news article from Gothamist .
Someone or some media outlet is spreading false rumors about Sharon , Hazel explained seriously , I need you to take it down before it spreads further Cero studied the screen , his eyes narrowing .
Then , he shifted his gaze toward me I immediately looked away .
I didnt want to be under his scrutiny X Cero turned back to Hazel Tll take care of it as quickly as possible .
With that , he left the office .
I wasnt sure if he was going straight to work on it or if he didnt see the urgency in the situation Sensing my concern , Hazel gave my shoulder a reassuring pat If youre that uneasy , you can follow him , she offered .
Wheres his office ? Lasked curiously ! But Hazel only shook her head .
I already told you , she said with a knowing smile .
He works from home .
Even when he comes in , its just to meet the client and get the details .
After that , he handles everything on his own turf