Hello, Ex! I Finally Found My Worth! - Chapter 41

Chapter 41: Rumors?

Alex wiped his hands on a dish towel before setting the last plate of scrambled eggs and toast on the dining table.

The kitchen smelled of freshly brewed coffee, a scent that should have calmed his nerves, but his mind remained occupied with their plans for the evening and whether Claire would believe him like she had always done.

As he folded the towel and set it aside, his phone buzzed on the counter. He frowned, glancing at the screen. George? His secretary rarely called on weekends unless it was urgent. So, what urgent news did he have today? What was it about? He mused, his curiosity getting the best of him.

Swiping to answer, Alex brought the phone to his ear. “George? Everything alright?” he asked the moment he answered.

“Mr. Sterling, have you seen the news?” George’s voice was strained, rushed, as though he had been running.

Although he had asked that question, from Alex’s voice, he could tell he had yet to see the news.

Alex’s brows knitted together in confusion. “What news?”

“It’s everywhere,” George said, his tone laced with panic. “The internet is blowing up. And Rick Lawson is already using the rumors to stir things against you.”

Alex’s grip on the phone tightened. “Rumors? What rumors, George? What’s going on?” he asked, sensing this was even more serious than he thought.

George took a sharp breath. “The headlines, Sir. They’re saying you’re the father of Emma’s child. That you’re in love with her, it’s—it’s bad. You need to see it for yourself,” George said and Alex’s breath caught in his throat.

What headlines and who released such news? He mused.

Alex felt a weight settle in his chest. “All right, I’ll check. Thanks for the heads-up.”

He ended the call and stared at the phone for a beat, unease rippling through him. What could possibly have sparked this?

“Alex?” Emma, who had joined him in time to hear him talking to George in a tense tone, called.

Alex, who hadn’t expected to hear her voice, jolted from the shock and then turned to her.

Emma stepped further into the dining room, her hair damp from the shower and her face soft with curiosity. “What’s wrong? Is everything okay?”

He hesitated, glancing at her before unlocking his phone. “I don’t know yet,” he muttered. “Give me a second.”

His thumb moved swiftly over the screen, pulling up the news. His breath caught as the top headline blazed across the screen:

Alex Sterling Is the Father of Emma’s Lost Child.

His heart thudded against his ribs as he scrolled further. More headlines followed, each worse than the last:

Emma Thompson Or Emma Sterling?: Gold-Digger or Master Manipulator?

Alex Sterling’s Affair with His Nephew’s Ex-Wife Exposed!

Underneath the headlines were photos: Emma leaving the company yesterday, looking focused but, in this context, twisted into something scandalous.

His eyes widened when he saw some pictures from that day at the hospital. Didn’t he handle them? How come they were out?

“Alex, what is it?” Emma asked, taking a step closer when she saw how focused and lost he looked at the same time.

He didn’t answer, his eyes fixed on the screen. The articles painted an ugly picture, one that left no room for nuance or truth. What was he supposed to do now?

“Alex?” Her voice was more insistent now, her brows drawn together in worry.

With a sharp exhale, he turned the phone toward her.

Emma’s eyes widened as she read the headlines. She reached for the table to steady herself, her knees threatening to give out. “This can’t be happening,” she whispered, her voice shaking. “How—how did they even come up with this? Why now?”

Alex moved closer, his voice low and steady. “It’s Rick Lawson. He must have started this to smear me. I’ll take care of it.”

Emma looked up at him, her face pale. “Take care of it? Alex, this isn’t just about you. It’s about me. And people already think I’m…” She let her words trail off, and Alex didn’t need her to finish before he could understand what she meant.

He reached out, gently resting a hand on her arm. “Emma, look at me.”

She raised her eyes to his, panic flickering in her gaze. This was exactly what he promised to protect her from. The very reason she entered into this arrangement in the first place.

“I’ll handle this,” he said firmly. “We’ll handle this. Together. I’m not going to let anyone hurt you. Trust me.”

Her lip trembled as she nodded, though the fear didn’t leave her eyes. “But Alex… the things they’re saying…”

“They’re lies,” he interrupted, his voice steady. “You and I know the truth, and I won’t let them tear you down. We’ll get through this, Emma.”

She swallowed and lowered her eyes. Her mind processing the gravity of the situation. “This isn’t going away, is it?” she asked, her voice barely audible.

He shook his head slowly. “Not unless we fight back…..”

“But how?” she cut in, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Alex reached out, brushing her arm in reassurance. “We start by calling Claire. She needs to know what’s happening before this spirals further. And then we’ll deal with Rick Lawson and whoever else is behind this. I’m sure this didn’t start with him,” he said, and Emma looked at him before nodding reluctantly.

“And Emma,” Alex added, his voice soft but firm, “don’t let them win. They want you to feel powerless. But you’re stronger than this. Stronger than them,” Alex said when he realized that Jake could be the mastermind, just to get back at Emma for what she did to him.

Though it was merely a suspicion, he was going to get to the bottom of this.

“You’re a strong woman. Don’t let this break you, okay?” he said again and Emma sniffled, wiping her eyes.

Before she could respond, a sudden knock at the door broke the moment.

Emma froze, her breath catching in her throat. Her wide eyes darted toward the hallway. “Who could that be?”

Alex’s brow furrowed as he glanced in the direction of the door. His hand instinctively moved to hers, squeezing it briefly. “I don’t know,” he said, his voice quiet but firm.

Emma’s heart raced, and a flood of possibilities crashed through her mind. Was it reporters? Or perhaps Jake or Claire?

The knock came again, louder this time.

Alex turned back to her, his expression unreadable. “Stay here,” he said softly.

But Emma shook her head, her voice a whisper. “Alex, what if it’s—”

He placed a hand on her shoulder, stopping her. “Let me handle it,” he said before going to answer the door.