Chapter 76

**Victoria's POV**

Taking a deep breath, I dialed Alexander's number.

Alexander picked up on the fourth ring, his voice distracted. "Hello?"

"Alex, are you busy?" I made sure my tone was light and airy, with just the right touch of sweetness.

There was a pause. "Um, yes, I have some work. What's up?"

Perfect opportunity. "I'm actually right outside Fortune Corp! I brought lunch for you," I glanced down at the empty space beside me where an imaginary lunch would be. *I'll pick something up on the way.* "Can I come up and see you?"

"Victoria..." He sounded exhausted. "I'm in the middle of something-"

"Alex," I injected a slight tremble into my voice, "I know this week has been crazy. I've been... struggling. Ijust need to see you, even for a minute."I bit my lower lip hard enough to make my eyes water, though of course he couldn't see that through the phone. The emotion in my voice was real enough,though.

He sighed heavily. "Fine. You can come up."

"You're the best! I'll be there in twenty." I hung up before he could change his mind. I walked through the imposing glass doors of Fortune Corp, holding a perfectly arranged meal in an elegant white box. The security guard recognized me immediately - not surprising, given how often my face had been splashed across entertainment news this week. "Miss Taylor," he nodded, trying not to stare.

As I waited for the elevator, I became acutely aware of the whispers around me. Office workers pretended to be occupied with their phones while stealing glances in my direction.

"That's her-Victoria Taylor..."

"Didn't you see the photos? She totally slept her way..."

"I heard she sabotaged that actress from the Netflix show..."

My fingers tightened around the lunch box handle until my knuckles turned white. *Fucking vultures.*

The elevator doors opened, revealing a mercifully empty car. I stepped inside, my smile dropping the instant the doors closed. *Just breathe,

Victoria. Remember why you're here.

Alexander was hunched over his desk when I entered, surrounded by stacks of papers. His usually immaculate appearance was slightly rumpled - tie loosened, hair mussed as if he'd been running his hands through it repeatedly. He glanced up briefly as I walked in.

"Alex!" I infused my voice with warmth. "Look what I brought you!"I held up the Jean-Georges bag.

He barely looked at it. "You can set it down. I need to finish these reports first." "Sure!" I studied him as he worked, noting the dark circles under his eyes and the tension in his shoulders. The scandal had hit him too,though not nearly as hard as me. The Stark name had shielded him somewhat, but I'd heard whispers that his family was pressuring him to reconsider our engagement. *Not a chance." I needed this marriage more than ever now. The Taylor name had taken enough hits lately- I needed the stability and protection of becoming a Stark.

After fifteen excruciating minutes. Alexander finally closed the file he'd been reviewing andI set down his pen with deliberate precision.

I leapt to my feet immediately, rushing over to the side table to pour him a glass of water from the crystal decanter. I handed it to him with a demure smile, then grabbed a tissue from the box on his desk and offered it to him.

"Here,wipe your hands before you eat," I said, already unpacking the gourmet lunch. The containers released mouthwatering aromas as I arranged everything perfectly, setting out the silverware with practiced grace.

"Alex, you must be starving," I smiled warmly. "I specifically ordered from Jean-Georges-your favorite!"

Alexander's gaze sharpened, a slight frown creasing his brow as he looked from the food to me.

My heart skipped uncomfortably. "What? Don't you like it? Is something wrong?"

He shook his head slowly. "No, it's fine. I'm just surprised to see you here,that's all. You usually avoid office visits- something about paparazzi and being photographed in the same outfit twice," *Shit.* I'd forgotten I'd used that excuse before. I forced alight laugh.11People change, don't they? Can't a girl do something nice for her fiancé?" I leaned forward slightly, letting my blouse gap just enough to be distracting. "Don't you like me being thoughtful?" Alexander's eyes didn't drop to my cleavage as expected. Instead, he maintained uncomfortable eye contact. "Of course I do. Thank you."

He picked up a fork and took a small bite. "How are you feeling? Better today?”

This was my opening. I lowered my eyes, letting vulnerability show on my face. "Alex," I began softly, wringing my hands in my lap. "You love me.don't you?"

His hand paused halfway to his mouth, his expression guarded. "Yes. Why do you ask?"

I reached across the table, grasping his free hand between both of mine.I could feel him tense at the contact, but I held on tighter. "Alex, if you love me, you'll help me, right? I have nowhere else to turn. I'm *begging* you."

Alexander set down his fork with a soft clink, his appetite visibly gone. "What exactly do you want me to do, Victoria?"

*Here goes nothing.*

"You're close with Brandon, aren't you? You're both Starks!"I leaned forward eagerly. "That man who gave Grandpa that priceless chess set at his birthday party. He's incredibly influential, isn't he? I heard he owns a media company. Could you possibly..."

Alexander's expression darkened, his jaw tightening visibly. He pulled his hand from my grasp.I didn't notice his reaction, too caught up in my desperate plan. "Alex, you and Brandon Stark are relatives, right? Couldn't you ask him to help me weather this storm? Just one word from him, and I could make a comeback in the entertainment industry. Alex, I know you care about me.Please help me!" "But-" Alexander started, his voice tight.

"But what?" I didn't let him finish, switching to my most vulnerable expression-wide eyes, slightly trembling lower lip. "Don't you want to help me? I know I brought some of this on myself. But those photos and stories-they're mostly taken out of context! Yes, I had some conflicts with production teams, but that was just me fighting for better roles! I haven't done anything truly terrible. Someone's clearlyout to get me. Alex, please!"

Alexander looked genuinely pained. "I..."

Before he could finish, the door swung open. Alexander's father strode in confidently, his sharp eyes taking in the scene instantly.

"This matter is settled," he announced without preamble. "Alex will speak with Brandon about this!"

"Dad-" Alexander tried to interject.

His father silenced him with a stern look. "Victoria, don't worry about a thing. Alex will help you. And I'm certain Brandon will offer his assistance as well!"

"But Dad," Alexander protested weakly. "Brandon and I aren't exactly-"

"She's your fiancée," his father cut in harshly. "Her reputation affects our family name now. Besides, I'm sure Victoría is the victim of a smear campaign. What kind of man stands by while his future wife is attacked?The decision is made." I could have kissed the old man. Instead, I gave him my most grateful smile. "Thank you so mauch, sir. I really appreciate your support."*Perfect. With old Mr. Stark on my side, Alexander would have to help me. And once Brandon Stark got involved, my problems would disappear overnight. I'd be back on magazine covers in no time. Everything was going according to plan