Chapter 79

Emilia absentmindedly flicked through headlines, viral clips, and trending posts. Every comment section was a minefield, overflowing with venom.

It wasn't just her name being dragged through the dirt-her families weren't spared. Sloane caught plenty of fire, too. Every cruel insult, every bitter accusation, rained down like a relentless storm, each one nastier than the last.

"So what's your move? You still heading to the dance academy? I could show up as you and run interference," Sloane suggested.

"No need for that. With all the heat on me right now, I'm sure half the city is waiting outside the academy doors, just hoping for a spectacle," Emilia said, her voice steady.

"Then why not stir up a little chaos to throw them off? Or maybe report the gossip, try to get those videos taken down, maybe wipe your name from the hot list?" Sloane remarked.

"Wouldn't that just make me look even more guilty?" Emilia's lips curled in a sly smile, a spark of defiance in her eyes."The people pulling these strings aren't about to let those videos disappear. If they want to play this game, I'll let the story blow up as big as they want."

Sloane leaned in closer, her voice tinged with curiosity and mischief. "Alright, what's your master plan this time?"

Emilia's smirk widened. "I'm going to prove every one of them wrong. But let's not rush-let them run their mouths a little longer."

Sloane chuckled and flashed a thumbs-up. "Only you could handle things with that much style."

Sloane couldn't quite guess what. Emilia was planning, but she had faith she'd find a way to flip the whole situation on its head. Emilia always managed to surprise everyone with what she pulled off.

"With all these people hanging around, let's just stay in for breakfast," Emilia said, glancing out the window at the growing crowd while rifling through the fridge to see what was left.

"You don't need to cook. Let me do it today. I promise, you're in good hands." Sloane waved her off, puffing out her chest.

"Worried I'll burn the kitchen down?" Emilia cast Sloane a sideways look, the corners of her mouth twitching with barely hidden laughter.

"You know, real friends don't have to spell everything out," Sloane teased, giving Emilia a gentle shove toward the sofa.

With a dramatic flourish, Sloane dipped into a playful bow. "Madam, what would you fancy for breakfast this morning? Allow your loyal butler to handle all your culinary needs," she said, hamming it up.

Emilia couldn't hold back any longer-she grabbed a bag of chips and tossed it at Sloane, laughing."Cut it out with the butler routine, you're making my skin crawl."

Sloane caught the bag with a flourish, struggling to keep her face straight. "Thank you for this generous gift,milady," she answered with exaggerated politeness.

A second later, both of them burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the apartment.

Once the giggles faded, Sloane wiped her eyes and asked, "Alright, what's on the menu? What are you actually craving?"

Emilia thought for a second, then grinned. "Pasta sounds perfect."

"Coming right up! Go get ready-and I'll work some magic in the kitchen," Sloane said, already moving to gather the ingredients.

It didn't take long before the pasta was cooked just right-each strand with the perfect bite. The two of them made quick work of their meal, not a single noodle left behind.

"Sloane, you're seriously leveling up in the kitchen. That was amazing," Emilia said, patting herstomach and letting out a satisfied sigh.

Sloane beamed. "Coming from you,the queen of picky eaters, that's the highest praise I could get." Emilia grinned, then stretched and stood. "Alright, time to change and get ready for the big day!"

Sloane snapped her fingers as something came to mind. "Oh, I almost forgot-one of the Mitchell Group's entertainment companies wants to sign you."