“Vania, we need to talk now.”

Devandra’s voice cut sharply through the silent afternoon in Vania’s study.

Vania, who was organizing documents, startled to find the man standing in the doorway uninvited. “Devandra? I didn’t ask you to come.”

“No need to wait for an invitation from you.” Devandra stepped in and closed the door behind him. The slam made Vania’s heart race.

“If you’re here to discuss the slander you spread in the media, I’m not interested,” Vania said firmly, trying to keep her distance.

Devandra smiled crookedly and took a step closer. “Slander? Vania, I only showed the world your true face. And oddly, even though everyone hates...