Third Person's POV
"Vanya, explain this to me," Veronica demanded, her posture accusatory.
Vanya descended the stairs with composure and glanced at the newspaper on the table. "I simply had a meal with one of our artists. This article is just a publicity stunt—there's no truth to it."
"What do you mean?" Veronica frowned.
Vanya smiled. "Calvert has been acting since his debut with minimal scandals. This is merely a company tactic to boost his exposure for his new drama. It's not a big deal."
Veronica paused but insisted, "I may not understand your jargon, but this tarnishes the Todd Group's reputation and yours! Now everyone will know. How much face will the Todd family lose? I don't care about your so-called exposure. Fix this immediately, or don't bother coming back!"
After Veronica's outburst, Genevieve spoke up. "Veronica, this is Luna Vanya's work matter. Please don't be angry. I heard Luna Vanya was often away, likely busy with work. Don't pressure her."
Genevieve's words, however, fueled Veronica's suspicion.
"So that's why you've been absent lately."
Veronica's face darkened, convinced Vanya was involved with someone outside.
Vanya didn't explain either. She just wasn't in the mood to please Veronica anymore.
Veronica's approval meant little to her now.
"Vanya! What about Cliff?"
Veronica slammed the table, while Genevieve watched from the side, clearly relishing the drama.
She was eager to see how Vanya would explain herself, after all, this was about infidelity.
Cliff descended the stairs and stood beside Vanya. "Grandma, you're mistaken."
Veronica sneered. "Mistaken? You've been out all night. Who knows what you've been up to?"
"Calvert is an artist under the Dalton Group. Vanya informed me about the news piece in advance, and I approved it," Cliff said.
"What?" Veronica stared at Cliff in disbelief.
Vanya also looked at Cliff, puzzled.
The entertainment news was merely a fabrication to placate Veronica—there was no actual news plan, nor had Vanya discussed it with him.
She hadn't even informed Cliff about her dinner with Calvert yesterday.
Genevieve was briefly taken aback, but quickly recovered.
She said, "Cliff, I know you're looking out for Luna Vanya, but you can't lie to Veronica about something this serious. No one would want their wife linked to another man in scandal."
"Cliff, tell me the truth," Veronica insisted.
Veronica couldn't believe Cliff would lie to her.
Cliff replied indifferently, "It's true. I was aware of and approved this. It's a business matter. It's normal for you not to understand. We'll handle it, Granny. No need to worry."
Veronica's expression softened slightly at Cliff's assurance, but her demeanor toward Vanya was no longer as amiable as before.
"Our Todd family will not tolerate an unfaithful Luna!" she declared.
Back in their room, Cliff said, "I'll have someone suppress the trending topic. It won't affect you."
"Aren't you going to ask me about it?" Vanya said. The photos of her and Calvert were real.
Cliff looked at Vanya. "You'll tell me if you want to."
"I don't want to," Vanya said flatly.
"Fine," Cliff agreed.
Vanya heard footsteps outside the door—light steps, but she recognized Genevieve lingering there.
This time, Vanya wasn't in the mood for pretense.
She opened the door to find Genevieve flustered, clearly caught off guard.
"Luna Vanya," Genevieve stammered.
"I don't appreciate being eavesdropped on," Vanya said bluntly.
"If you have no reason to be here, please stay off the second floor."
Genevieve's face flushed crimson. "I'm sorry, Luna Vanya. Madam Todd was worried you two might argue and asked me to check in… It won't happen again."
"See that it doesn't," Vanya said, closing the door.
Cliff smirked at the exchange.
Vanya frowned. "What's so funny?"
"I'm just happy," Cliff said.
Happy because… "Because you don't like her."
"Stop dreaming," Vanya said, "Even if I don't like her, it's none of your business."
As she spoke, she picked up her phone and noticed a missed call from Calvert.
Glancing at Cliff, she added, "I'm going out today."
"I'll drive you," Cliff offered.
After a moment's hesitation, Vanya agreed. "Alright."