Chapter 17. Cold Embrace

The paparazzi are vampires, unscrupulous creatures thirsting for blood. They have no regard or respect for privacy. The frenzy is high and dizzying.

Picture shots of Lara and Michael in a warm embrace on the balcony of Crofts villa are flying around Grosthe in showbiz magazines, along with several photos of them going on dates or leaving events together.

Their love has the people of Grosthe in a chokehold, as if such love has never been seen between two powerhouses since the marriage between Richard and Maureen. In truth, it hasn't.

The breach of privacy is an obvious work of Rose. Of course, the more the frenzy, the higher the stocks. She revels in the amassed support from the Croft shareholders and investors.

Contrary to Rose's delight, Lara suffers. Her torment stealth on the inside. The fact that she is running out of time is a major fuel to her torment. Soon her belly would bulge out, a placard of her perverseness, and all of Grosthe would come