The day passed like a calm sea, but beneath the surface, treacherous currents were swirling.
The online storm had completely stripped away Elena Lewis's mask. Desperate to salvage what was left of her reputation, she posted a lengthy status implying that she was Javier's true long-term lover and that Amanda had merely been a "close friend" to them both. She even had the audacity to tag Amanda in the post.
Amanda didn't even bother to get angry. She didn't need to. Elena's desperate move backfired, sparking a wave of vitriol from the public. The backlash was so intense that reporters swarmed the film set, forcing Director Mark to put production on hold for a few days.
"What do you mean someone beat us to it?" Amanda frowned into her phone, annoyed that someone had gotten the jump on her revenge.
Vance Walters, on the other end, sounded remarkably calm. "Why are you upset? Someone else did the dirty work for us. Take the time to rest. As long as you stay silent and dignified, they're the ones who look humiliated."
"I know," Amanda sighed. "I'm hanging up."
She sat in silence for a long time. Things were deviating further and further from the "script" of her previous life, and the uncertainty made her heart race.
"Miss, Mr. Harris and Mr. Quentin have arrived," a maid announced. "Your father asks that you come downstairs."
Amanda nodded. She knew this moment was coming.
In the Solis drawing-room, the atmosphere was heavy. Old Mr. Harris had come in person to offer his deepest apologies. Beside him sat Quentin, his expression unreadable and calm.
"I am truly sorry," Mr. Harris said, his voice thick with sincerity. "I clearly failed in raising my grandson if he thought such behavior was acceptable. But we cannot let Amanda continue to be wronged by this scandal."
Quentin took a sip of tea, his posture perfect.
"The best solution," Mr. Harris continued, "is for the two of them to marry. I know my son is a bit... seasoned... compared to Mandy, but he is thoughtful and mature. You won't have to worry about him bullying her."
Quentin nearly choked on his tea. He shot his father a warning look, but the old man ignored him, plowing ahead with the sales pitch.
"Mandy won't suffer a day of disrespect in our house. As long as I am breathing, everyone in the Harris family—from top to bottom—will have to address her respectfully as the Matriarch."
This time, it was Amanda who choked on her water. The "Matriarch"? She was only twenty-one! The idea of Javier having to bow his head and call her "Aunt" was a delicious thought, but the reality of the commitment felt like a lead weight.
Milena Solis frowned. She respected Mr. Harris, but she was a mother first. "Mr. Harris, this is a lot to take in. Javier's affair is already a circus. Now, you want Tin to marry Amanda? It makes me wonder if you're just trying to use my daughter to bury a scandal."
Mr. Harris looked pained, but Quentin chose that moment to speak. His voice was gentle, polite, and carried an undeniable weight of sincerity.
"Ma'am, I understand your suspicion. But what happened last night was a trap set for me, not a plot against Amanda. I am not asking for her hand to fix a headline. I am asking because I want to take full responsibility—and because I sincerely wish to care for her."
The sincerity in his eyes caused Amanda's parents to soften visibly.
"We will let her decide," Kevin Solis said firmly, shifting the gaze of everyone in the room to Amanda.
Amanda slowly raised her head, her eyes meeting Quentin's. She felt a flush of heat creep up her neck and quickly looked away. Her fingers curled into her palms as she found her voice.
"I agree to the marriage," she said calmly. "But we only register the papers. We don't need a wedding."
"Absolutely not."
The refusal came from Quentin before she could even finish her sentence. He looked at her with a flash of sternness. "A wedding is non-negotiable. If you want something small, we can keep it to family and close friends, but you will have a wedding."
Amanda glared at him. "You're forcing me."
"I'm not forcing you," Quentin countered, his gaze unwavering. "I'm doing what is right."
Amanda looked like she was about to pounce on him. Diego, sensing the volatility, reached out and grabbed his sister's arm. "Easy there, tiger. Why so fierce?"
Mr. Harris chimed in, trying to play peacemaker. "Mandy, dear, a wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Why wouldn't you want one?"
He was baffled. Usually, Amanda was the sweetest, most obedient girl. Why was she looking at his son like she wanted to draw blood?
Amanda was fuming. A one-night stand was one thing, but a public wedding? That was a permanent anchor. Why couldn't he just grant her this one request?
Quentin saw the genuine resentment in her eyes and realized he was pushing too hard. He reached out and pressed his father's shoulder, signaling him to stop. He looked at Amanda and offered a compromise.
"Fine. We will postpone the ceremony for now. We'll go get the marriage certificate first."
It was his final concession. She might be able to avoid the party for a few months, but he was making sure she wore his name.
Amanda snorted and turned her head away, refusing to acknowledge him further. Her parents looked at Mr. Harris with sheepish smiles, embarrassed by their daughter's temper.
"Well," Mr. Harris beamed, sensing the battle was won. "If there are no further objections, let's discuss the details of the 'temporary' arrangement!"