If the press expected her to show up shaken, they were in for disappointment.
Grace stood on the steps of the Capitol's west lawn, framed by spring sunlight and steel resolve. Her blazer was navy, cut sharp across the shoulders, and her heels clicked with purpose. The crowd of reporters swarmed ahead of the podium, hungry for sound bites and scandal. Cameras flashed. Microphones jutted out like weapons.
And standing just behind her, calm and commanding in his tailored charcoal suit, was Liam Vale.
The rumors had run wild for days. Lillian "heartfelt" post had sparked every blog, cable anchor, and social media conspiracy theorist into a frenzy. They labeled Grace everything from manipulative to mercenary. But what they hadn't counted on was her stepping into the fire unapologetic and unafraid.
She adjusted the mic.
"My name is Grace Cole ," she said clearly, calmly, her voice echoing through the square. "And I am not here to explain myself , I'm here to set the record straight"
Silence swept across the crowd. Even the wind held its breath.
"Yes, I am seeing Liam Vale," she continued, eyes steady. "Yes, I serve as a consultant on his smart city project. And no, I am not a pawn, a puppet, or anyone's accessory."
Her gaze didn't waver "I built my firm from nothing but ideas and audacity. I invested in the kinds of companies the world ignored , women-led, green-focused, impact-driven. I don't need to chase power. I already have it."
The crowd murmured. One reporter yelled, "But the optics…"
"The optics," she interrupted smoothly, "are only dangerous to people who assume a woman can't lead and love at the same time."
A brief ripple of applause broke through.
She paused, letting the moment breathe.
"What Liam and I have is personal. But we also share a vision , one rooted in responsibility and progress. And I won't let outdated narratives or bitter exes derail something meaningful."
At that, Liam stepped forward, just enough to place his hand lightly on the small of her back. It was subtle but unmistakable. A statement.
He leaned in toward the mic, voice low but resolute "Everything Grace said. Times ten."
Laughter stirred through the press.
"I didn't fall for Grace Cole because she agreed with me. I fell for her because she challenged me. She made my world bigger , and I intend to spend every day making sure I'm worthy of hers."
The crowd buzzed louder now , flashes, murmurs, awe. Not just from the media. From people watching who saw something real.
Grace turned toward him, heart full, nerves buzzing with the weight of exposure but also, unexpectedly, with pride.
As they walked down the steps together, Liam's hand found hers.
"You just shut them all up," he murmured with a grin.
"Don't get used to it," she smirked. "I'm still not done challenging you."
He pulled her closer "Good."
And as the cameras caught their linked hands, their shared smile, the way they walked side by side not behind, never behind ,the headlines were already being rewritten.
Not billionaire and gold-digger.
Not the governor's daughter and the scandal.
But partners. Powerhouses. A story that belonged to them now