CHAPTER SIXTY FOUR – THE PREVIOUS NIGHT

The next few days passed in a blur of confusion and stolen glances. Neither Karina nor Miguel seemed willing to address what had happened that night, each afraid of what it might mean. Their awkward dance was interrupted by a bombshell: a tabloid had published an article questioning the authenticity of their engagement. The story cited "anonymous sources close to the couple" who claimed the whole thing was a business arrangement. Karina's phone rang non-stop with calls from her family and friends, all demanding explanations. Miguel was tied up in emergency meetings with the board and PR team, trying to contain the damage. It all came to a head at a tense board meeting. Karina sat beside Miguel, feeling the weight of every suspicious glance. "Mr. Eladio," one of the board members, a stern-faced woman named Mrs. Hawthorne, began. "These allegations are extremely serious. If there's any truth to them-" "There isn't," Miguel cut in firmly. "Karina and I are very much in love and commi