"Depends on how they handle the evidence going public." I check my phone on the nightstand—5:47 AM. "Thirteen minutes until the journalist runs the story."
"Think they'll try to suppress it?"
"Too late. I sent copies to four different outlets plus social media backup accounts." I grin. "Tech Guy was thorough."
"Remind me to thank Tech Guy."
"Intimidate him first, thank him after. Maintains the dynamic."
She laughs again, then sobers. "Korgan. What if they cancel the show? What if this ruins everything?—"
"Then we walk away together. You go back to your bakery, I figure out what an exiled orc does in the human world. Maybe I learn to bake."
"You'd be terrible at baking."
"Probably. But I'd try."
She kisses me softly. "I love you."
The words hit harder than I anticipated. Sweeter.
"Say it again."
"I love you, you stubborn, tactical, occasionally thick-headed orc."
"Better." I roll us over, pinning her gently. "Again."
"I love?—"
My phone explodes with notifications. Buzzing so aggressively it vibrates off the nightstand.
Trinity yelps. I catch the phone before it hits the floor, look at the screen.
Fifty-three messages. Seventeen missed calls. Three email alerts.
The journalist's story went live early.
I pull up the article. Front page of their website, complete with video stills and damning email screenshots:
REALITY SHOW SCANDAL: Producers Fabricated Evidence Against Contestant, Bachelor Provides Proof
Trinity reads over my shoulder, eyes widening.
"They printed everything. The emails, the editing script, your video—" She scrolls faster. "Oh my god, Melissa's agent is already denying involvement?—"
"Too late. Email thread has her signature on three separate messages."
My phone rings. Hammond's number. I decline.
Rings again. Borgat this time. I answer.
"Have you seen the news?" He sounds almost gleeful.
"Just now."
"It's trending. Internationally. 'Heart of the Horde Scandal' is number two worldwide on social media, right behind 'Orc Bachelor Declares Love.'"
Trinity covers her mouth, eyes sparkling.
