Hot News.

Everything was going perfectly well, much to Valentina's delight, until a business card popped in her line of sight and she looked up to meet the eyes of a very familiar gossip reporter, one who had never regarded her in good light.

"Elena Black, Miss Valentina." The reporter introduced herself with the most cheerful smile as if she didn't notice Valentina was hesitant to collect her card, "Trust you are having a good night."

"I am—" Valentina cut herself off, blinking intermittently as she corrected herself, "I am not. But I'm still one of the hosts of the party so I have to entertain people and pretend I am enjoying myself."

"I didn't ask you that, Young Miss. Don't you think you are saying too much to a gossip reporter even if I was your late cousin's best friend? After all, I have the power to twist your words in the most scandalous ways possible."

"I don't—"