"One conversation with her and I guarantee there will be no question that there are likely houseplants with more knowledge of this scheme than her."
Mark's brief laugh was humorless. "Let's hope the FBI agrees with you."
Libby's stomach dropped. "How long will they keep her?"
"Depends on how cooperative she is and how fast the lawyers can work. At least through tomorrow, possibly into Tuesday." Mark's voice gentled. "The D'Arcy legal team is already coordinating with the federal prosecutor's office. We'll take care of her. I promise."
After he hung up, Libby sat alone in the apartment, her hands shaking. Lydia was safe from Wickham but about to face federal agents. And there was nothing she could do except wait.
On screen, the game continued. Boston dominated. By the third period, it was 4-1, and Liam was everywhere—winningcrucial faceoffs, blocking shots, playing with a focus that bordered on fury.
Montreal pulled their goalie with two minutes left in desperation. Liam intercepted a pass and scored into the empty net from center ice.
5-1. Boston had won. Series 3-1. One game away from the Stanley Cup Final.
The broadcast cut to the locker room celebration, then to the press conference. Liam sat composed in his suit, answering questions about the dominant performance, the series lead.
Someone from NBC Sports asked about the personal allegations.
Liam looked directly at the camera. "I suggest you watch Elizabeth Bennet-Cross's statement from earlier today. She said everything that needs to be said. Next question."
Libby's phone buzzed.
Liam
You were magnificent.
Libby woke on Jane's couch the next morning, still in yesterday's clothes, her phone almost dead. She'd fallen asleep watching ESPN's post-game coverage, waiting for updates that never came. The apartment was still empty—Jane had texted around midnight that she was staying in Springfield one more night.
She checked her phone. Nothing from Liam.
There were texts from Georgia (legal updates about Lydia's processing), from Reid (excited about her ESPN performance going viral), and her mother had somehow gotten her phone back and sent approximately seventeen messages that wereequal parts panic about federal agents and pride about Libby being on national television. But nothing from Liam.
The team had flown back to Boston overnight. He was probably sleeping. Or dealing with team obligations. Or any number of completely reasonable things.
Her chest felt strangely hollow anyway.
Libby showered, changed into clean clothes, and was making coffee when Georgia called.
"Lydia's still with federal agents," Georgia said. "They're being thorough. The lawyers think she'll be released to your parents' custody tomorrow—they're positioning her as a cooperative witness, showing them everything about Wickham's operation. It's going to take time, but she's cooperating fully."
"Is she okay?"
"Scared. Exhausted. But okay." Georgia paused. "I'm actually heading to the federal building now. To talk to her. I thought... I've been where she is. Maybe it'll help if she hears it from someone who knows what it's like."
Libby's throat tightened. "Georgia, how are you? This whole thing?—"
"I was worried," Georgia admitted. "I barely slept. I thought I was going to be sick when you went on air. But this?" Her voice shifted, stronger. "This feels amazing. Watching him run. Watching his face on every screen. Knowing everyone finally sees what he is." She paused. "Thank you for using my name yesterday. For letting other women know they're not alone."
"Of course," Libby said quietly.
Mid-morning, Jane burst into the apartment, her face glowing in a way Libby hadn't seen in weeks.
"He came to Springfield," Jane said, dropping her overnight bag. "Last night. Chase drove down after the game and showed up at Mom and Dad's at midnight."
Libby sat up straighter. "What happened?"
"He apologized. For everything. For pulling away, for not fighting harder when Liam warned him about the optics." Jane sank onto the couch beside her. "He said Liam was being a protective idiot—his words—but that he should have pushed back harder. That he let Liam's concerns override what we both felt. And he's standing with me." She rolled her eyes but couldn't keep the grin off her face. "He filed an official complaint with the GM to reinstate me, and scheduled a meeting with HR on Monday to let them know we're together."
