Carlene nodded.“She’s right.Vivian doesn’t lose quietly.”
Sean pocketed his phone.“Let her talk.The fans have already picked a side.”
Jami met Carlene’s eyes.“Do you think she’ll try legal first or public?”
“Both,” she said without hesitation.“She’ll stall your record drop and leak another story to shift the narrative.Maybe something about the band imploding.”
Axel folded his arms.“Then we stay loud.”
Carlene’s gaze softened, pride glinting through the exhaustion.“We stay united.”
Jami felt it again, that pull toward her, the way she steadied him even when the ground shook.He reached for her hand, the gesture subtle but grounding.“You good?”
She gave a faint smile.“Right now, I’m good.But ask again tomorrow.”
He laughed quietly.“Agreed.”
Tony’s phone buzzed.He answered, paced, and nodded a few times before hanging up.“Our attorney is drafting the breach notice.He’s confident.Says Summit crossed every line that matters.”
Livia arched a brow.“Which means Vivian’s going to be furious.”
“Let her be,” Jami said, his tone calm, certain.“What they've done isn't okay.”
Sean grinned.“That’s the rock star I know.”
Carlene slipped her hand free to close her laptop.“You should rest.You’ve had three interviews and a live broadcast in less than twelve hours.”
He tilted his head.“You sound like my manager.”
“More like someone who doesn’t want you collapsing before this war even starts.”
He reached out, brushing his fingers against her arm."I'm happy you're here with me."
She looked up, meeting his gaze.“Thank you.”
That did something to him, deeper than a lyric, sharper than applause.He swallowed the words he wanted to say, the ones that felt too big for right now, and instead kissed her forehead.
The others drifted out one by one until only they remained.The barn grew quiet again, soft light spilling from string lights above.
Carlene leaned against the railing, arms folded.“You realize you just told millions of people we’re together.”
He smiled.“Was I wrong?”
Her lips curved slightly.“No.Just...brave.”
He stepped closer, close enough to see the reflection of the string lights in her eyes.“Feels good to stop hiding.”
“It does.”Her voice dropped to a whisper.“But it also makes us a target.”
“I know.”He rested his hands on her hips, anchoring her to him.“It also makes us a team.We’ll give them something worth watching.”
She exhaled slowly, the sound brushing against his chest."It sounds effortless the way you say it."
“It’s not.But neither is love, nor music, nor trying to do the right thing.”He traced his thumb along her jaw.“I've spent my life and built my career on honesty and integrity.I'll fight to the bitter end to save my reputation, and with you by my side, we're unstoppable.”
Her gaze searched his.“So what now?”
“Now we wait for the storm and keep making music.”
