"Already happening." I grab my phone, scan the notifications flooding in. News alerts, social media mentions, and media requests. The story is spreading fast. "CNN, Fox, MSNBC. They're all running with it soon."
I open my messages, text Remy:
Footage is live. Full forensics on the leak. Find the source.
His response comes back in seconds:
On it. Hunting now.
Simone's phone lights up. She glances at the screen, silences it. It rings again immediately—different number. She silences that too.
"Media requests?" I ask.
"Investors. Board members. People I haven't talked to in years are suddenly very concerned about my well-being." She sets the phone face down on the table. "Patricia just texted. She'sexpressing her support. She's hoping I'm holding up okay during this difficult time."
The words drip with false sympathy.
"Want me to handle the phone?"
"No. Let them call. Let them see I'm not answering." She stands, moves to the window. The guest house is dark outside, the estate security keeping the perimeter clear. "We need a statement. Something that goes out tonight."
"I'll contact Henry." I pull up his number, call. He answers immediately.
"I saw," Henry says without preamble. "I'm revising the statement I was working on now. Should have something to you soon."
"Make it sharp. Acknowledge the footage exists, condemn the leak, emphasize this is evidence in a federal case that should never have been made public."
"Already there. I'll send it over for Simone's review."
I hang up, turn back to Simone. "Henry's on it. Statement soon."
She nods, moves back to the window. I move behind her, dig into her shoulders. Every muscle locked tight.
"Talk."
"I'm fine."
"Bullshit."
She's quiet for a long moment. Then she leans back against me. "I'm angry. I'm violated. And I'm tired of being violated. Armand did this. Then someone on my board leaked it to make sure it caused maximum damage right when I need to be strongest." Her voice goes hard and cold. "Patricia's probably celebrating right now."
"Remy's hunting the source. Digital forensics, file metadata, access logs. If Patricia touched this, we'll find it."
"And then what? She'll have used intermediaries. We won't be able to prove it."
"Maybe. Maybe not." My hands frame her face. "But proof's not the only kind of pressure."
She holds my gaze for a moment, then nods.
"Armand's in custody. Julien's dead. The surveillance is over." I keep my voice steady. "The criminal threat is done. But the consequences are just starting."
"I know." Her shoulders lock. "The board's going to use this. Patricia's already positioning herself. This is what she's been waiting for."
"Yeah."
Henry's message arrives:Statement draft attached. Review ASAP.
I forward it to Simone. "Henry came through."
