Sterling Group's stock fell within hours. Financial channels that once praised Liam now ran two headlines: "STERLING'S BRILLIANCE REVOKED" and "CORE PATENTS PULLED, IPO IN JEOPARDY." Production could not continue without my licenses.
An unknown number called late that night. I sent it to voicemail, and Liam left a message.
"Jade, listen. We can fix this. I was angry. Tell Thorne to back off and come back. We'll say Chloe manipulated both of us. The board will listen to me. I can restore your position and your name."
He offered to return things that had always belonged to me.
I sent one question. *And Chloe?*
His reply came at once. *A mistake. She meant nothing. She's in a cell where she belongs.*
I deleted it and put the phone away. Liam had abandoned Chloe, yet he still expected me
