The FaceTime Revelation
Lily’s lie unraveled on a Tuesday, during a board meeting that smelled like stale coffee and dying patience. Ace’s phone buzzed—a FaceTime call from Ethan, Tokyo’s skyline glittering behind him like a disco ball.
“You look like hell,” Ace grumbled, but his shoulders relaxed a fraction.
Ethan’s laugh was tinny through the speakers. “Says the guy who ghosted 17 crisis calls. Your Tokyo team’s about to unionize.”
Isabella hovered near the door, clutching merger files. Lily had spun tales of Ethan jetting off for sake tours and karaoke binges. But the bags under Ethan’s eyes told a different story.
“Why didn’t you call?” Ace’s knuckles whitened around his phone.
“Tried. Your inbox imploded after the Denver leak.” Ethan’s gaze flicked to Isabella. “Lily’s
