The next morning, the city woke to headlines neither Lisa nor Melanie had expected.
Breaking News:
Young Enterprise Board of Directors Under Investigation for Fraud and Embezzlement
Lisa’s blood went cold as she read the reports.
Her company.
Her name.
The files Valarie leaked weren’t just about Tony or Liam’s father—they were about Lisa herself.
Twisted, doctored documents that made it look like she was part of the money laundering scheme.
Her private accounts.
Her signature—photoshopped perfectly.
Her phone rang.
It was Liam.
“Don’t panic,” he said immediately.
“I’m not panicking,” Lisa whispered, but her hands shook.
“This is Valarie’s play,” Liam continued. “She’s framing you.”
Lisa’s eyes narrowed. “Then we play back harder.”
*****
Carlton Hotel
Valarie sipped her mo
