After hanging up, Briony set her phone aside and went to take a shower.

About fifteen minutes later, she stepped out of the bathroom in her pajamas. Her phone was buzzing on the bed.

It was James calling.

Briony answered, "Did you get it done?"

"Something's wrong."

James sounded serious on the other end. "I contacted several news outlets, even reached out to some PR accounts, but the moment they heard Stewart's name, they all refused."

Briony frowned. "Not even if we pay extra?"

"They didn't even ask about the price. Stewart clearly got to them first."

Briony had expected it wouldn't be easy to leak anything online, but she hadn't anticipated this level of resistance.

She'd assumed, at worst, it would play out like before—she'd expose Stewart, and he'd scramble to bury the trending news, erasing every trace.

She'd been counting on that brief window before he managed to cover it up.

But Stewart had already sealed off every avenue. He hadn't left her a single chance.

story about Ms. Hudson making the rounds

heart skipped a beat, a wave of dread washing over her.

are spreading the rumor that your mom killed your stepdad five

panic edging her words. "My mom suffered

down. I just think it's odd. Ms. Hudson wasn't a celebrity,

gone for years. Suddenly, this story pops up and starts trending- someone's definitely

Briony froze.

have been

hung up on James and

rang several times before he

him to speak. Her tone was cold, accusing.

Stewart didn't answer.

silence said

over. "Why would you do this? Stewart, my mother is dead! Are you

to accuse me?" he replied, voice

afraid to

gave you three days to think, you come home and try to buy a hit piece on me? Briony, you're so naïve. Do you really think you can

lips together, trembling

letting out a low, humorless laugh. “And I warned you-you can't outplay

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