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Chapter 2: Fractures / Chapter 1 / 3

Chapter 1: The Truth Inside Silence

The ballroom remained suspended in a fragile stillness, as if even the air feared moving too quickly.

Damian’s gaze didn’t leave Elena. He wasn’t looking at the flash drive. He was watching her—every micro-expression, every flicker of guilt she tried to suppress.

“Elena,” he said quietly, almost gently. “What is she talking about?”

Elena shook her head, but the motion came too late, too rehearsed. “It’s nothing. She’s confused.”

Mary let out a soft breath, almost amused. “Six years ago,” she said, “you destroyed a woman’s life to protect your own.”

A ripple of unease moved through the crowd.

Mary stepped closer, her voice still calm, but now edged with something deeper—something earned.

“You took credit for research that wasn’t yours. You buried the evidence. And when I tried to expose you
” She paused, her eyes locking onto Elena’s. “You made sure no one believed me.”

Elena’s hand tightened around the edge of the table.

Damian’s voice hardened. “Is that true?”

“No,” Elena said quickly—but her voice cracked.

Mary slid the flash drive slightly forward. “Everything is on there. Emails. Financial transfers. The original files.”

May you like

Silence.

Then Damian reached out—and picked it up.

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