The morning air at the Denovan estate felt fresh after a long night of tension. The sun was barely up when Maya walked into the living room, still in her soft cream robe. She found her mother sitting by the window, reading from her tablet with a heavy expression.

“Mom?” Maya asked quietly. “You’re up early.”

Mrs. Denovan looked up, her eyes gentle but serious. “I was about to come to your room,” she said softly. “There’s something you should see.”

Maya frowned and walked closer. On the screen was a breaking news headline — “Lena Marquez Arrested Over Defamation Charges — Released Under Restriction.” Below it were images of...