The news spread like wildfire.

By morning, every major network was running the same headline:

“Casandra Beaumont Under Criminal Investigation for Fraud and Manipulation.”

Images from the gala flooded social media — Rosemary standing tall on stage, Casandra’s face contorted in shock, Adrian beside her like a silent guardian.

For the public, it was justice. For Rosemary, it was only the beginning of a new kind of fear.

---

The next day, Adrian found her on the balcony again, staring out over the city.

The sunrise painted her face gold, but her eyes were shadowed.

“You haven’t slept,” he said softly.

Rosemary didn’t turn. “Neither have you.”

He smiled faintly....