By evening, a statement was released—but not from the Blackwood Group, nor Roman. It was from Mrs. Eleanor Blackwood’s lawyers.

Serena saw it first.

She was sitting at the kitchen counter, holding a mug she hadn’t taken a sip from, when her phone buzzed again. Another notification. Another headline.

Her chest tightened before she even opened it.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM THE BLACKWOOD FAMILY

She swallowed and tapped the screen.

The words were calm and polite.

“Mrs. Eleanor Blackwood strongly denies any form of coercion or wrongdoing. Any financial assistance offered in the past was meant as support during a difficult emotional period.”

Serena’s hands began to shake.

“Support?”

She kept...