AUTHOR’S POV

Max burst into the sitting room with quick steps, his chest rising as if he had run the whole way. Liam and Aria were seated close together, the quiet between them calm but heavy with expectation.

“It’s done,” Max said, his voice steady now. “The news has been delivered. Every corner. Every ear we wanted it to reach.”

Aria turned slowly to Liam, her brows pulling together. “Are you sure this is a good idea?” she asked. “Faking your death… it feels ...