Page 153 of The Encore’s Crown

I almost smile until he continues.

“Julian has also agreed not to press charges against Kiri if you waive any potential claim of your own and sign a binding agreement not to discuss what happened.”

“No,” I whisper to myself. The word escapes me before I remember I’m supposed to be silent. I stare at the door.

No one reacts. Thank fuck. I scramble to unlock my phone and open Natalia’s messages.

don’t let that piece of shit off the hook so easily

ill be fine give that asshole hell!

don’t sign it!!!

Her phone chimes in the other room. Silence follows as the message flips to read. When Natalia speaks again, her voice is shakier.

“Does that mean Kiri won’t get in trouble with the police or get kicked out of the band?”

Something clenches in my chest. That’s her first question, whether I’m safe?

“No,” Rafe says. “He’s not getting kicked out. That was never on the table, but the charges were the concern. It’s hard to tour when someone’s tied up in the court system and dealing with legal restrictions. But with what Julian is offering, it’s essentially a wash. We do nothing, he does nothing, and it’s over.”

It isn’t over if Natalia has to sell her silence to save me.

“What happens if I don’t?” she asks.

“Then Julian could still pursue charges against Kiri,” Rafe says. “That doesn’t mean he’d win. There’s footage and plenty of witnesses, but he could make it brutal and very expensive to oppose.”

“And if I sign?”

“His resignation goes through quietly. He drops everything against Kiri. You drop anything you might pursue against him, and none of you discuss the details publicly.”

Kasia speaks next.

“You don’t have to decide anything today. You should speak to your own lawyer first.”

“Stefan's arranging one,” Rafe says. “Independent counsel. Someone who isn't employed by the label.”

I finish buttoning my shirt, then notice I’ve done it wrong. Natalia goes quiet for long enough that I move closer to the door.

Finally, she says, “I’m not signing anything today.”

Some of the pressure inside me eases, though I don’t let the breath make a sound.

“Good,” Rafe replies.

“But I’m not letting Julian destroy Kiri either.”

My eyes close.

“Those aren’t your only choices,” Kasia tells her.

Rafe exhales.

“Talk to the lawyer. Consider the offer. That’s all Stefan is asking, though he'd probably love for all of it to get swept under the carpet.”

“What do you think I should do?”

“I think Julian deserves worse than what happened last night. He belongs in prison, spending every day wondering when someone bigger and meaner is going to make him regret breathing.”