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The screen goes black again for a second. Then it flickers back to life—another studio, brighter, louder, a panel already mid-discussion, the headline crawling across the bottom.

“…and according to a source close to the Gomez family, Ethan Hardy had developed an obsession with her. Can you imagine? A man who could have had a woman like Antonia Bordeaux at his side, choosing instead to be with one with no standing in his world.”

A soft, mocking laugh from one of the guests.

“A woman who, it seems, knows how to make herself indispensable. It raises the question—who is really in control here?”

Something in my chest breaks, quick and cutting, like it’s being pulled too far, too fast. My gaze stays locked on the screen, even as it starts to blur at the edges.

The host shakes her head mockingly, as if remembering juicy information, a faint smile touching her lips.

“Oh… and let’s not overlook a particularly significant detail that surfaced this morning. Information we’ve verified with multiple sources, as well as colleagues familiar with a scandal from years ago—one that, interestingly enough, seems to have vanished without a trace. Curious, isn’t it?”

A long pause. To let tension grow, to gain the attention she wants.

“Well, perhaps it won’t seem so mysterious once you hear this. According to those same sources, Thalia Gomez’s mother was allegedly involved in an affair with none other than John Hardy.”

A sharp intake of breath ripples through the panel.

“Yes, you heard me correctly. Which would suggest that the marriage between Sara and John Hardy may not be quite as flawless as it has long been presented. And when news of that alleged affair surfaced, we’re told it was swiftly contained—every trace erased, the narrative redirected.”

Theo straightens abruptly, a quiet, disbelieving “No way…” slipping past his lips.

The host continues, unbothered.

“And it doesn’t end there. Reports also indicate there may have been a pregnancy—one that, according to these accounts, was terminated under pressure, allegedly at John Hardy’s insistence, and, as some claim, with his wife’s full awareness.”

Something cracks against the table—a glass, knocked over, liquid spilling unnoticed. No one moves to clean it.

“Now, if these claims hold any truth, it raises an even more compelling question. Was Thalia Gomez’s presence in the lives of the Hardy and Thomas families truly accidental?”

She leans in faintly, voice lowering.

“Or was it intentional? A calculated move driven by resentment… perhaps even revenge for what her mother endured?”

My heart squeezes so violently it almost hurts. The air feels thinner, harder to pull in, like the room itself is closing around me.

“Because what we’re seeing now doesn’t align with the image of a misunderstood young woman. It suggests strategy. Patience. Execution.”

A harsh laugh bursts from somewhere to my left, piercing and humorless. “This is fucking insane,” a voice snaps, loud and clear.

“And then there’s the contradiction,” the host adds smoothly. “If family mattered so much—if this was about justice—then why the apparent distance from her own parents? Why the cold detachment?”

Her lips curve into a sinister smile.

“Unless, of course, the motivation changed along the way. Unless access to wealth and influence became the real objective.”

My fingers tremble along with my body, barely noticeable, but I feel it—every small loss of control stacking on top of the next.

“Aaand let’s not forget her close friendship with Sierra Hardy—former Thomas. A connection that, according to those familiar with her past, began long before any of this came to light. A friendship that may not have been as spontaneous as it seemed.”

Zayn pushes to his feet abruptly, pacing once, then dragging a hand through his hair, agitation radiating off him.

“A plan set in motion years ago,” the host concludes, her tone almost impressed. “One that, if true, has unfolded with remarkable precision.”

A beat.

Then, with a malicious, cutting smile—“Impressive, really. If this is the game she chose to play… it seems she’s managed to fool everyone. Congratulations, Thalia.”