The camera light blinked red.
Nancy sat in the spotlight, not in an evening gown or next to Adrian, but in her college sweatshirt. The journalist—Maya Reyes, a respected alum and known truth-digger—sat across from her, notes ready.
"This is your chance," Maya said, microphone live. "Say whatever you've never had the chance to say."
Nancy took a breath. "Then let's start with the truth."
---
Twenty Minutes In – Livestream Chat Exploding
"I never wanted fame. I never chased money. I just wanted to support my parents, finish college, and find peace."
Nancy's voice stayed calm. Strong.
"Yes, my marriage to Adrian started as a contract. But no one talks about the power imbalance, the pressure I was under, the way I was treated like a chess piece by people with too much money and too little heart."
Maya leaned forward. "Do you love him now?"
Nancy didn't blink. "Yes. And I won't apologize for it."
The chat blew up with reactions. #TeamNancy started trending within minutes.
---
Elsewhere – Uncle Harold Watching the Broadcast
He sneered at the screen, but even he knew—she'd won the public.
"She's dangerous," he muttered to an assistant. "More dangerous than I thought."
---
Elsewhere – Camille's Apartment
Camille, watching in a silk robe, scoffed. "So the girl found her voice. Cute. Let's see if she can keep it."
She pulled out her phone and dialed.
"It's time. Let's finish this."
---
Back at the Penthouse
Nancy walked in, flushed with adrenaline.
Adrian stood up the moment she entered. "You were brilliant."
"I was honest," she replied, collapsing into his arms.
He held her. "And honest never looked so good."
She smiled. "This is far from over, isn't it?"
He kissed her forehead. "No. But now we're fighting together. No lies left."