The next morning, as I prepared for the interview, I felt a sense of resolve. The night’s events had been a whirlwind, but they had also cleared the path forward for me. I had not intended to topple Isabella’s world, but her actions had left me no choice. Now, it was time for me to face the second act of this unfolding drama—my meeting with Damian Hayes.

As I entered the sleek glass building of Solstice Innovations, the receptionist directed me to the top floor. With each step in the elevator, I felt the gravity of the document I had secured, a shield against any potential sabotage. My confidence was buoyed by the knowledge that I was prepared for any contingency.