Lana's POV
I couldn't sleep after seeing him.
Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the same thing—
Leo sitting alone in that cold room.
Tired.
Quiet.
Still trying to protect me even when everything around him was collapsing.
The rain outside continued through the night.
And by morning…
The headlines were worse.
"New Evidence Released Against CEO Leo Ayden."
"Possible Arrest Warrant Soon."
"Ayden Corporation Shares Falling Rapidly."
I turned the phone off immediately.
My chest hurt.
Because none of this felt real.
Leo wasn't perfect.
He was frustrating. Secretive. Stubborn.
But criminal?
No.
Never.
A soft knock came from the apartment door.
Lily walked in holding coffee and worry on her face.
"You look terrible," she said gently.
"I feel terrible."
She sat beside me quietly.
No jokes today.
No teasing.
Just concern.
"You still love him," she said after a moment.
I stared down at my hands.
"That's not the problem anymore."
Lily frowned slightly.
"Then what is?"
I looked at her slowly.
"What if he loses everything because of me?"
Her expression softened instantly.
"Lana…"
"Mick used us," I whispered.
"The fights. The misunderstandings. Me leaving…"
My throat tightened painfully.
"It distracted Leo."
Lily stayed silent.
Because deep down—
She knew I was right.
"I need to help him," I said suddenly.
Lily blinked.
"How?"
"I don't know yet."
But I meant it.
Because sitting here while his life burned apart?
I couldn't do it anymore.
My phone buzzed.
Unknown number.
Again.
This time, I answered immediately.
"What do you want, Mick?"
A quiet chuckle came through the line.
"Straight to the point. Nice."
"What are you doing to him?"
"Oh, Lana," he sighed dramatically. "You make it sound so evil."