Sebastian's phone buzzed. He picked it up instantly.
"Speak." His voice was low. Controlled. Terrifying.
"This is Daniel Hayes… Mr. Clifford's lawyer."
Sebastian's eyes narrowed. "Go on."
"He called me before leaving to meet you. He sounded afraid. Said if anything happens to him or his staff, I should release what he sent."
A pause. Sebastian's jaw tightened. "What did he send?"
Minutes later, every screen in Valenridge Study froze. Then—one by one—a video uploaded across all platforms.
Mr. Clifford sat at a desk, pale, hands trembling. Behind him, several staff members shifted nervously, clearly scared. His voice, though shaky, cut through the silence.
"I recorded this before leaving to meet Sebastian Ravenscroft. If you are watching this… I was right to be afraid. I am the owner of Silvercrest Lounge. And I am here to tell the truth. Sebastian Ravenscroft is innocent."
