“It’s already ugly.”

Grayson studied her.

“Are you sure?”

Ivy thought of Eleanor Graves touching her hand in the garden. Of Lena trembling behind her. Of Noah whispering don’t come home. Of Eli pretending not to be afraid. Of Vivienne smiling while blood ran down Ivy’s shoulder.

“No,” Ivy said honestly. “But I’m tired of surviving quietly so powerful people can keep lying loudly.”

Ronan looked at her then.

Really looked.

Not like a maid.

Not like a victim.

Like someone whose courage had just rearranged the room.

He turned to Matteo.

“Release the truth.”

Matteo nodded.

Before he could move, Ronan’s phone rang.

The caller ID showed an unknown number.

He answered.

A distorted voice spoke through the speaker.

“Release that footage, and the catering girl dies first.”

Lena, who had been standing near the hallway, went white.

The voice laughed softly.

“Then Ivy’s brothers.”

The line went dead.