That night, the mansion felt warmer than usual, perhaps because of everything that had happened lately. After all the chaos on the internet, the public statements, and Claude's swift legal action to clear Mio's name, the silence of nightfall was a rare comfort.
Mio sat curled up on the living room couch, her eyes drifting from the screen of her phone to the dark sky outside. The media storm was still ongoing, but it had started to shift — this time in her favor. She didn't expect it. She never asked for any of this.
Suddenly, her phone buzzed. The caller ID read "Mom" — Jane Lockheart.
Mio hesitated for half a second before answering. "Hello?"
"Mio, dear," Jane's voice sounded gentle, but laced with concern. "Are you okay? I've been worried about you."
Mio nodded, even though Jane couldn't see her. "I'm fine, Mom."
There was a small pause before Jane continued, "If that son of mine ever makes you cry again, I promise, I'll make sure he regrets it."
