The press conference exploded across Belvaria within hours, splashing across screens, headlines, and prime-time debates. What had been a public execution just yesterday now stood painfully reversed.
Only a day ago, Kairo's name had been dragged through the mud. Speculation, character assassination, and half-truths packaged as facts. But today, after his clarification to the media, the narrative shifted, sharply, unmistakably.
The footage spoke louder than rumors. His composure. His clarity. The evidence was presented with precision. The way he refused to crumble under pressure.
Public sentiment tilted. Many who had judged too quickly now questioned the sources they had trusted. Sympathy replaced suspicion in large numbers.
Yet not everyone backed off.
A section of the media, hungry and relentless, began probing deeper, not for truth, but for cracks. They raised invasive questions, dissecting his personal life with little restraint. His relationship with Sara. Zayn's birth. The timing. His age. Framing early fatherhood as a scandal rather than a responsibility, as if morality itself needed public approval.
Some outlets went further, recklessly attempting to stitch Aisha's story back into Kairo's life, forcing a connection where none existed, blurring timelines, twisting facts, and hinting at impropriety without proof.
That was where the line was crossed.
Novacore's legal team moved swiftly. A formal petition was filed against Aisha for spreading false accusations with malicious intent, directly harming Kairo's personal and professional reputation.
Simultaneously, a separate complaint demanded a full investigation into the blind article that had ignited the scandal, its origin, its funding, and the individuals who had ensured its anonymous publication while knowing the damage it would cause.
This was no longer just about clearing Kairo's name. It was about accountability.
On the other side of the world, Liana sat alone with the news playing softly on her tablet.
Every headline carried Kairo's name. Every clip replayed the same rise and fall. She had followed it all silently, absorbing every detail, every accusation, every shift in public tone. She hadn't spoken about it to Vector. Not once.
But her heart refused to stay quiet.
It clenched in a way she didn't fully understand, a dull, persistent ache that settled deep in her chest. Maternal. Instinctive. Uninvited. No matter how much time had passed, no matter how many walls she had built, the name Kairo still reached places nothing else could.
The door creaked open.
"Mom."
She blinked quickly, the tears disappearing as if they had never existed, smoothing her expression just in time.
Kael stood there, phone already in his hand. Then his eyes fell on the tablet playing the news, his brows knitted in concern.
"What is this news?" he asked, stepping closer. "Kairo… the director of Novacore. What kind of scandal did they publish against him?"
"Some girl he dated in the past, I guess," She said, trying not to sound as if it affected her.
"He's actually a nice guy, Mom," Kael continued, almost offended on Kairo's behalf. "I don't get why someone would do this to him."
Liana looked at him, surprised. "How do you know him, Kael?"
Kael paused. Then his worried expression softened into a bright, almost boyish smile.
"I met him at the King's party," he said, excitement bubbling. "He was there with his family. He's really cool, Mom. And his wife is super nice. Their baby boy, too. He is so cute."
He laughed softly. "I actually had a good time with them."
Liana looked at him for a moment, then smiled softly. "What did you talk about?" she asked. "What did he say?"
Kael's smile widened, a spark of mischief lighting his face. "Just… boys' stuff, Mom," he said casually. "He's a really cool guy. We kind of match each other's vibe."
Liana raised an eyebrow, amused.
"And you know what?" Kael leaned in slightly, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. "I found out that night he's the director of Novacore. So I told him I'm a big fan of his brand."
He glanced around dramatically before whispering, "Please don't tell Dad."
Liana laughed softly and reached out, ruffling his hair, as he settled down beside her, hugging her waist, leaning on her shoulder.
"I know about your recent obsession with Novacore," she teased. "I've seen the entire new wardrobe collection in your closet."
Kael grinned, unapologetic. "I can't help it, Mom. They're really good. Better than Vantare," he added in a conspiratorial whisper.
Liana shook her head, smiling. "You shouldn't be betraying your dad like that," she said, playing along.
Kael shrugged easily, completely unbothered. "Don't worry. Vantare is still great. It's not going to go into loss just because I don't wear it."
Liana smiled at his confidence, but as her eyes softened, something deeper flickered beneath.
Kael's attention drifted back to the tablet, thumb scrolling slowly.
"But still…" he murmured, eyes fixed on the screen. "Why was he accused like that? Who would even do this to him?" He frowned slightly. "He seems like a good guy. And he loves his wife and son so much."
Liana looked at him, her eyes clouded with quiet sadness. She chose her words carefully."Maybe someone is trying to frame him," she said gently. "But he clarified everything in today's press conference. It looks like the truth will come out soon."
Kael stayed quiet for a moment, absorbing it. Then he nodded. "I hope so."
Liana reached out and brushed his hair back again, her fingers lingering the way they always did when he was younger.
"Don't worry about all this," she said softly. "Focus on your studies."
Kael shot her a look. A very familiar one. "Mom… please," he groaned. "Can you not tell me to study all the time?"
She smiled innocently. "And why wouldn't I?"
He sighed dramatically. "Oh, come on, Mom. I'm big now. I should be enjoying life, too. Not always studying."
Liana's smile widened, playful now. "Oh, really?" she said. "Then next time when you come asking for my card to shop the new Novacore collection, I'll explain exactly why studying is important for big boys."
"Mom," Kael whined immediately.
Before she could say another word, he leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her again, hugging her tightly.
"How can you do this to your only child?" he muttered into her shoulder. "I'm still your baby, right?"
Liana's expression softened completely. She kissed his hair, holding him close. "My baby," she said fondly, "also needs to study."
Kael hummed in disappointment, still hugging her. "My bad."
Liana chuckled, her arms wrapped around her big boy, who was still, in moments like this, unmistakably her baby.
And as she held him, her thoughts drifted again. To a son far away. To a man, the world was tearing apart. To a truth still waiting for the right moment to surface.
For now, she stayed still. Letting this moment exist.