Word of the crisis leaked to the media, though details remained murky. Flashbulbs erupted, headlines speculated, and every social media platform exploded with analysis and commentary. Lila felt the familiar sting of scrutiny, now magnified by the high-stakes confrontation she had just survived.
The pressure was suffocating. Every smile, every word, every gesture was dissected. She realized that surviving danger wasn't enough—she had to maintain an image, project confidence, and manage perception simultaneously. Lila's reflection in the mirror that night was tired, tense, yet determined. She was no longer just a fan or a cinephile—she was Liora Cade, fully accountable to the world, to her allies, and to herself.
And as the city lights shimmered below the penthouse, Lila knew the next challenge would test not only her skills but her very identity—and that the antagonist was only the beginning.