4. Veronica’s Smile, Ryan’s Hunger
While Marcus recovered in Aisha’s house, his life continued without him.
On television, the world didn’t know he was missing.
They knew he was “resting.”
Veronica gave interviews outside the Hail Foundation, her hand elegantly placed over her heart as she spoke about Marcus’s “health scare.”
Ryan stood beside her like a supportive brother, his smile polished.
Marcus watched the broadcast in Aisha’s living room, his stomach turning.
Veronica’s voice came through the screen like honey.
“Marcus has been under a great deal of stress,” she said. “He’s always been so driven. We’re just grateful he’s taking time to recover.”
A reporter asked about rumors of tension within the company.
Ryan laughed lightly. “Tension? No. We’re a family.”
Marcus almost threw the remote.
Aisha reached over and turned off the TV.
“Don’t feed them your anger,” she said. “Save it.”
Marcus stared at the dark screen.
“How long until they notice I’m gone?” he asked.
Aisha didn’t hesitate. “They’ve already noticed. They’re just deciding what story to tell.”
Marcus swallowed. “And if they decide the story is that I’m dead?”
Aisha’s expression went hard. “Then we make sure their lie collapses in public.”
