Chapter 56

The morning sun had barely touched the windowsill when Pulse's servers crashed.

Derek Snow's latest tweet dropped like a depth charge, detonating across the internet.

"The truth you've been waiting for."

Five simple words, accompanied by crystal-clear photos of Serena Blake entering a police station and an intimate video of her walking side by side with Nolan Reed.

Aria Bennett smirked as she scrolled through her phone. If Logan Price wanted to play dirty, she’d strike first.

Serena loved playing the innocent victim? Fine. Now the whole world would see her for what she really was.

[Holy crap! It was Serena all along!]

[The karma hit faster than a tornado!]

[She was acting all pure in interviews yesterday—what a joke!]

The comments section exploded. Netizens, electrified, flooded the post with shares and debates.

Aria leisurely skimmed the reactions, tapping her screen. She’d expected nothing less.

Serena’s biggest mistake? Thinking she could mess with Aria while drowning in her own scandals.

[Nolan picking her up at midnight? Yeah, that’s not just friendship.]

[Poor Aria, taking the blame for so long.]

[Serena the Fake Saint strikes again.]

Three hashtags rocketed to the top of trending:

#SerenaPoliceScandal

#NolanReedRomanceExposed

#AriaBennettFramed

Nolan’s fans lost their minds.

[She’s not worthy of him!]

[If he’s really dating her, I’m done being a fan!]

[At least Aria’s actually pretty.]

Serena’s Pulse was overrun. Hate poured in by the thousands with every refresh.

"How did this happen…?" Serena’s hands trembled, tears splattering onto her phone screen.

She frantically dialed Grant Mercer. "Grant, how did those photos—"

"Stay calm," Grant growled. "This is Aria’s doing."

"What do I do now?" Her voice cracked. "My new drama—"

Grant paused. "Only one way out. Get Nolan to publicly confirm your relationship."

"But—" Her pulse spiked.

"Once he does, we spin it—paint Aria as the other woman." His laugh was icy. "Public opinion will flip fast."

Serena clenched her phone, a vicious glint in her eyes.

If Aria wanted war, she’d get one.

She dialed a familiar number…

Meanwhile, Aria sipped her coffee, unfazed—until her phone buzzed.

An unknown number flashed on the screen:

[Think this is over? The real show’s just starting.]

Aria arched a brow and set her cup down.

Someone still hadn’t learned their lesson.