A few minutes later, Alex stepped out of the hall.

Lily rushed over. "Totally my fault—I forgot to send Emma the invitation. Let's head in together."

He led me inside, turning to everyone nearby. "My wife's here to learn from Dr. Hartway's experience."

The second he said it, the whole room iced over. I was already the "failure"—now people straight-up avoided me.

Alex stuck close to Lily, walking her around like she was the main event. He kept introducing her to investors, cozying up like they were some power couple.

She clung to him more than once, and yeah, it stung. Bad.

The air felt thick, like I couldn't breathe. I stepped out of the restroom—and there she was. Lily, blocking my way.

She clocked how pale I looked and smirked like she'd just scored. "Well, Mrs. Ross? Wild seeing you hit rock bottom."

I clenched my fists, staring her down. "What's that look? Don't forget—you begged me for help with tuition fee. This is how you treat someone who had your back?"

Lily dropped the act. "Help? That was charity. You tossed me leftovers and wanted a thank-you card?

"You finally caught on, huh? Every bit of your research—Alex handed it to me. Sucks, doesn't it? Getting stabbed by the guy you loved?"

She leaned in, voice dripping poison. "And those picture-perfect parents of yours? Always warning you about me.

"That lab explosion? Yeah, I rigged it. I heard your mom calling your name before she died. Shame she never got to see her golden girl again."

My blood roared.

My parents' final moments hit me like a freight train—Mom's scorched face, Dad's broken stare.

It was her. All of it.

I snapped and slapped Lily hard.

She dropped like it was Broadway, shrieking like I'd stabbed her.

I lunged again, but Alex jumped in, grabbing my arm.

He threw himself in front of her, eyes blazing. "Emma! Are you out of your mind? Lily invited you here, and you attack her?"

The crowd circled fast, eyes full of judgment, ready to rip me apart.

Lily clung to Alex, sobbing like she was the victim. "I'm sorry, Alex. I just wanted to smooth things over. I didn't think Emma would—"

Then she switched tones, all angelic. "Forget it. If she hadn't helped me back then, I wouldn't even be here. Let's just call it even."

Even? What alternate universe was she living in?

I jerked against Alex's grip. "Alex! You owe me the truth—how do you think her company even took off?"

Panic flashed in Alex's eyes, but he covered it fast. "Explain what? Lily's been in Europe this whole time—how could she steal your research?

"I helped you go through every failed attempt. If you're not good enough, don't blame her. I really misjudged you, Emma."

He gave me one last icy glare before turning to Lily. "Security! Get her out. She's not coming back until the launch is over."

They yanked me out like garbage and shoved me to the ground.

I stood, dusted myself off, pulled out my phone. "Showtime."

I drove straight to the mansion and dropped the divorce papers dead center in the living room—no way he'd miss them.

Suitcase in hand, I paused at the doorway, taking one last look at the place I used to call home.

Then I pulled out my phone and uploaded everything—emails, patent transfers, the whole timeline—blasting it all over social.

Once it was up, I ripped out the SIM card, ditched it in the trash, and hopped in a cab to the airport.

***

Meanwhile, at the Boston Convention Center—

Lily stood under the spotlight, grinning like she owned the place. "Now, I'll unveil a revolutionary advancement in medical technology!"

Right then, the doors slammed open.

A group of sharp suits strode in, led by a senior-looking attorney.

"Sorry to interrupt," he said smoothly. "We represent Swiss Healthcare Group."

Lily's smile dropped. "Who are you? This is a private event! Security!"

The lawyer didn't flinch. He held up a document. "This is a court summons. You're being sued for stealing the intellectual property of Ms. Emma Ellington. See you in court."