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“So all of you are telling me now that even after knowing that Marlowe Skye is behind this, we still have to wait with folded arms and watch Lemon LLC continue to suffer from these accusations?”

Peter sighs. “We’re not waiting with folded arms. We’re gathering evidence. After your impromptu visit, she might want to cover her trail.”

“Isn’t that why we should make this whole truth as public as they made the lie?”

Bailey shakes her head. “It might just seem like we’re lashing out against her without proper evidence.”

Jessica nods. “Pat is right. If we’re not careful this might force the public and media to support Marlowe even more and cause further damage to Lemon.”

“I understand that everyone’s upset but this is a delicate situation. Now that we know Marlowe’s an instigator, a major part of the puzzle has been solved. We have to tread carefully lest our evidence becomes useless before we can even use them. No matter how true they are.”

I lean back in my chair. My head throbs behind my eyes.

Talia, who's been quiet, speaks up. “We should delay the launch.”

“What?” I turn to face her.

“The Lemon Luminance serum. Push it back six months. Let this blow over first.”

“No.” The word comes out sharper than I intended. “No way. Why’s this still being brought up when I’ve made my stance clear on that? I’m disappointed it’s coming from you. The answer is no.”

“The market climate?—”

“Is why we can't delay. Good lord, you said it yourself, Talia. We need a win. A big one. If this product hits the way we know it will, investors will forget all about this garbage. We can fund our next phase projects.”

“And if it flops because of bad press?” Talia's eyes are sympathetic but firm.

“It won't.” I stand up, smoothing my skirt. “The formula is brilliant. The clinical results are better than anything on the market. We stick to the plan.”

The room falls silent. No one argues after that but I can feel their doubt like a physical pressure against my skin.

I sigh, looking into and holding each of their gaze.

“I need you all to trust me and trust in our work. This is the first scandal Lemon is facing and if we crumble now, how do expect to scale through whatever tribulations we may face down the road?”

Ava nods. “We trust you, Wren. We’re all in this together. If Lemon gets through this, I don’t think there’s anything in life that could shake me.”

A smile tugs at Talia’s lips. “Now, let’s not test the universe. I know someone who said the same and is dealing with a lot of crap at the moment.”

Everyone chuckles.

After a moment, I say, “Thank you all for your input. I'll take it under advisement.”

It's my way of ending the meeting without committing to anything they've suggested. As everyone files out, Talia lingers.

“You know I'm just trying to protect the brand.”

“I know. But sometimes protection means standing your ground.”

She sighs, gathering her notes. “I'll support whatever you decide. Just... be careful, okay?”

After she leaves, I collapse back into my chair, exhaustion washing over me in waves. For the first time since this nightmare began, I allow myself to consider the possibility of failure. What if I'm wrong? What if I can't fix this? What if they're all right about postponing the new product launch? What if I fail and Lemon LLC crumbles?

My chest tightens and my eyes become blurry with tears. I blink them back. I will not cry over this. Crying is accepting the possibility of failure. I willnotfail.

My phone buzzes. It's Sean, waiting downstairs.

The drive home is quiet. Rain patters against the windshield, creating a cocoon of white noise that feels peaceful after the tension of the day. Sean keeps his eyes on the road, hands steady on the wheel.