e PR storm broke. Now it buzzed with notifications she refused to check. Headlines. Hashtags. Unasked-for opinions. She didn't need more notifications. Not tonight. The internet had exploded

. Chronic swelling in the vocal cords. It often comes from overuse, smoking, acid reflux, or-" "Previous surgeries?" Leona asked quietly. The doctor nodded. "Her cords have scar tissue. Old incisions. Someone's worked on her voice before." Leona's heart dropped. "She never said." "She might not have wanted to. Regardless, pushing now could cause irreversible damage. One more tear, and she may lose her voice forever." Back in the hallway, Leona sat alone. She crafted the statement carefully: Official Statement from KaneWave Studios We regret to inform our fans and partners that due to a sudden medical emergency, Ava Monroe's debut tour has been postponed. Ms. Monroe is currently under expert medical care for vocal complications and is expected to make a full recovery. We appreciate your understanding and continued support. - Leona Blake, Executive Producer, KaneWave Studios. She hit post. The backlash was instant. #JealousMuchLeona #LeonaSabotage Tweets poured in: "Bet she spiked Ava's water. This is straight-up sabotage." "Bryan leaves her, now Ava collapses? Coincidence? Nah." "Leona's always been jealous. She wanted the spotlight back." YouTubers analyzed her every movement in the performance replay. TikToks with hashtags like #LeonaTheSnake and #AvaDeservedBetter racked up millions. Instagram stories showed a blurry edit of Leona backstage moments before Ava collapsed, accusing her of "dark energy." A viral TikTok: @theshadeofitall: Funny how Leona was backstage again when Ava's throat 'gave out.' You don't have to silence a woman to win, Leona. A YouTube reaction video: "I'm not saying Leona poisoned her tea, but like... sis has motive. She lost her man and her spotlight. #StayWoke." Bryan slammed his fist against the wall. "They think you did this." Leona closed her eyes. "I know." In a Private Suite, LOS ANGELES Bryan sat across from Ava. The suite was quiet. He had a tumbler in hand, she was curled in a hoodie. "I talked to her," he said finally. Ava looked up. "She wants me to ask you to let her sing. To fill in. Just for now." Ava's eyes narrowed. "So she wants the fame she helped me build." He hesitated. "She's our only option." Ava stood. "Then we use her." Bryan's eyes met hers. "Exactly. She's a tool. A powerful one." Ava walked over and sat in his lap. "Tell me I'm not replaceable." He cupped her face. "You're everything. You're the voice they'll worship when you return. Leona? She's just the bridge." Ava smiled slowly. "Then let's cross her." That night, Bryan entered Leona's office, looking broken. "I found your demo," he said softly. "It was on your flash drive." Leona froze. "I listened to it. All of it. You're... breathtaking." "What do you want, Bryan?" Bryan entered with a forced smile. He looked ragged. "I need a favor," he said. Leona didn't look up. "What's left to take?" He nodded. "Just for the tour. For Ava. For KaneWave. For everything we built." She faced him now, eyes icy. "So I'm your solution. Not your partner." "No, you're-" He paused, lowering his voice. "You're the only one who can save us." She swallowed. "And what happens when Ava comes back?" He hesitated. "You'll step aside. But the spotlight-just a taste-won't that be enough?" His plea was selfish. Transparent. But Leona, still clinging to a crumbling love, said nothing. She nodded. OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE KaneWave Studios is proud to announce the rescheduled Ava Monroe Tour: Reimagined. A special two-week concert series honoring Ava's artistry will commence this fall. In her temporary absence, a guest vocalist will bring her catalog to life. Original ticket holders will receive early access and exclusive discounts. Thank you for your unwavering support. Jason Carter sat alone in his sleek penthouse. The anonymous call echoed in his ears. He pulled up the press release. Watched the performance fo