The walls of the federal building were nothing like Dael expected. They weren't cold or metallic. No buzzing fluorescent lights. No chains or glass partitions. Instead, the room where she sat was quiet, warm even, with a table, two chairs, and a jug of water she hadn't touched.
Still, her hands were clammy. Her heart was restless.
Detective Ellis walked in, a folder tucked beneath his arm. He gave her a small, reassuring smile before sitting across from her.
"Are you ready, Ms. Knight?"
She swallowed. "As I'll ever be."
He nodded, opening the file. "I know this isn't easy. But everything you share here today could change the outcome of this investigation."
Dael gave a slight nod. "I understand."
Ellis hit record on the small device on the table.
"This is Detective Ellis. I am present with Dael Knight, recording a voluntary statement regarding the investigation into Whitestone Corporation. Ms. Knight, do you understand that you are here of your own free will?"
"Yes."
"Are you prepared to testify under oath that the information you provide today is truthful and accurate to the best of your knowledge?"
"Yes."
A long pause.
"Let's begin."
---
Back at the penthouse, Siena paced the kitchen floor, her nerves building with every hour Dael spent at the station. Reeve sat at the counter, laptop open, but his eyes were on her.
"You're going to wear a hole in the floor," he said.
"I can't help it," Siena muttered, biting her thumb. "It's been four hours."
"She'll be okay."
"I know. I just—" she stopped and let out a frustrated sigh. "She's been through so much, and this is just one more weight on her."
Reeve closed the laptop gently. "Then maybe she's finally lifting it."
Alexander walked in at that moment, tie loosened and jacket draped over his arm. "Any word?"
Siena shook her head. "Not yet."
"She's strong," Alexander said quietly, taking a seat next to Reeve. "She made it through worse. She'll make it through this."
---
Dael's voice was steadier now as she recounted dates, names, meetings in hotel suites she hadn't been comfortable attending, and emails she was told to delete.
"I didn't know what I was stepping into," she admitted, eyes distant. "At first, it was little things. A comment here, a gesture there. But then... it escalated. I tried to report it."
Ellis looked up from his notes. "To whom?"
"A board member. Frederick Vale."
"And what happened?"
"He told me to stop causing trouble. Said I was too valuable to risk becoming a problem."
Ellis sighed and scribbled something down.
"There are others," Dael added. "I wasn't the only one. I know that."
"Would you be willing to help us connect with them?"
Dael hesitated. "Some won't want to come forward."
"But if you do, you might give them the courage to."
Dael met his gaze and nodded slowly. "Okay."
---
Back home, Siena finally collapsed on the couch, her arms wrapped around a pillow. Alexander sat beside her, his hands clasped together tightly.
"You look exhausted," she whispered.
"So do you."
They sat in silence for a while.
Then Alexander said, "I keep thinking about what happens when this is over."
Siena glanced at him. "What do you mean?"
"Dael's life changes. The company changes. Maybe even us."
She studied him quietly. "Do you want us to change?"
"No," he said quickly. "I want to... build something better. Not just with the company. With you. With Eli."
Her heart tugged.
Alexander rarely talked like this. Vulnerable. Open.
She reached over and held his hand. "Then let's build it."
---
When Dael returned that evening, her face was unreadable.
Siena rushed over. "Hey—how did it go?"
Dael looked around slowly, then let out a breath. "It was harder than I thought. But... it felt good. Saying it all out loud."
Alexander stepped forward. "Are they going to act on it?"
Dael nodded. "Yes. They already have enough to subpoena Whitestone's internal records. And they think they'll have grounds to arrest at least three executives within the week."
Reeve gave a low whistle. "That's fast."
"It has to be," Dael replied. "They're trying to erase the paper trail."
"But not your voice," Siena said firmly.
Dael smiled faintly. "No. Not this time."
---
Later that night, Alexander found Siena in Eli's room, sitting by his bed, watching him sleep.
He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. "He's peaceful."
"He doesn't know the chaos outside this room," she said softly.
"I want to keep it that way. I don't want him growing up afraid."
Siena nodded, her fingers brushing Eli's curls. "He'll be okay. As long as he knows he's loved."
Alexander crossed the room and crouched beside her. "I love him, Siena."
"I know."
"And I love you."
Her breath hitched.
"You don't have to say anything back," he added quickly. "I just need you to know. I'm not perfect. I have a lot to unlearn. But I know what I feel."
Siena looked at him, eyes glistening.
"You're getting there, Alexander."
"Is that your way of saying maybe you love me too?"
She gave a small smile. "Maybe."
---
The next morning, Dael was surprised by a message waiting on her phone.
Private Number: I saw your interview. I was one of them too. I want to talk.
She stared at the screen for a long time, then handed the phone to Reeve.
"Do you think it's real?" she asked.
Reeve read it. "Could be. Or it could be bait."
"Should I answer?"
"I think you already know the answer."
She nodded.
Dael: Thank you for reaching out. When and where?
A reply came instantly.
Private Number: Today. Anonymous café near 6th. Noon.
---
By noon, she was at the café, sitting in the back corner, hood up, sunglasses on.
A woman entered—nervous, fidgeting. Late 20s. Well-dressed, but not flashy.
She spotted Dael and came over.
"Ms. Knight?"
"Yes."
"I'm Mira. Mira Daniels. I worked in Whitestone's PR division. Left three months ago."
Dael studied her. "You reached out to me."
Mira nodded, eyes scanning the room. "I saw what they did to you. And... it happened to me too. Different guy, but same silence. Same threats."
"Would you be willing to speak to the detectives?"
Mira hesitated. "I'm scared."
"So was I."
Their eyes met.
Mira took a breath. "Okay. I'll talk."
---
Back at the penthouse, Siena watched from the balcony as Alexander took a call near the fireplace downstairs. His voice was low but focused.
He was fighting.
For Dael. For their future. For everything he once took for granted.
She couldn't help but smile a little.
Change didn't happen all at once. It came in cracks, in quiet steps. And maybe... just maybe, they were finally walking toward something good.