Chapter 3

Because of the structured format of my post and the explosive nature of the title, the story spread like wildfire online.

Meanwhile, Nathan and Carol remained clueless, basking in the thrill of successfully framing me.

Before I was taken in, I turned to them with a small smile.

“Don’t get too comfortable,” I said calmly.

“Remember the way you look right now—so smug, so self-satisfied. Because soon enough, you’ll be paying for this with your blood. And when that time comes, it’ll clear my name.”

If they were foolish enough to steal something as dangerous as Iridium-192, I had no doubt their recklessness would catch up to them.

They dismissed my words as empty threats, laughing as they walked away hand in hand.

But it only took one night for cracks to appear in their confidence.

The next morning, Nathan frantically requested to see me, his desperation apparent. I refused every single one of his attempts to meet.

Three days later, Elliot paid my bail, and I was released on probation.

The moment I stepped out, I could tell the situation had shifted dramatically.

Nathan was waiting for me, holding a large bouquet of roses. He rushed toward me, reaching out to grab my arm, but Elliot stepped in, blocking him effortlessly.

Elliot turned to me with a questioning look. I smiled softly. “It’s fine. Let me talk to him.”

The conversation took place at a nearby coffee shop.

Nathan shoved the bouquet into my hands, acting as though the last few days hadn’t happened. There wasn’t even a hint of shame on his face.

“Claire,” he said, his tone light and casual, “we’re about to face a few years of long-distance. Let’s use this time to make peace, okay? No hard feelings.”

I almost laughed out loud.

He was referring to my impending prison sentence as a “long-distance relationship”?

I shoved the bouquet back at him. “If you’re not going to speak like a human being, I’m leaving.”

Nathan’s smile faltered, and he quickly got to the point.

“What you posted online,” he began, lowering his voice, “has caused a lot of problems for Carol.”

I pulled out my phone, scrolling through the latest updates.

The public backlash against Carol was brutal. The internet was ablaze with stories about the influencer who knowingly became “the other woman” and framed me for a crime. Her reputation had taken a nosedive.

She wasn’t just losing followers—she was losing brand deals and sponsors left and right.

“She’s not doing so well these days, is she?” I said, my tone mocking.

My eyes wandered to the table next to us, where a woman sat wearing a mask and a baseball cap pulled low over her face. Even disguised, I could tell it was Carol.

Her hands, resting on her lap, were covered in angry red rashes.

I glanced at Nathan. He coughed lightly, a persistent, dry sound that made my stomach twist.

My heart sank.

Those were early symptoms of radiation poisoning.

They must have opened the lead container holding the Iridium-192.

Nathan, oblivious to my realization, continued speaking.

“I need you to issue a public apology,” he said. “Admit that you were jealous of Carol and me, and that everything you posted was a lie.”

I blinked, certain I’d misheard him. “You want me to confess that I’m the one who tried to sabotage your relationship?”

Nathan nodded, his tone soothing, as though he were offering me a favor.

“It’s just a title, Claire. Who cares what people think? We love each other—that’s what matters.”

He leaned forward, lowering his voice further.

“Think about it. Once you’re in prison, no one will even remember this after a few years. But Carol? She has to live with public scrutiny every day.”

Slap!

The sound echoed through the coffee shop as my hand connected with his cheek.

Nathan recoiled, stunned, his face turning red with anger. The surrounding patrons turned to stare, some even leaning closer to watch the unfolding drama.

“You’re shameless,” I said coldly, my voice cutting through the silence.

Nathan finally snapped. “Claire! You’re on probation! If you cause trouble, I’ll call the police right now and have you thrown back in jail!”

I didn’t flinch. Instead, I grabbed my coffee and threw it in his face.

Hot liquid splattered across his shirt, the strong smell of espresso filling the air.

“If you have time to threaten me,” I said, my tone icy, “you should be calling a hospital. You might not live through the winter.”

Nathan jumped to his feet, his face contorted with rage. “All you ever do is curse people! What’s wrong with you?”

He lunged forward, grabbing for my arm, but before he could touch me, a strong hand shot out and grabbed him by the collar.