The mansion was on high alert by morning, with security doubling their efforts and the staff buzzing around in preparation. Alina and Ethan sat at the breakfast table, a tense silence engulfing the once serene room. There was no escaping the reality that Evelyn's impending press conference could unravel everything they had worked to protect.

"Ethan, we need to be proactive," Alina said, her eyes steely with determination. "We can't let her dictate the narrative."

He nodded, his mind clearly spinning with the same urgency. "I've been thinking the same. We need leverage—something that can discredit her and show the world her true intentions."

As they strategized, a sudden knock on the door made them both turn. Arthur entered, his face set in a grave expression. “We’ve intercepted some communications between Evelyn and a reporter. It looks like she’s winding up for a major attack.”

“Can we use what we’ve found?” Alina asked, her mind racing through potential solutions.

“Maybe,” Arthur said, “But we’ll need concrete evidence that can outdo her allegations.”

A spark of an idea lit up in Alina’s eyes. “What about financial records? Hidden transactions? If we can prove she’s manipulating the narrative for her gain, it could be a game-changer.”

Ethan considered, a hint of a smile forming. “It’s risky, but worth a shot. Arthur, get a team on it immediately. We need everything we can find on Evelyn and her dealings.”

As Arthur left to execute their plan, Ethan turned his attention back to Alina, his eyes softening in contrast to their earlier intensity. “Thank you, Alina. For being strong, for fighting with me.”

Alina felt a warmth spread through her heart. “We’re in this together, remember?”

Ethan smiled, pulling her close. “Always.”

---

Throughout the day, the mansion transformed into a command center. Ethan’s team worked tirelessly, uncovering layers of financial manipulation, backdoor deals, and hidden scandals tied to Evelyn’s campaign. The deeper they dug, the more tangled the web of deceit became.

Alina spent time in the private rink, using skating as a refuge from the overwhelming tension. The fluid motions and icy sharpness became a balm to her anxious spirit. As she performed intricate moves, she noticed a new figure by the railing—Dominic, watching with a keen interest.

“You’re a natural,” Dominic praised as she skated towards him.

“I’m just trying to keep sane,” Alina replied, catching her breath. “It’s been a whirlwind.”

Dominic chuckled. “I can imagine. My brother has a way of turning life upside down.”

Alina smiled, appreciating Dominic's easygoing demeanor. “It’s easier with people like you around. I’m grateful.”

He leaned against the rail. “Anything we can do to help. And for what it’s worth, I believe Evelyn is going to get what’s coming to her.”

Before Alina could respond, a security guard approached, holding a small package. “Miss Bardot, this arrived for you.”

Alina frowned, taking the package. It was wrapped simply, with no return address. She opened it cautiously, revealing an envelope and a flash drive.

“What is it?” Dominic asked, his curiosity piqued.

“I’m not sure,” Alina replied, slipping the flash drive into a nearby laptop. The screen flickered, revealing a series of encrypted files.

Dominic’s eyes widened. “Someone’s sent you information. This could be the break we need.”

They hurried to Ethan’s office, where he and Arthur were still working through documents. Alina held up the drive. “This just arrived. It looks like encrypted files. Could be useful.”

Ethan’s face lit up with a glimmer of hope. “Let’s see what we’ve got.”

Arthur quickly decrypted the files, revealing a trove of emails, transaction records, and correspondence linking Evelyn to various underhanded schemes. It was a goldmine of evidence, enough to turn the tide in their favor.

“These documents are damning,” Arthur said, scrolling through the files. “We need to prepare a response for the press conference. This could turn the tables.”

Ethan looked at Alina, admiration and gratitude in his eyes. “You’ve just given us a fighting chance.”

Alina felt a surge of triumph, but also a lingering unease. The sender of the package remained unknown, and that mystery tugged at her. However, there was no time to dwell on it—action was required.

---

The morning of Evelyn’s press conference arrived, the atmosphere electric with anticipation and tension. Alina dressed in a white blazer—symbolic of her intention to stand clean and resolute against her adversary.

Ethan’s team moved with military precision, preparing statements and press kits containing the explosive evidence. As they made their way to the venue, Alina clutched Ethan’s hand, drawing strength from his presence.

“I’m here with you,” he whispered, his voice a comforting anchor.

The press conference venue was a whirlwind of reporters and cameras, all hungry for the scandalous revelations Evelyn had teased. Alina and Ethan took their place on stage, prepared to face the storm head-on.

Evelyn herself stood poised, exuding an air of confidence that bordered on arrogance. She began her speech, painting a twisted narrative intended to smear Alina and Ethan. But the moment she finished, Ethan stepped forward, his demeanor controlled and authoritative.

“Thank you for your time, ladies and gentlemen,” he began. “It’s clear that there are significant misunderstandings and falsehoods circulating. We are here to address them.”

With a nod, his team distributed the press kits. Murmurs spread through the crowd as reporters scanned the explosive documents. Alina watched, her heart pounding, as the room’s energy shifted.

“These documents,” Ethan continued, “expose the true nature of the attacks against us. Manipulation, deceit, and personal vendettas have no place in our professional or personal lives. We stand united in revealing the truth.”

Questions erupted from the crowd, each one met with calm, measured responses. Alina felt a blend of exhaustion and exhilaration as they held their ground against the barrage. By the end, it was clear—the tide had turned.

As the crowd dispersed, Evelyn’s confident facade cracked, revealing a glimpse of fury and desperation. Ethan turned to Alina, his expression one of profound relief.

“We did it,” he whispered, pulling her into a tight embrace.

But before they could savor their victory, Arthur approached, urgency etched on his face. “You need to see this,” he said, handing Ethan a tablet.

The screen displayed a new headline: *“Shocking Allegations: Inside the Corruption of Crawford Industries.”*

Ethan’s face paled as he read the details. The article was a direct assault on his family, bringing to light skeletons long buried and alliances betrayed.

Alina’s stomach dropped. “What do we do now?”

Ethan clenched his jaw, determination flashing in his eyes. “We fight back, harder than ever before. The game’s not over yet.