Michael's smirk falters, replaced by a flicker of something I can't quite place—regret? Guilt? He slips his phone into his pocket, his voice unusually serious.
"Emma, don't mistake this for charity," he says, his tone sharp. "I'm not helping you because I'm noble. I'm helping you because Victoria's lies are starting to cost me too. She's pushed too far, and I'm done being her pawn."
Lydia steps forward, her arms crossed, her sharp gaze boring into him. "And we're supposed to believe you're suddenly on the moral high ground? You've been part of her schemes for years, Michael."
Michael chuckles darkly, running a hand through his perfectly coiffed hair. "You think I don't know that? But this time, she's gone too far. I've got nothing left to lose, Lydia. And if taking her down means helping Emma, then so be it."
