ISABELLA'S POVThe morning after the statement felt too normal.I stood in the kitchen reviewing reports on my tablet while Ethan helped Brahms with breakfast. It should have felt routine.It didn't.I kissed Brahms's forehead before leaving."Tu pars?" he asked."Just to the office."He nodded and returned to his mango.At ISMARA, Lucia was already waiting with coffee and a laptop."The response is mixed," she said. "But stable. No major investor panic. Some media skepticism, nothing serious.""ISMARA?"She smiled slightly. "Engagement is actually up. Especially in Europe. The transparency statement helped more than it hurt."That hadn't been the plan.But I wasn't complaining.The morning passed quickly. By ten, I had approved supplier contracts, reviewed design revisions, and finalized communications strategies. The press conference had bought us time, and I intended to use every minute of it.At 10:17, my phone rang.Unknown number.I almost ignored it."Ms. Moretti-Dexter," a wo
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