Page 33 of Faking with Three

“Sure,” I mutter. “Facts.”

He clears his throat. “Additionally, her legal team has filed for an injunction to remove the video from your channel. They’re arguing it portrays her in a false light.”

I feel my jaw tighten. “That video is our property. She came into the frame voluntarily. She doesn’t get to dictate what we do with it.”

“That’s something for the courts to decide,” the detective replies. “In the meantime, I suggest you all be cautious about further interactions with Ms. Green.”

“I have no problem with that, sir,” I say. “In fact, if I see her face ever again it will be too soon.”

The officer sighs. “Off the record, we’ve had her stirring trouble before. Unfortunately, she knows how to work the law. Her husband is a hot-shot lawyer in the city. My advice would be to make sure you keep your business to yourself.”

“In our line of business, that’s hardly possible,” Jax says.

“No,” I say. “I know exactly what we need. We need a lawyer.”

Later that evening, we’re all crammed into Ethan’s apartment, sitting around his coffee table with laptops and mugs of lukewarm coffee. My lawyer, a no-nonsense man named Carl, is on Zoom, his face taking up most of the screen.

“Olivia, I’ve reviewed the situation,” Carl begins. “This injunction is no joke. If they succeed, you could be facing serious legal and financial consequences.”

I fold my arms. “So what are my options?”

“You don’t have to worry about anything for now. I’ve reached out to a local contact to help coordinate on the ground,” Carl says. “If necessary, I’ll fly out myself.”

His eyes narrow slightly as he leans forward. “But my advice? Olivia, consider walking away from this project altogether. This Charlie Green situation is a fire you don’t need to put yourself in the middle of.”

Silence stretches between us like a taut wire. Ethan exchanges a look with Jax, and Marcus stares at the screen, unreadable.

“Walk away?” I echo, my voice low.

“Yes,” Carl says. “You have a company to think about—a future. You’re in the early stages of going public. Why risk everything over this?”

Something inside me bristles at his words. “So your advice is to give up? Let her win?”

Carl sighs, his tone softening. “My advice is to think strategically. You don’t have to fight every battle, Olivia. Sometimes, stepping back is the smarter move.”

I nod stiffly, my throat tight. “Thanks for your input, Carl. I’ll think about it.”

The call ends with a curt goodbye, and the room plunges into an awkward silence. I glance around at the three men. Ethan looks like he wants to say something, but he hesitates, scratching the back of his neck. Jax leans back in his chair, watching me with an expression I can’t quite read, and Marcus frowns, deep in thought.

I exhale sharply, my stomach twisting into knots. The lawyer’s words echo in my head, weighing down every breath. Before I can respond, Ethan shifts forward, resting his forearms on his knees. He looks directly at me, his expression softer than I’ve ever seen it.

“It’s okay if you want to leave,” he says, his voice quiet but sure. “We’ll understand, Liv. You’ve already done so much for us.”

I blink, stunned. Ethan’s words cut through my frustration, disarming me. He’s not pushing, not fighting me—just giving me an out. For a moment, the room fades into the background, and all I see is him. His brown eyes meet mine and a jolt goes through me.

“I…” I falter, feeling the weight of his gaze. My fingers tighten around the coffee mug as I try to steady myself.

“You don’t have to decide now,” Ethan adds gently, but his eyes don’t leave mine.

“No,” I say, my voice firmer this time. “I’m not going anywhere.”

A flicker of relief crosses his face, but he doesn’t say anything. I turn to the others, pushing past the swirling emotions threatening to overwhelm me.

“If there’s one thing I’ve never done,” I say, my voice steadier now, “it’s back down from a challenge. I’m not about to start now.”

“Good,” Jax says with a crooked grin. “I was about to lose all respect for you.”

I roll my eyes at him, but a small smile tugs at my lips. Marcus nods approvingly, looking a little less tense, while Ethan sits back, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.

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