Page 62 of My Rockstar Ex's Broken Vows

"Mr. Reid," another lawyer cuts in, her voice sharper. "This isn’t about who wins or loses. It’s about resolving the issue in a way that protects your career moving forward. The good news is that Mr. Morrison’s team has indicated they’re willing to negotiate."

"And what the hell does that look like?" I ask, leaning back in my chair, my chest tight with frustration.

"One option is to offer him a reduced lump sum," she says. "Another is to structure a payment plan tied to your future royalties. Either way, we’ll need to engage in discussions to determine the terms."

"So I’m screwed either way," I mutter, rubbing a hand over my face.

"No," Luke says firmly, leaning forward. "You’re not screwed. Let's figure out the best way, together, and move forward. We just need to figure out the best way to make this work without killing your momentum."

"It’s a setback," Victor adds, his tone more measured. "But it doesn’t have to derail you completely. We’ll work through it. We're willing to contribute a financial piece as part of your payment, but we need to find a number that works for Morrison, you, and Pinnacle."

The words feel hollow, even if they’re meant to reassure me. All I can see is the number—$400,000—and the way it looms over everything I’ve worked for. Morrison’s shadow has always been there, but now it’s threatening to swallow me whole.

"Mr. Reid?" the lawyer on the phone prompts. "How would you like to proceed?"

I glance at Luke and Victor, their faces tense but expectant, waiting for me to make the call. My stomach churns, but I force myself to focus.

"We’ll negotiate," I say finally, my voice low but steady. "But I’m bending over. We all come to the table. You make that clear."

"We’ll begin discussions immediately," she replies. "And we’ll update you as soon as we have a response."

The call ends with a click, the room falling into a heavy silence. I push back from the table, standing too quickly and pacing to the glass wall. The city stretches out below me, crawling with life, and for the first time, it feels like I’m on the outside looking in.

"You okay?" Luke asks, breaking the silence.

"No," I say bluntly, turning to face him. "But I don’t have time to fall apart. Just... make this go away, Luke. I don’t care how you do it."

He nods, and I grab my jacket, heading for the door without another word. As I step out into the hallway, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out, hoping for something—anything—that feels like good news.

It’s Sienna.

Hope your day’s going okay. Just wanted to check in.

Seeing a text from her does more for me than any drug. The tightness in my chest eases slightly, and I type back quickly.

Rough morning, but hearing from you helps. Dinner tonight?

I stare at the screen, waiting for a reply that doesn’t come right away. I slide the phone back into my pocket and I head for the elevator.

When it buzzes again, this time the message doesn’t do anything to brighten my mood. In fact, it takes me ten steps back.

I can’t, Cal. But we have to talk. I can’t put it off until Ollie goes back to Marcus’s. I’ll call you tomorrow.

Fuck. I know what that means without knowing anything. I can’t win from losing.

TWENTY-ONE

Sienna

No more fear, no turning back

Friday, March 21

Hearns, Frisk & Lupo, LLP

361 7th Avenue, Midtown

12:55 PM

---