Ms. Parker ? The name hit the fifty million viewers like a sonic boom . For a few seconds , the live chat was completely blank . Then , it detonated . " Ms. Parker ??? Did I hear that right ? Chloe Parker is the CHAIRMAN of Starstream Entertainment ? " " This has to be a joke . She's a D - list actress , right ? " " Wait ... Starstream ... the multi - billion - dollar media empire ? THAT Starstream ? " ! " So Liam and Ava went on a show , on the chairman's own network , to publicly trash the chairman ??? " * OH MY GOD . This is better than any movie . This is the ultimate undercover boss ! " Back in the studio , Liam's jaw was hanging open , his face pale as a ghost . Ava was trembling uncontrollably , her eyes wide with terror and dawning comprehension . I looked into my camera and gave them a smile that was the mirror image of Ava's triumphant one from moments before . " Mr. Carter . Ms. Miller . Your performance was ... compelling . " I picked up a remote from my desk and pressed a button . The main screen behind me came to life with new footage . Exhibit A Security footage from the Coupled backstage area , showing Liam talking to his manager , Manager : " This Chloe girl is way too into it . The way she looks at you isn't acting . " Liam ( adjusting his collar , annoyed ) : " It's a role . She's the one taking it seriously . It's perfect , though . We'll use her as a smokescre- en , keep the paparazzi off me and Ava . " Exhibit B. The full , unedited audio of my phone call with Ava , including the two - million - dollar offer . Exhibit C : Screenshots of every threatening text message from Liam's manager . Exhibit D. The bank statement showing the one - million - dollar wire transfer into my account from Liam's production company The evidence played out , one piece after another , a series of hammer blows that shattered their carefully constructed facade of Chapter 2 victimhood . " Liam , " I said , looking at his ashen face on my monitor . " You said you'd be pursuing all available legal options ? " I turned my attention to the quivering wreck that was Ava . " And Ava . You asked if we were still best friends ? " My voice was soft , but it carried the weight of a death sentence . " Now , it's my turn . "