Chapter 140

Nora POV

Two weeks after the gala, Elena’s video went viral.

Not the conversation with Darren—she was still editing that, analyzing every frame for evidence of manipulation. No, this was a performance video from her school’s spring concert. Someone had posted it online, and within forty-eight hours, it had three million views.

My daughter, playing an original composition she’d written, her fingers flying across the piano keys while her voice filled the auditorium. The comments section exploded with praise.

“Who is this girl? She’s incredible!”

“That’s Elena Storm. Her mom is Nova Black.”

“Nova Black had a daughter? I had no idea!”

And then, inevitably: “Isn’t her mom the one married to that guy who went to prison? The reformed one with the foundation?”

Our privacy, carefully guarded for thirteen years, shattered in a weekend.

By Monday, reporters were calling. Tuesday, a talent scout from a major label reached out. Wednesd