Julian stared at the speakers in disbelief, his hands trembling on the podium.

“This is a fabrication,” Julian stammered, his voice cracking.

“This is a deepfake!”

“It is a digital recording from your own private office line, Julian,” Andrew said, his voice flat.

“The board has already received the full, unedited file along with the digital metadata.”

Security guards in dark suits moved quickly from the sides of the room toward the stage.

Julian looked around wildly, realizing he had no escape.

“This is a setup!” Julian screamed as the guards reached the wooden stairs.

I looked over at Victoria Sterling.

Her smile was gone, replaced by a look of sheer panic and rage.

She stared at Julian, then at Andrew, her hands clenching into tight fists.

She knew she was next if anyone traced the plan back to her.

Victoria turned quickly, her silk dress rustling as she slipped through the side exit.

My stomach tightened as I watched her go.

“She is running,” I whispered to Koko.

“We need to get the original chemical samples from the primary lab,” I said, a sudden realization hitting me.