Page 61 of Ruthless Kings of Obsession

Minutes pass as I stare at nothing, lost in thoughts of what could have been. Finally, I voice the truth that's been growing since I watched Eva spare my life in front of everyone who matters:

"I can no longer fix what's written," I murmur, resignation settling in my bones, "so I guess I just have to wait until it's my turn to burn."

The News Of Redemption

***~MATTEO~***

I listen to my brother's broken confessions, keeping my breathing steady despite the ache in my chest that has nothing to do with broken ribs. The raw honesty in his voice, the genuine remorse – it's so far from the arrogant mask he usually wears that for a moment I almost forget our complicated history.

Let him talk, Hannah's voice whispers through my earpiece, barely audible.This might be the only chance we get to understand.

She's right, of course. Hannah's always right about these things. So I maintain the pretense of sleep, giving him the safety of confession without judgment.

But I can't help thinking as I listen: it's not my forgiveness he needs to earn. Not my trust he needs to rebuild.

Everything rests in the hands of my Sweet Precious Gem – my wife, his stepsister, our Queen who holds both their shattered pieces in her equally broken hands.

Only she can decide if his regret is enough to wash away the blood between them.

May God have mercy on his soul if it isn't.

Sleep comes in waves, each one pulling me deeper into much-needed rest. The pain medication makes everything soft around the edges, turning thoughts into clouds that drift lazily through my consciousness. Even the steady beep of monitors fades into white noise as I let myself float...

"Breaking news update on the Leighton University hockey scandal..."

The reporter's voice cuts through the haze, making my eyes flutter open. Domino stirs in his chair, both of us registering Marcus's presence simultaneously. He stands near the wall-mounted television, remote in hand, his expression unreadable in the dim light.

"Following an extensive joint investigation by the FBI and CIA," the reporter continues, her perfectly styled hair and crisp delivery suggesting this is a major network broadcast, "new evidence has emerged regarding the viral video that appeared to show Leighton University hockey star Domino Leighton engaging in criminal behavior."

The camera cuts to footage of federal agents in suits making official statements outside what looks like a government building. "After thorough analysis of the video content and related evidence," a stern-faced agent declares, "we can confirm that the allegations regarding Mr. Leighton's involvement in the abuse and potential murder of Felix 'Flex' Mallon are demonstrably false."

I hear Domino's sharp intake of breath, feel the tension suddenly radiating from his direction. But my attention stays fixed on Marcus, watching the subtle satisfaction in his posture as the news continues to break.

"Sources close to the investigation indicate that the video in question was heavily doctored using advanced AI technology," the reporter explains, professional concern coloring her tone."Experts suggest this may be part of a larger cyber-terrorism campaign targeting prominent institutions and their affiliates."

The screen splits to show various social media reactions, hashtags like #LeightonLegacyLost and #DominoDownfall being rapidly replaced with #TechTerrorism and #LeightonStrong.

What have you done, Marcus?I wonder, watching him stand perfectly still, like a scientist observing a particularly interesting experiment.And more importantly, why?

The news continues to unfold, rewriting history in real time, while we watch in stunned silence.

"Forensic analysis reveals the video in question was created using sophisticated artificial intelligence technology," the reporter continues, her professional demeanor carrying just the right note of concerned outrage. "Experts from the FBI's Cyber Division have identified markers consistent with deepfake manipulation, where someone's facial features and physical characteristics can be seamlessly imposed onto existing footage."

The screen splits to show side-by-side comparisons – the viral video versus technical analysis highlighting inconsistencies in lighting, pixel patterns, and micro-expressions that only advanced AI detection software could identify.

"What we're looking at," a tech expert in a crisp FBI jacket explains, gesturing to complex data scrolling behind him, "is arguably the most sophisticated deepfake attack we've encountered. The perpetrators used cutting-edge neural networks to map Mr. Leighton's features onto carefully selected base footage. To the naked eye, even to initial forensic scans, it appeared genuine."

Domino leans forward in his chair, knuckles white as he grips the armrests. I watch his reflection in the darkened window,seeing emotions war across his face – relief, confusion, dawning understanding.

"The investigation has been escalated to the highest levels," the reporter announces, touching her earpiece as if receiving breaking information. "Sources confirm the Secret Service became involved after the situation was brought to President Mitchell's attention. The implications of such technology being used to destabilize prominent institutions has raised serious national security concerns."

The camera cuts to White House footage, showing stern-faced officials descending the iconic steps. "This isn't just about one student or one university," the Press Secretary declares. "This represents a direct attack on our educational institutions and the integrity of our digital infrastructure. The President has authorized full resources to identify those responsible."

"Jesus Christ," Domino whispers, his voice barely audible over the continuing broadcast. Marcus remains silent, still holding the remote like a conductor's baton.

"Had this investigation not revealed the truth," the reporter continues gravely, "the consequences for Domino Leighton would have been catastrophic. Already, we've seen how quickly social media can destroy lives without verification or due process."

Footage plays of the initial reaction – Twitter storms, Instagram cancellation posts, TikTok videos calling for Leighton's expulsion and arrest. The timestamps show how rapidly the destruction spread: three million shares in the first hour, trending worldwide within two.

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