Page 81 of Rockstar Next Door Neighbor

She flinches, just barely, but enough to confirm that she suspected at least some of what Marcus had planned.

“Don’t try to deny it,” I say, leaning closer. “Your father didn’t even bother hiding it. And you went along with it.”

Her eyes flash, and for a moment, I think she might lash out. But then she takes a slow breath, composing her face into an expressionless mask as she glances quickly around the restaurant to make sure we’re not being overheard.

“So that’s it?” she says, her voice cold. “You’re blaming me for everything my father’s done?”

“I’m not blaming you,” I say evenly. “I’m saying this ends now. I’m not going to keep pretending, and I’m not going to let your father manipulate my family anymore.”

Crystal’s laugh is sharp and bitter. “Pretending? You think I’ve been pretending thiswhole time?”

“You tell me,” I say, holding her gaze.

For a moment, her mask slips, and I see something raw and unguarded in her expression. But just as quickly, it’s gone, replaced by a steely glare.

“We’ll see what Daddy has to say about this.”

“Your father was just arrested by federal agents. His effort to take over Sterling Motors didn’t only fail—it brought to light his other illegal activities.

She blinks, then laughs. “Very funny, Luke. Now, where is he really?”

“Your father engaged in illegal international banking activities, orchestrated accidents at our plants, and attempted to blackmail board members.” I keep my voice low, mindful of nearby tables. “It’s over, Crystal. All of it.”

The color drains from her face. “You’re lying.”

“Turn on any financial news channel. It should be breaking news by now.”

She fumbles for her phone, perfectly manicured nails shaking as she pulls up headlines. I watch the realization hit her—first shock, then anger, finally settling into something calculated.

“Luke, darling, “ Her voice goes soft, pleading. “I had no idea what Daddy was doing. You know that, right? We can still—“

“Stop.” I lean back, suddenly tired. “We both know this was never real.”

“How can you say that? After everything we’ve—“

“Name my favorite color.”

She falters. “What?”

“It’s a simple question. What’s my favorite food? My favorite song? When’s the last time we had a real conversation about anything that actually mattered?”

Her lips thin. “We’ve been busy.”

“We’ve been playing parts. You wanted the rockstar fiancé, and I wanted to help my father’s company. Let’s not act like it was ever more than that.”

Something shifts in her eyes—the vulnerability replaced by cold anger.

“You think you’re so righteous,” she says quietly. “So noble for walking away. But what about me, Luke? Do you have any idea what this will do to me? To my reputation? The press will eat this up—“

“Crystal,” I say, my voicesoftening despite myself. “You’re going to be fine. You’ve always landed on your feet, and you always will. But this—“ I gesture between us—”wasn’t real. And you know it.”

Her jaw tightens, but she doesn’t argue.

“Maybe,” I continue, “in your own way, you’re relieved too. Because neither of us deserves to be trapped in something like this.”

She looks at me for a long moment, her eyes searching mine. And I see again that flash of understanding.

“You’re a fool, Luke,” she says finally, her voice soft but sharp. “But maybe you’re right. Maybe we were both acting.”

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