(A/N: Sorry if this chapter ends up being too short, it's supposed to be a filler)

Third Person POV:

Post Monaco GP

New York City, Y/N's apartment

Darcy is dead...from an overdose

The news of her passing shook Y/N to his core. He had once shared a deep and complex connection with her, and the memories of their time together, as well as the knowledge that addiction had taken her from this world, weighed heavily on his heart

Hailee, a source of support and understanding, remained by Y/N's side, offering her comfort and empathy during this emotionally charged time

As Y/N came to terms with the loss of his ex-girlfriend, he was confronted with the harsh reality of addiction and the profound impact it could have on the lives of those it touched

Hailee was talking on the phone to her mother, who was worried about Y/N's situation

Hailee: No, he's okay...Harvey and Donna are here to check on him. Okay, I'll tell him that. Love you, mom.

She hangs up her phone and settles beside him on the couch, offering her silent support as they navigated the difficult aftermath of Darcy's passing

Donna decides to talk and break the silence

Donna: Y/N, I know this is a complicated time for you. Darcy's passing... it brings back a lot of emotions and memories. But I want you to know that we're here for you, and we love you.

Y/N: Thanks, mom.

Harvey, who was on his phone at the balcony, gets back inside with a concerned face

Donna: Harvey...what's going on?

Harvey: Magnus Pierce...the Times released an article saying that Y/N was partially responsible for Darcy's death

The air in the room seemed to grow still at Harvey's words, the weight of the accusation hanging heavy in the space. Donna's expression shifted from concern to disbelief, her eyes widening in shock and concern for her son

Hailee's grip on Y/N's hand tightened instinctively, her eyes searching his face for any sign of the impact of the news, but he looked unfazed by that...just keeping a straight face

Y/N then realizes what he needs to do

Y/N: I need to go to Darcy's wake. And talk to Magnus by myself.

As he voiced his intention to attend Darcy's wake and confront Magnus, the tension in the room escalated. Donna and Hailee exchanged worried glances, their concern for Y/N's well-being palpable in the air

Harvey: Don't do it, son. You don't need to subject yourself to that. It won't change anything.

Hailee's hand gently squeezed Y/N's, her eyes reflecting a blend of worry and caution

Hailee: I understand why you want to go, but it could just make things worse

Y/N: Guys, I need to try...Magnus is the only one in that family who actually hates me. The rest of the family knows what he did that caused me and Darcy to grow apart in the first place

Hailee: Which was...

Y/N: I got into an argument with him...then, the next thing I know, he makes up a story about me cheating on Darcy. And the rest is history...

Despite the pleas of his loved ones, Y/N didn't change his mind about his decision. The weight of the accusations and the need to confront the lies that threatened to tarnish his family name propelled him forward. With a sense of purpose burning within him, Y/N gently disentangled himself from the hands that sought to protect him, offering a reassuring smile to his worried family and Hailee.

Y/N: Don't worry...I'll be back.

Donna's eyes glistened with unshed tears, her maternal love an ever-present shield against the uncertainties of the outside world. Harvey nodded, his expression a mix of worry and pride for his son's unfliching attitude in the middle of a situation that could cost him his career and reputation

At Darcy's wake, a somber atmosphere enveloped the room, the air heavy with grief and the weight of unspoken words. Y/N's presence drew a mixture of curious glances and hesitant whispers, the shadow of the recent accusations hanging over him.

Magnus walks over to him with his wife, Martha Pierce alongside him

Y/N: Magnus...we need to talk.

Magnus: Well, well, if it isn't the prodigal ex-lover...What could you possibly have to say that hasn't already been smeared across the tabloids?

Y/N: Not here, Magnus...

Y/N's tone was calm and resolute

Y/N: Don't make a scene the day of your daughter's wake. Let's have this conversation somewhere private.

They head to Magnus' study in the penthouse where the wake was taking place

Martha sits down on an armchair and pours herself a drink

Y/N took a moment to collect his thoughts, his gaze drifting to Martha, who exuded a sense of quiet authority and empathy

Magnus: So, what is it that you wanted to discuss, Y/N?

Y/N: I want you to stop spreading lies about me, Magnus. This is strike two already...and you won't like it when you hit strike three.

Magnus: And what exactly do you suggest I've been lying about?

Magnus had a subtle hint of challenge tinging his tone, but Y/N knew better...Magnus wasn't going get in his head today

Y/N: Don't give me that shit, Magnus. You know exactly what I'm talking about. The story you concocted about me cheating on Darcy and the one saying I was responsible for her death. It's time to end this smear campaign.

After that, a secretary walks in the room, summoning Magnus

Secretary: I'm sorry Mr. Pierce, but there are some gentlemen here to see you.

Magnus: I'm sorry, sport. But I gotta do my thing...have a drink in the meantime

Y/N: And you just got strike three, motherfucker.

He gets out of the study, leaving Martha and Y/N by themselves

Martha: I apologize for my husband's behavior. He's been...quite something after Darcy passed.

Y/N: I appreciate your honesty, Martha. But let's face it, he was an asshole long before Darcy's death.

Y/N notices that Martha was uneasy about something

Y/N: Are you alright, Martha?

Martha: It's just...there are things that even a big family name can't protect.

Y/N: What are you talking about?

Martha hands Y/N a letter, written by Darcy herself

Martha: I found this letter in her bedroom...she wrote it a couple of days before she passed

He opens the letter and reads it:

Friday, May 20th

My Dearest Y/N,

I write this letter with a heart heavy with the weight of my transgressions, a confession that has remained locked within me for too long. It is time for you to know the truth, a truth I can no longer bear to conceal.

The affair that led to our break up was a mistake, a severe lapse of judgment. It pains me to admit it, but it happened. My heart belongs to you, and in a moment of vulnerability, I cheated. Niall Horan was the unfortunate participant in my affair, and I cannot find the words to express the remorse that has haunted me ever since.

But there is more to this painful story. Our indiscretion resulted in a child, a child we never had the chance to know. The weight of that loss has been a constant companion, a reminder of the consequences of my actions.

What makes this even more complex is that Niall had a girlfriend at the time. The betrayal was twofold, affecting not only our relationship but also Hailee, the girl you're currently seeing. I carry the guilt of my actions like an anchor, a burden I can never fully let go.

But there is another layer to the story, a layer of darkness that I cannot carry alone. My father took it upon himself to pay off many people to keep the news of my miscarriage from the public eye. The truth was concealed, not out of kindness, but to protect the family name. It is a secret that has weighed heavily on my conscience, and I can no longer bear the weight of it.

Y/N, my love for you was never a lie. It was a flame that burned brightly, even in the face of my mistakes. I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me, to find the peace and closure that we all deserve.

With all my love and the deepest regret,

Darcy

Y/N's hands trembled as he read Darcy's heartfelt words, the emotional weight of her confessions crashing over him like a relentless wave. Each sentence carried the burden of her remorse, a burden she had carried silently, concealed within the depths of her soul

Y/N: Does...does Magnus know about this letter?

Martha: No...

Y/N: Thank you for showing me this...

Y/N then leaves and heads back to his apartment

There, he finds Hailee, Donna and Harvey, who were waiting for him to tell them what happened

He takes the piece of paper out of his pocket and starts reading what Darcy had written on the letter

As Y/N was finishing telling the last of Darcy's revelations, the room seemed to hold its breath, each of them grappling with the profound implications of the tangled web of secrets

Hailee, of course, was more affected by it. Mainly because Niall was cheating on her with Y/N's girlfriend

She squeezes Y/N's hand tightly and nods

Harvey then gets an idea

Harvey: The best course of action right now would be to hold a press conference...tell everyone you weren't involved in Darcy's death. You gotta set the record straight...

Harvey's eyes widen at the realization that his protective instincts had extended beyond his legal responsibilities and finally surrounding the paternal bond that had grown between him and Y/N

Y/N: Okay...I'll do it.

Harvey: Good...I'll call the PR team and tell them to prepare a statement.

The next day, Y/N made his way to the venue of the press conference, the weight of the moment pressing heavily on his shoulders. Accompanied by Harvey, Donna and Hailee, who were offering their unwavering support serving as a guiding light in the midst of the storm

Meanwhile, all of Y/N's friends and colleagues were watching the press conference, that was about to begin

Liam's loft, Tribeca

Liam and Greer were sitting on his couch watching what the press conference was going to be like

Liam: Come on Y/N...just do your thing

Greer: What's gonna happen if he doesn't pull this off?

Liam: He will...he will.

Los Angeles, Steinfeld household

Cheri, Pete, Griffin, Olivia and Megan were also watching, hoping Y/N could come out of this on top

Olivia: Why is Uncle Y/N on the TV?

Cheri: He is about to say some things, Olivia...and it can define what's gonna happen to him afterwards

Monaco, Lando's apartment

Lando and Luisa were at their apartment in Monaco, watching closely as a man approaches the podium

Luisa: Are you sweating?

Lando: Yeah...this is...frightening. to say the least.

Luisa: He'll be okay...

Switzerland, Schumacher Estate

Mick and Ella were also watching carefully as a member of Harvey's PR team starts talking on the microphone

Mick: El...it's starting.

Ella sits down beside Mick, holding his hand and carressing her pregnant belly

Ella: Come on Y/N...

Back at New York

Gary, the PR Team member in charge was ready to talk and start the press conference

Gary: Good morning everyone. Mr. Specter has a prepared statement he'd like to read and then he's gonna answer a few questions. Thank you.

Y/N approaches the podium with a determined stride, his gaze steady and resolute as he prepared to address the room

Y/N: Good morning. I have an announcement to make...about me and Darcy Pierce.

He looks down at the papers he was holding

Y/N: I've been asked to explain my situation with her...and how I drove her to a deep depression after our break up, as the Times described. But that's not the full story...

He pauses a little bit before grabbing some papers from his suit breast pocket

Y/N: The truth is...that Magnus Pierce is a malignant presence, a bully and a liar. He was the real reason behind Darcy's demise...his agressive nature drove her into a deep depression.

The reporters in the room murmur some words and gasp

He pauses once more before resuming his own statement

Y/N: Darcy's passing was not just a tragedy...it was a consequence of secrets concealed, a miscarriage that was hidden from the world. An unborn baby...result of her infidelity, which was also a consequence of Magnus Pierce's lies...Darcy made a mistake...and paid with her life. But let's not take our eyes off the ball. Magnus Pierce, the master manipulator, paid hush money to keep the truth buried, to preserve a reputation. And the evidence is this letter...which I brought copies for you guys to read

He takes Darcy's letter out of his back pocket and shows it to some of the cameras

Y/N: Magnus keeps a watchful eye over every inch of his empire...but I think this is the day his reign ends.

Magnus Pierce's reign over his empire faced an unprecedented challenge, and Y/N's statement just tipped the scales in his favor, now throwing a live grenade to Magnus' side

Y/N: I'll make sure to answer your questions in the upcoming days...

Y/N then rips his statement papers and walks away towards his loved ones with a smirk on his face, knowing damn well he had Magnus Pierce by the balls.