501: Unraveling the Web

The revelations about Maxwell's past relationship with Ashley, now resurfacing under such dramatic and public circumstances, created a tumultuous atmosphere. Emma and Wayne, stepping outside to give Maxwell and Ashley space to discuss, were left to digest the increasingly complex situation. Wayne, ever the pragmatist, advised Emma to let the former couple sort through their issues alone. "They need to confront their past directly," he reasoned, his voice laced with concern yet firm in his decision. Emma, while initially reluctant, was halted by Wayne's rationale but remained uneasy. The mix of arguments and crying filtering through the door did little to calm her nerves. Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by Emma's ringing phone. It was Bauer, updating them on the media aspect of the situation. "The news has already leaked, along with photos of Maxwell and Ashley from three months ago—entering a hotel and even more compromising images from inside a room," Bauer reported wi