Dorian kept smiling while the control room replaced Jax's contract request with applause. The audience followed its illuminated cue, but several people stopped after noticing that Jax had not moved from the left marker.
"Crowncast invited you to discuss what Nox stole. The administrative details of your appearance are irrelevant," Dorian said, indicating the old sponsor armor behind them.
"You used my school history, which activates the final page," Jax replied.
The host turned toward the central camera and described the demand as evidence of contamination. His desk screen showed a producer requesting permission to end the segment before the disputed clause reached national viewers.
Jax had counted the camera rhythm from the waiting room. The live indicator would move left in four seconds, opening one brief interval when the local recording and national feed shared the same unedited angle.
"Display the page or I recite it," he said.
