First, It will started with just a message.
Serena had just finished reviewing inventory reports when her phone lit up with a simple text from Evelyn.
"Clara's here. She's with Aaron."
Serena stared at the words, her lips curling slowly into a smile.
So, the queen finally moves.
At the university café, Clara looked stunning in a soft white blouse and fitted jeans, her hair in gentle waves — not a strand out of place. Her makeup was effortless, her perfume subtle but alluring. She leaned forward on the table, her fingers wrapped delicately around her coffee cup.
Aaron sat across from her, slightly stiff, polite — but distant.
"It's been so long since we talked," Clara said, voice warm, fake sweetness dripping from her tone. "I feel like I barely know you anymore."
Aaron offered a noncommittal smile. "We've both been busy, I guess."
"I missed you," she said softly, tilting her head.
Aaron blinked. "Clara—"
"I know we weren't together, but we were close, right? Everyone thought we'd be perfect. Even your parents liked me." She reached out and touched his hand.
"Don't you remember?"
Aaron gently pulled his hand back. "People change."
And I've changed, he wanted to say. But he couldn't figure out how or why.
He just knew something was different — Serena.
Clara's smile tightened, just for a second, before it snapped back into place.
"Serena," she said casually. "You seem to be around her a lot lately."
Aaron looked up. "Yeah. She's interesting."
"Interesting?" Clara laughed, a little too sharp. "She's… sweet, I guess. Though you know she's always been a little strange. Secretive. Honestly, I worry about her sometimes."
Aaron's brows furrowed. "She's been through a lot."
"Yes," Clara said, tone softening just enough to sound sincere. "I hope she's not misunderstanding your kindness. Some girls… they confuse attention for something more."
Aaron's jaw tightened, but he didn't speak.
He didn't have to.
Behind him, Serena appeared.
Poised. Composed. Deadly in black.
Her entrance was deliberate — every step measured. She walked straight to their table and smiled like a blade wrapped in velvet.
"Clara," Serena said smoothly. "Didn't expect to see you here."
Clara stood. "I could say the same. We were just catching up."
"Of course," Serena said, her gaze flicking to Aaron. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything… meaningful."
Aaron stood as well, his body language shifting toward Serena instinctively. "Not at all. I was just about to head out."
Clara's smile faltered.
"Oh?" she asked.
Aaron nodded. "Serena, you have time for coffee?"
"Always," Serena replied, looping her arm through his with casual ease.
As they walked away, Clara stood frozen in place, her fingers digging into her cup so hard the lid bent.
Later that night, Serena stared at her computer screen.
She'd begun compiling the folder: screenshots, photos, names.
Clara had always been careless. Always believed she was untouchable.
But Serena remembered.
The luxury hotel in 2018. The affair with the investor's son. The leaked DMs from a private account that would get exposed months later — only this time, Serena would be the one leaking them.
Piece by piece.
One thread at a time.
"Careful, Clara," Serena whispered to the screen. "You might've had your fun in the past, but this time… I'm watching."
The next morning, Evelyn stormed into Serena's boutique without knocking.
"We need to talk."
Serena looked up from the counter, pretending to be confused. "What is it?"
"I was there yesterday," Evelyn said, crossing her arms. "I saw the whole thing. You knew Clara was meeting Aaron, didn't you?"
"I had a feeling," Serena replied, voice neutral.
Evelyn's expression turned stern. "And you went there on purpose."
"I didn't make her insecure," Serena said softly. "She came that way."
"You've changed," Evelyn said after a pause. "This isn't the Serena I knew."
Serena's smile faded.
"No, Evelyn," she said. "This is the real me. The one who survived being destroyed once already."
Evelyn stepped back. "Then maybe I never really knew you."
And she walked out.
Serena didn't chase her.
She had bigger things to worry about.
That night, Serena stood by her bedroom window, arms folded.
"Rough day?"
She didn't flinch when Ellion appeared beside her, leaning lazily against the frame.
"You were watching," she said.
"Always," he replied with a wink.
"I don't have time for riddles."
Ellion smirked. "Your little game is starting to stir bigger things. You may not notice it yet, but the threads of fate are tightening. You keep pulling, and something will snap."
"I don't care," Serena said. "I won't stop."
Ellion stepped closer, his tone suddenly softer. "Even if it costs you everything?"
Serena looked at him.
"Everything was already taken from me once. This time, I'll take it back — even if I have to burn everything down to do it."
Ellion stared at her, something unreadable flickering in his eyes.
And then, with a smile, he leaned down — lips inches from hers.
"God, I love watching you burn."
And then he vanished again — like smoke on wind.