Adira's POV
The gala ended in a blur of flashing lights and empty congratulations. My award sat heavy in my hand, but the taste of victory was already poisoned. Ashley had a way of doing that.
I slipped out early, heels clicking against marble, desperate for silence. But of course, silence never lasted long where Ashley was concerned.
"Running off so soon?" Her voice floated from the shadows of the corridor. She stepped out, still glowing in silver, her lipstick perfect, her smile sharp.
I exhaled. "What do you want, Ashley?"
"To congratulate my twin." She said it like a joke. "You always did love your books, Addy. Who would have thought it'd pay off? A few coffee shops and an award."
I stiffened. "They're not just coffee shops."
Her smirk deepened. "Touchy. Relax, darling. We all know you're doing... well enough. But let's not pretend you're on my level."
There it was. The old Ashley. Always reaching, always needing to prove she was higher, brighter, better.
"You're a model, Ashley," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "Not an empire."
Her eyes glittered dangerously. "Careful. You don't want to sound jealous." She leaned closer. "Besides, what makes you think Jayden Craig came tonight for you? Men like him don't waste their time on nobodies. He's already had dinner with my agents."
My stomach knotted, though I refused to show it.
Ashley mistook my silence for victory. She laughed softly. "You've always been the quiet one, Addy. But don't worry I'll take care of Jayden. He needs someone who knows how to play this game."
And with that, she swept past me, perfume trailing, leaving the echo of her heels and her poison behind.
Jayden's POV
From the corner of the hallway, I watched Ashley walk away, her words sharp as knives.
She thought I was her game. She thought I'd be dazzled by glitter and cameras.
She had no idea how wrong she was.
Because Ashley never understood what real power looked like.
And she had never understood me.
But Adira... she always had.