ALINA’S POV

    “I know I’ve watched a couple of the videos from different angles online, but it’s so much better hearing it from the horse’s mouth!”

    Talia squealed in excitement as I narrated everything that transpired at the fashion show.

    She had just returned from her trip four days ago, and because I was on bed rest from my injuries, she couldn’te to see me until today.

    After much begging and pleading with Lucian, who had been a literal pain in my side because of my injury, I was finally allowed some fresh air. He’d been acting as though I got hit by a damn truck.

    “God, I really don’t know why my most-paid client chose the same week as your fashion show to fly me out to his overseas branch to fix a bug.” She groaned, clearly annoyed.

    “Talia.” I scolded, amused. “That trip added a bunch of zeros to your ount, didn’t it?” Iughed.

    “Yeah, but witnessing the drama that happened would’ve given me a lifetime of satisfaction.” She wailed, grabbing both my arms and shaking me gently. !--

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    “Ouch, ouch, ouch!” I winced when I felt a sharp pain at the back of my neck from the sudden movement.

    “Oh my God, I’m so sorry,” she apologized immediately, letting go of my arms. “Are you okay?” Her eyes flickered to my neck, full of concern.

    “Yeah.” I smiled to assure her, gently rubbing my bandaged neck to soothe it.

    “I would’ve smacked that bitch into next month if I was there when she did this to you.” She said, suddenly angry, her voice tight with fury.

    “Rx.” I said, grabbing her hand as we continued walking along the cobblestone path that led to the waterfall at the east side of the ckwood estate. “Besides, no one saw iting. Not even the security guards watching her.”

    It was stupid of me to let my guard down after what I did to Seraphina, a mistake I wasn’t going to repeat again.

    Seraphina loved to y dirty and I think it was high time I started rolling in the dirt with her.

    “I still can’t believe this happened.” Sheughed, shaking her head in disbelief.

    “Trust me, sometimes I feel like I’m dreaming. But when I feel the soreness in my neck or stumble across the videos online, I’m reminded everything is real.” I replied.

    It all still felt so surreal.

    “I am not only surprised but also extremely impressed that you pulled this off.” Her tone held pride.

    “To think that wasn’t even my initial n.” I chuckled at the memory.

    “It wasn’t?” She looked genuinely surprised.

    “Yeah, it wasn’t,” I confirmed. “My initial n was to make her look stupid and a little embarrassed when she couldn’t present any designs because they were simr to mine. But things took an unexpected turn.” I shrugged.

    A turn for the best, if you ask me.” Talia smiled,ugh lines forming at the corners of her eyes.

    “I agree.” I nodded.

    From a distance, we could already hear the sound of cascading water and birds chirping, a sign we were getting close to the waterfall.

    “But you know you can’t pretend anymore, right?” Talia pointed out. “You don’t have the element of surprise anymore. Seraphina now knows you’re against her.”

    “I know that. But I don’t regret the way things went, not one bit. I was tired of pretending. At least now, I don’t have to keep designing for her.” I told Talia firmly.

    I made my bed, so I was going to lie on it and even though I knew the aftermath of the stunt I pulled wasn’t going to be pretty…

    I was prepared for it.

    “Congrattions for officially cutting both Adrian and Seraphina off.” She shot me a proud smile.

    Thank you, baby. Although, I don’t think that dumbass Adrian got the message because he hasn’t stopped blowing up my phone with calls and messages,no matter how many times I block him.” My tone was filled with annoyance.

    “So all of a sudden now he’s clingy? That’s rich.” Talia scoffed.

    “I know, right?”

    “That reminds me… I didn’t see him in any of the videos.” Talia noted.

    “That’s because he wasn’t there.” I exined.

    “Oh.” Her tone held confusion.

    The invitation was strictly for Seraphina alone. No plus-one allowed,” I borated. “Aside from the fact that I didn’t want to deal with both of them the same night, I didn’t want Lucian to misunderstand if he saw Adrian there. Plus, with the way Adrian’s been actingtely, he was bound to approach me,and that wouldn’t have ended well for him or me.”

    “That makes sense.” She nodded in understanding.

    “Speak of the devil.” I muttered, showing her my phone screen as it began to ring, with Adrian’s name shing across it.

    Thankfully, Talia had installed a chip on my phone that showed me the caller’s name as long as the number was registered under the same information.

    “Maybe he’s calling to know why you embarrassed his babygirl.” Talia chuckled.

    “Well, I don’t care.” I said with a shrug, ignoring the call, only for it to ring again a secondter.

    “Pick up.” Talia suddenly said, making me look at her like she had gone insane.

    “What? No! Why?”

    “Just humor me, please, Barbie doll. I’m bored, and I want to hear what he has to say.” She shrugged, as if that made it any

    better.

    “I’m d you find my unfortunate situation to be your source of entertainment.” I red at her.

    “Come on! I wasn’t able to witness the drama of the century, do this for me?”

    She ced her palms together in a pleading gesture, a pout on her lips and her forest green eyes wide with mischief.

    “Alright, fineee,” I groaned. “Just stop making that face.”

    Talia rarely used her puppy-dog face. She was a tough character who didn’t like looking soft. But the rare times she did… I always found myself doing her bidding.

    I answered the call.

    “Yes?” My tone was clipped and rude.

    “Babyyyy, why haven’t you been picking up my calls?” Adrian slurred from the other end.

    I shivered in disgust.

    Oh, hell no.

    I hung up immediately.

    ?Talia burst intoughter, her voice echoing around the vast space, drawing the attention of the few guards securing the perimeter.

    “Talia, stop it.” I muttered, unamused, but it only made herugh harder. She wiped tears from the corners of her eyes with her fingers as she struggled to contain herself.

    “You done?” I asked tly as I sat down on a smooth, t rock in front of the waterfall.

    “Alright, I’m done.” She said, though her words were still coated withughter. She took a seat beside me. “So, what’s the n now?”

    “Nothing that includes Adrian and Seraphina. I want to focus on Lucian and Alinova. But if they bring trouble to me, I’m more than happy to retaliate.” I said with a dark smile tugging at my lips.

    I knew this wasn’t the end of Seraphina. But whatever it was she was nning, I would be ready for her.