Chapter 204
Chapter 204:
“What about my negatives?” Abbie asked, her performance flawless.
“Be patient. Once I’ve finished with her, I’ll give them back,” Alycia said lightly, and ended the call.
Abbie lowered the phone. The tears vanished from her face in an instant. She pressed save on her recording app, capturing every word of the conversation.
Back in the corner office, June stood at the window, looking through the blinds toward the restroom corridor. A cold, quiet smile touched her lips. The trap was set, and the prey had walked straight in.
A moment later, her phone vibrated on the desk. A message from Brogan: I know you’re under pressure, but that wasn’t like you. If you need to talk, I’m here.
June glanced at it, her expression unreadable, and set the phone face-down.
There was a larger game to finish first.
On Friday evening, the soft ambient lighting of a Michelin three-star restaurant on Manhattan’s Upper East Side cast a warm glow across the dining room. A cellist played a smooth classical piece in the corner, the notes drifting through the hushed, elegant space.
Vera occupied the best table by the floor-to-ceiling window. She wore a striking, custom red haute couture gown that followed every line of her figure with precision. She took a slow sip of vintage wine, her sharp eyes moving unhurriedly across the room.
A slight disturbance at the entrance broke the atmosphere.
Alycia Beasley walked in wearing a pristine white Chanel suit, flanked by three wealthy socialites, her chin tilted at an angle that broadcast absolute self-satisfaction.
𝖣оn’𝗍 m𝘪𝘴𝗌 n𝖾𝘄 𝘳e𝗹𝖾𝖺sеѕ 𝘰𝗇 ѕ.сo𝗆
Through the sparkling refraction of the chandelier above, Vera’s gaze found Alycia’s practiced smile instantly. Her expression turned to ice.
She set her silver fork down with a quiet, deliberate clink against the porcelain.
“Cole specifically reserved this table for me,” Alycia announced to her companions, pitching her voice to carry. “He knows how much I love the caviar here. He always makes sure I get the best p>
Vera let out a short, cold laugh.
She pushed back her chair, rose to her full height, and walked in a straight, unhurried line directly toward Alycia’s table. Her red stilettos struck the polished hardwood in a slow, deliberate rhythm.
She stopped in front of Alycia and looked down at her.
Alycia looked up. Her smile froze.
She recognized Vera immediately — June’s formidable best friend, and the last person she wanted to see.
Vera circled the table slowly, her eyes moving over the white Chanel suit with theatrical contempt.
“Bridal white Chanel,” Vera said, her voice low and carrying with perfect clarity. “How painfully on the nose. Are you trying to convince the room of your purity, or just yourself p>
Alycia’s jaw tightened. “I don’t know who you think you are p>
“Oh, but you do,” Vera interrupted, leaning in until her voice was a whisper pitched for the entire table. “I’m the one who knows that underneath all that white, you are nothing but a calculating fraud p>