Chapter 7

Tess pulled Harlene into a darker corner. "What the hell are you doing?" she demanded. "You're painting a target on your back."

Harlene smoothed the skirt of her red dress. "Targets are the best way to lure out the hunters."

Tess sighed, rubbing her temples. "Dennis and Jailyn are plotting something. I saw them in the corner."

Harlene followed Tess's gaze. Jailyn was walking toward Estella, two glasses of champagne in hand.

Instead of awkwardness, the two women embraced like old friends.

Harlene's mind raced. The puzzle pieces clicked together. Jailyn wasn't Dennis's dirty secret. She was Estella's weapon.

Estella hadn't just stolen her parents' affection. She was orchestrating the public destruction of Harlene's love life.

Tess looked at her, worried. "Harlene, are you okay?"

Harlene's fingers brushed the hilt of the dagger at her waist. A slow, icy smile spread across her face. "If they want a show, I'll give them one they'll never forget."

Estella noticed them. She took Jailyn's arm and walked over, her smile that of a victor.

"Harlene," Estella said, her voice sugary sweet. She then turned to a nearby senator, her expression shifting to one of deep concern, though her voice remained loud enough for Harlene to hear. "It's my fault, Senator. I shouldn't have worn this. It must be triggering for her. The doctors warned us she's been off her medication."

Jailyn stepped up, her chin raised. "He trusts me now. More than he ever trusted you."

Harlene let out a soft laugh. She looked from one face to the other. "Birds of a feather. It's disgusting."

Estella put a hand to her chest, feigning hurt. "You're always so hostile. It breaks my heart."

The people around them turned to stare, their judgment palpable.

Harlene took a step forward. Estella flinched back.

Harlene didn't attack. She looked past Estella's shoulder. "Any special plans for the finale?" she asked casually.

Estella blinked, confused by the shift. "The award was the finale."

"Boring," Harlene said, shaking her head. "It needs more... spark."

Jailyn scoffed. "What are you going to do? Have another breakdown?"

Harlene turned her gaze to Jailyn. Her eyes were flat and empty. "Like bleeding out on stage?"

Jailyn's hand shook, her champagne sloshing over the rim.

Estella grabbed Jailyn's arm. "Let's go. She's lost it."

As they turned away, Harlene's eyes locked onto Estella's dress. The light hit the embroidery, illuminating the intricate pattern.

The air left Harlene's lungs. She recognized that pattern. It was the Beaumont family crest, woven in silver thread over a century ago.

It was her grandmother's dress.