Chapter 7

The morning sun filtered through the dirty basement window. Adeline sat on the floor, stretching her limbs, preparing her body for the physical toll of the night ahead.

She reached into her hair, expertly weaving two ultra-thin surgical needles into her messy bun.

Heavy footsteps echoed on the stairs. The butler opened the door, followed by two snobby stylists. "Get her ready," the butler sneered.

Adeline instantly dropped her shoulders, letting her mouth hang open slightly. She let the stylists drag her upstairs.

In the guest room, they tossed a hideous, outdated, cheap pink lace dress onto the bed. Katrina's doing. She wanted Adeline to look like a clown next to Damaris.

Adeline clapped her hands. "Pretty pink!" she cheered, slipping into the scratchy fabric.

Down the hall, Damaris's room looked like a runway backstage. Damaris stood in front of a full-length mirror, wearing a stunning, custom-made silver gown.

Katrina walked in, holding a heavy velvet jewelry box. She opened it. Inside sat a breathtaking diamond necklace, the stones cut with flawless precision.

"The Herring family sent this this morning," Katrina whispered. "For the future Mrs. Herring to wear tonight."

Damaris's eyes widened with pure greed. She didn't hesitate. She snatched the necklace and fastened it around her own neck. "It looks better on me anyway. That retard would just break it."

Adeline, pretending to wander the hallway, saw everything through the cracked door.

She didn't feel angry. She felt a surge of dark amusement. Damaris's vanity was going to be the perfect weapon.

Adeline went back to her room. With quick, precise movements, she used a sewing needle to create hidden pockets inside the tulle of her pink dress, slipping in her lockpicks and micro-phone.

By late afternoon, the estate was buzzing. Ewell stood by the front door, checking his Rolex. He glared at Adeline, who was sitting on the floor playing with a loose thread.

"Keep your head down tonight. Don't speak. Don't eat unless told," Ewell barked.

Adeline nodded frantically, shrinking away from him.

Damaris walked down the grand staircase. The diamonds sparkled against her skin. She looked at Adeline's pink dress and laughed out loud. "You look like a cheap cupcake. Stay out of my way tonight."

Adeline smiled vacantly. Enjoy the diamonds while you can, peacock.

Ewell led them out to the waiting stretch Lincoln. Damaris suddenly stopped. "Oh, I forgot my lipstick. I'll be right back."

Damaris ran back inside. As she passed Adeline in the foyer, her face twisted into an ugly sneer. "You aren't going anywhere tonight."

Damaris shoved Adeline hard.

Adeline stumbled backward, tumbling down the stairs into the basement. She hit the ground, faking a cry of pain.

The heavy iron door slammed shut. The lock clicked into place. Damaris tossed the key into a decorative vase and ran out to the car.

"She threw a tantrum," Damaris lied to Ewell. "She ran to the backyard to play in the mud. She refuses to come."

Ewell checked his watch again, his face tight with anxiety. "Forget her. As long as I sign the papers, Herring won't care. Drive."

The Lincoln pulled away.

Down in the dark basement, Adeline stood up. She brushed the dust off her pink dress. She reached into her hair and pulled out the surgical needle.

She walked up the stairs to the locked iron door.