Chapter 3

The shock settled into a dull, aching horror.

I replayed their words in my head, over and over.

"Convenient."

"She took the fall."

"Vivian has things under control."

I started to watch them. Really watch them.

Marcus was solicitous, but his eyes were calculating.

Leo avoided me, guilt etched on his young face.

One morning, I went to Marcus' s study, looking for a book.

His laptop was open. An email thread.

From Vivian.

Full of shared intimacies, plans, casual mentions of Aegis business.

Her signature: "Vivian Hayes, Chief Archivist, Aegis Corp."

My old title. My old office.

I saw a picture attached. Vivian, smiling, in an office that was unmistakably mine. Re-decorated, but mine.

Marcus walked in.

"Eleanor? What are you doing?"

I quickly closed the laptop. "Just looking for something to read."

He didn't believe me. I saw the suspicion in his eyes.

Later that week, my father, Mr. Harrison, came to visit.

I had hoped for some comfort, some sign of paternal concern.

He sat stiffly on the sofa, his gaze critical.

"Eleanor, you need to understand the gravity of your situation."

My situation? The one they created?

"You must keep a low profile. No more embarrassment to the family."

He cleared his throat. "Vivian, on the other hand, has been a great asset. She' s doing wonderfully at Aegis. Making a real name for herself."

He praised Vivian. My sister, who orchestrated my ruin.

He didn't ask how I was. He didn't mention Ironwood.

Just reputation. Appearances.

Leo started spending more time with Vivian.

I' d hear him on the phone, "Aunt Viv, can you help me with this?" or "Aunt Viv, that was so cool."

The affection in his voice was a fresh stab of pain. He never spoke to me like that anymore.

He openly doted on her.

One evening, Marcus approached me, his expression serious.

"Eleanor, there's an Aegis corporate gala next month. Celebrating a new era of security."

A bitter laugh almost escaped me.

"Vivian is fronting it, of course," he continued, oblivious. "It' s important for the company. And it' s important for us."

"Us?"

"Yes. I need you there. By my side. We need to present a united front. Show everyone you' re... rehabilitated. That we' re a family."

Rehabilitated. Like a stray dog they' d decided to keep.

He needed me as a prop.

The pieces of their betrayal were slotting together, forming a hideous, complete picture.

My naivete felt like a heavy cloak I could no longer bear.

The trust I' d tried to rekindle had been snuffed out, replaced by a cold, growing anger.

They thought I was still broken.

They were wrong.