Chapter 4

The next morning, I am a new woman.

The last vestiges of the old, naive Gabby are gone, burned away by the truth I heard on the deck.

I come down for breakfast, smiling, refreshed.

Caleb looks at me, a flicker of suspicion in his eyes. "You slept well."

"Like a baby," I chirp, pouring myself some coffee. "I guess the sea air agrees with me."

Molly watches me, her eyes narrowed. She' s trying to read me, to see if I suspect anything. I give her nothing but sunshine and warmth.

Later that day, I find her alone by the pool. She' s scrolling through her phone, a pout on her face. She' s impatient.

I sit down next to her.

"Molly," I say, my voice conspiratorial. "I need to talk to you about something."

She puts her phone down, instantly alert. "What is it?"

"It' s about Caleb," I say, sighing dramatically. "I love him, I really do. But... he' s not ambitious enough for you."

Her eyes widen. This is not what she expected.

"What do you mean?"

"I see the way you are," I continue, leaning in closer. "You' re brilliant, you' re hungry. You deserve the world. Caleb... he can give you a comfortable life. A nice house, a few vacations. But he' s playing in the minor leagues."

I can see the gears turning in her head. Her greed is a tangible thing, an ugly hunger in her eyes.

"I know people, Molly," I say, lowering my voice. "Real players. Men who own cities, not just portfolios. I was thinking... maybe it' s time I introduced you to someone. Someone who can really appreciate a woman like you. Someone who can give you the life you truly deserve."

Her mask of friendship is gone. Now, it' s pure, unadulterated avarice.

"Who?" she breathes.

I smile. "His name is Wesley Blakely."

I watch the name register. Even in her circle of ambitious Stanford students, the name is infamous. A legendary Hollywood producer. Incredibly powerful, incredibly rich, and notoriously depraved.

"Wesley Blakely?" she repeats, her voice filled with awe. "You know him?"

"My father did business with him years ago," I lie easily. "He' s... an acquired taste. But for the right person, he can open any door. He' s hosting a very private party at the Chateau Marmont in a couple of weeks. I can get you an invitation. A private meeting."

I let the words hang in the air. A private meeting. An introduction to the inner circle.

This is the bait. And she is a very, very hungry fish.

"You would do that for me?" she asks, her voice thick with fake gratitude.

"Of course," I say, patting her hand. "After everything you' ve done for me. It' s the least I can do."

She looks at me, her eyes shining. She thinks I' m the biggest fool in the world. She thinks this is her ticket out, her chance to leapfrog over Caleb and get everything she' s ever wanted.

She has no idea that I' m not giving her a key to the kingdom.

I' m leading her to the slaughterhouse.