The next morning, the sun poured through the Sinclair estate's tall windows, bathing the living room in golden light. But Maria Sinclair's mood was far from bright.
Across from her, Dana sipped her green tea like the picture of poise and sweetness. Her glossy hair fell in perfect waves, her designer blouse crisp and elegant. She looked like the ideal best friend. The kind of woman you'd trust with your secrets.
Maria forced a smile, the same one she'd worn the morning after Dana's betrayal in her past life. The irony made her stomach twist.
"Are you excited?" Dana asked cheerfully, stirring her tea. "Tomorrow's the big day. You'll be officially claimed by the most eligible bachelor in the country. Maria Ross—it has such a regal ring to it."
Claimed.
Maria took a calm sip of her tea to cover the sour taste in her mouth.
"I suppose I should be more nervous," she said, feigning bashfulness. "But Ian's been surprisingly... present lately. Maybe he's trying harder."
Dana raised a perfectly groomed brow. "Really? He always seemed so distant. I figured it was one of those cold CEO things."
Maria chuckled, hiding the sharpness in her eyes. "You know me. I like a challenge."
Dana smiled, but her eyes flickered—just for a second.
Maria saw it. The flash of irritation. The jealousy.
Good.
She leaned in and lowered her voice, pretending to confide. "Actually, he kissed me yesterday. Out of nowhere."
Dana's hand paused mid-stir.
Maria went on, acting shy. "It wasn't even planned. I think he's starting to fall for me."
Dana let out a high-pitched laugh, slightly forced. "Well, about time. I was beginning to think he wasn't capable of affection."
"Oh, he's capable," Maria said softly. "Very capable."
---
After brunch, they headed to one of the elite day spas in the city. In her past life, this had been one of Maria's favorite places—an oasis of peace. She hadn't known back then that Dana used these outings to dig for personal information, only to later twist it into gossip or manipulation.
Today, Maria would give her something to chew on.
The two women sat in side-by-side chairs, feet soaking in warm rose-scented water as attendants massaged their calves.
Dana leaned back, sighing dramatically. "You know, once you become Mrs. Ross, everything changes."
Maria glanced at her. "How do you mean?"
Dana shrugged. "Your freedom, your choices. Ian's not exactly... flexible. He likes control. Especially over women."
Maria played her part well, acting surprised but not overly concerned. "He's never tried to control me."
"Yet," Dana said with a slight smirk. "But you'll see. Men like Ian don't tolerate disobedience. Or secrets."
Neither do manipulative best friends who seduce other people's husbands, Maria thought.
She gave Dana a soft, fake-laugh. "Good thing I'm not planning on keeping any secrets."
"Oh, come on, Maria." Dana sat up, eyes glinting. "Everyone has secrets."
Maria paused, then smiled sweetly. "Yes. But some of us are better at keeping them hidden."
The smile froze on Dana's lips.
---
Later that afternoon, they shopped at a private boutique Dana loved. In her past life, Maria had believed Dana brought her here out of sisterly affection. Now she realized it was always about showing off control—about reminding Maria who pulled the strings.
Not anymore.
Maria picked out a pale champagne-colored dress for the engagement party—elegant, understated, powerful. Dana immediately wrinkled her nose.
"That's not really your style."
Maria held it up against her body in the mirror. "No. It's better."
Dana frowned. "People expect you to look soft. You know, romantic. Not like a... boardroom dominatrix."
Maria turned to her slowly, her voice calm. "What's wrong with looking like someone in charge?"
Dana blinked.
Maria smiled and returned to the dressing room.