Arabella's name was everywhere.
From scandal to sensation, the world was watching. And tonight, she intended to give them a show they'd never forget.
The V-Tech Charity Gala was the social event of the season. Celebrities, investors, and media powerhouses gathered under crystal chandeliers and gold-lit domes.
Cassian arrived first — all sleek black suit and icy elegance.
But when Arabella walked in… the room fell silent.
She wore a flamingo-pink gown, slit high, with glittering heels that sparkled like stardust. Her lips were crimson. Her expression? Untouchable.
Barbie had arrived.
---
Reporters crowded near.
"Mrs. Vale! Is it true your marriage is on the rocks?"
"Arabella, are the cheating rumors true?"
"Did you leak the files to sabotage your husband?"
Arabella smiled sweetly, one hand on her hip.
"I came here to raise money for children's tech education," she said. "But if you'd rather talk about fairytales, I'll remind you: mine has one prince, one crown, and zero room for frogs."
The crowd laughed.
Cassian's lips twitched at the corners.
She still had it.
---
Inside, the auction began. Arabella took the stage beside Cassian to introduce a new partnership: the Quinn-Vale Foundation for Girls in Code.
But just as she finished speaking, a waiter passed Cassian a note on a silver tray.
It was unsigned. One sentence.
> "If she knew the real reason Alyssa died, she'd run in those heels."
Cassian turned pale.
Arabella noticed.
"What is it?" she whispered, reaching for the note.
He didn't let her see.
Not yet.
---
Later, on the balcony, Arabella pressed him.
"Cassian… tell me what's going on."
He looked at her, troubled. "There's something I never told you. About Alyssa. About… that night."
Arabella froze.
"Did you—?"
"No," he said firmly. "But someone close to me did. Someone whose name we never considered."
He took her hand.
"I think the car wasn't just an accident. I think she was chased."
---
Arabella's heart pounded.
"Chased by who?"
Cassian's eyes darkened.
"…My stepmother."
---