Audrey's POV
I looked at Pearl, at the genuine confusion and gratitude in her eyes, and I made a choice. Not the calculated one—just the honest one.
"I did have a motive," I admitted. "I knew something might happen tonight. Not exactly what, but i came mentally prepared ."
Pearl's expression flickered—hurt, understanding, resignation.
"But even if I didn't have a reason," I continued, "even if I was just some random person at your party with no stake in any of this... I would have helped. If I could, I would have. Because watching someone get hurt when you have the ability to stop it? That's not something I can live with."
Pearl was quiet for a long moment. Then she squeezed my hand again.
"Tell me what you want," she said, her voice fierce despite its weakness. "Anything. Money, connections, favors—I don't care how big or how difficult. If it's within my power, it's yours. Just name it."
