Chapter 28 — Checkmate ❄️👑
Jay's POV
The banquet was thinning out—reporters packing their cameras, CEOs finishing their goodbyes, Section E buzzing like they'd just won a championship.
But the note burned in my pocket. Not with fear—no. With clarity.
I already knew who "P" was. And tonight, I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of chasing me. I'd end this my way.
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The Encounter
The terrace was quiet, moonlight spilling silver across marble floors. And there he was, leaning casually against the railing like he'd been waiting for me all along.
The phantom.
"Brave of you to meet me alone," he drawled, smirk sharp as glass.
I raised an eyebrow. "Brave of you to assume I'm alone."
His eyes flicked to the shadows where he probably suspected Keifer or Angelo might be hiding. But they weren't. It was just me.
"Still pretending?" he murmured. "How long before that pretty empire of yours crumbles under the truth?"
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I stepped closer, heels echoing like a countdown. My voice was cool, calm, lethal.
"You keep talking about masks and shadows," I said softly, "but here's the difference between you and me—"
I leaned in, close enough that my words brushed his ear.
"—I don't hide. I choose."
His smirk faltered. Just a flicker, but enough.
I straightened, chin high, gaze steady. "Crownveil doesn't bow to whispers. And neither do I. Remember that the next time you try to rattle me, Phantom."
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Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked back inside. Not running. Not shaken. Every step deliberate, every eye on me as if the entire hall knew I'd just won a war no one else saw.
Behind me, I felt his stare like ice on my skin. Silent. Beaten—for now.
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End of Chapter 28 — Checkmate ❄️👑
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