The wind howled outside her mansion, but inside, it was silent—too silent.
Raina stood by the window, staring into the dark city below, a glass of wine untouched in her hand.
Lucian had called.
She let the phone fall onto the velvet couch, still buzzing in the quiet.
> "Selena," she whispered to no one. "They think I'm here to grieve. They still don't get it."
Her fingers traced the rim of the glass before setting it down.
She moved to her desk—sleek, black, and sharp-edged like her.
She opened a drawer and pulled out a thick, leather-bound notebook.
Inside: names.
People from ten years ago. People who lied. Covered up. Disappeared when Selena needed them most.
Including Chloe.
She flipped the page.
"Phase One: Break Their Masks."
She circled Chloe's name in red ink.
Then she picked up her phone and sent a single message.
> TO: Unknown Number
SEND IT. Now.
Ten minutes later, every major tabloid in the city lit up with the headline:
> "CEO Chloe Bell: Secret Ties to Billionaire Lucian Durante Before Selena's Death?"
Photos attached. Edited recordings. Hints of manipulation. Enough to start the storm.
Raina watched the news spread like wildfire.
She didn't smile.
She didn't blink.
> "The world they built on lies," she whispered, "I'll burn it with the truth."
And with that, she turned off the lights and disappeared into the shadows of her home.
The chessboard was set.
And the queen had made her first move.
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