Chapter 2

"Colton just patched things up with Vivienne and threw a little party to celebrate. We sent you a message and you blocked us — come on, Clara, don't take your fight with Colton out on us."

"He's done pouting. You always show up eventually anyway, so just come in — everyone's waiting for you!"

I knocked their hands away.

"Sorry. The breakup is real."

The elevator doors opened. I stepped in — and a hand shot across the doorframe, blocking it.

"Clara, Vivienne's in there waiting for you. Don't push your luck—"

The slap landed before he finished his sentence.

"She's waiting for me, so I'm supposed to just show up? Who exactly do you think you all are?"

"You—!"

"All of you, get out of my way." I cut him off. "Don't make this any uglier than it needs to be."

"Why are you so worked up about this."

A familiar voice.

I turned. Colton was strolling over with Vivienne tucked under his arm, both of them smiling.

Vivienne was stunning in a couture gown encrusted with micro-diamonds. Most eye-catching of all were the twenty-four sapphires scattered across the bodice, catching the light with every step.

"I'm not even angry anymore — why is big sis still making a scene? Here, let me take you inside myself."

Vivienne grabbed my hand and squeezed — hard.

The treated gems on her ring sliced across my palm. I hissed sharply and wrenched my hand back.

"Don't touch me."

The sudden violence of the gesture made everyone freeze.

Colton's expression shifted. He stepped forward, still smiling, reaching for my arm.

"Baby, don't be upset. I'll take you in myself — Vivienne's in a good mood today, just give me some face. Come on."

"Back off."

I shoved him — two full steps back.

"I said the breakup is real. Can you not understand that? If you genuinely can't hear me, fine. I'll say it again, in front of everyone: we're done, Colton. It's over."

The smile on his face went rigid.

Someone snorted, barely suppressing a laugh.

"You think she means it or is she putting on a show?"

"Fake. Fifty bucks."

"A hundred."

"Ten thousand."

"Come on, none of you are betting she's serious? Then what are we even gambling on?"

"Fair point — toss in some real money. A hundred grand."

"No one's buying she means it? Then what's the point—"

Vivienne raised her hand.

"A million. I'll bet she's serious."

Laughter erupted.

Sharp eyes and grating laughter closed in around me. I clenched my fist.

The elevator doors slid open again. I turned and walked.

"Hey, sis, don't go!"

Vivienne lunged for me just as the doors were closing.

The impact was violent — she caught me half in the doorway, the metal edge slamming into my side. The elevator groaned and dropped — an abrupt, sickening lurch.

I stumbled and hit the floor.

Staring up at the elevator frozen halfway between floors, I didn't let myself think about what would've happened if I'd been a second slower.

I grabbed Vivienne's arm, pulling her toward me — and slapped her across the face.

"Do you have any idea what you just did?"

"Vivienne!"

Colton's composure shattered. He rushed forward to catch her, pulling her against his chest.

"Vivienne..."

His voice was trembling as his thumb gently traced the reddening mark on her cheek. Then he looked up at me.

Strange. Cold. A hatred he could barely contain.

A version of Colton I'd never seen before.

So that was how much Vivienne meant to him. Even after everything she'd done, she couldn't bear to receive even a single slap?

"Clara Ellsworth..."

His voice dropped to something dangerous.

The mutual friends understood immediately, closing in around me. I scanned the circle. Most of them were men — some nearly twice my width.

I lifted my chin and met Colton's eyes.

"What are you going to do?"

He hesitated.

I took a step toward him.

"Finish me off right here?"

The tendons in the back of his hand went taut.

I held his gaze. Didn't move an inch.

"Everyone, back off."

Colton bit down and straightened, helping Vivienne to her feet.

Vivienne stared at him.

"Colton? She hit me!"

"I said back off."

He repeated it, flat and final.

"Colton!"

Vivienne's jaw tightened, tears spilling fast.

But this time Colton didn't give in. He just shot me one last look, then took Vivienne's hand and walked away.

I closed my eyes and steadied myself.

I picked up my towel and swimsuit and took the stairs down to the pool.

What I didn't expect — when I came out of the shower — was that every stitch of my clothing had vanished.

"Oh my — who is this?"