chapter thirteen

From the sidelines,Sonia clenched her fists so tightly that her nails nearly broke skin.

This was not how tonight was supposed to go.

She had expected me to make a fool of myself,to stutter in front of the elite,to get ignored,to fade into the background like I did in my past life.

Instead,I was shining.

Anthony Wellington,the man every woman in the city

wants, is dancing with me.

Holding me, Looking at me as if I was someone who mattered.

Sonia took a deep breath,trying to steady her emotions. But she refused to accept this outcome.

No.

"Emily might have won this round,but I would make sure she regretted ever coming tonight"she thought to herself.

As the dance ended,Anthony spun me one last time

before dipping me gracefully. Applause erupted around us as he pulled me back up,his gaze never leaving mine.

"You dance well,"he murmured.

I smirked."You're not too bad yourself."

Anthony chuckled, but there was something thoughtful in his expression.

"This won't be the last time we see each

other,Emily."

I tilted my head."Are you sure about that?"

His smirk returned."I never say anything I'm unsure of."

Before I could respond,a servant approached him,

whispering something in his ear.Anthony's eyes darkened slightly,but he nodded before turning back to me.

"I have to step away for a moment,"he said smoothly.

"Enjoy the rest of the evening."

I gave him a graceful nod as he strode away,

disappearing into the crowd.

I exhaled slowly,allowing myself a moment to process.

Anthony Wellington was dangerous.He was powerful, influential,and perceptive. But if I played this right,he could also be a valuable ally.

But for now,I had other matters to attend to,like whatever Sonia was planning next.

As l turned, I caught her glaring at me from across the ballroom.

My so-called sister had been glaring at me the entire time, though she barely concealed it behind an air of polite disinterest. I had expected this.

Sonia had never been one to accept competition,least of all from me,whom she had

always considered beneath her,someone she thinks is from the slumps.

My lips curled slightly."You have no idea what I have in store for you,dear sister"I thought to myself as I walked over to where she was standing.

sonia saw me coming and,in an instant,schooled her

features into a mask of warmth. A smile fake,but

well-practiced graced her lips as she held out a delicate cup of champagne.

"Emily,"Sonia greeted smoothly,her voice coated in

honeyed sweetness.

"You must be tired after such an intense dance. Here, have a drink.""Emily,"

I slowed my steps,letting my gaze drop momentarily to the offered glass.The liquid within shimmered under the light, golden and inviting.

A spiked drink?How predictable.

"Thanks" I said and took a deliberate sip.

The bitterness of the hidden drug was faint,but noticeable to someone like me,who has knowledge of medicine. I drained the glass,setting it down with a soft clink on a nearby table.

Then,swaying slightly,I pressed a hand to my temple.

"Oh ... .I feel a little lightheaded"I said, staggering.

sonia's grip tightened around my wrist instantly,her

feigned concern evident.

"Emily?Are you alright?What's

happening to you?"

I let my eyes flutter shut,my body sagging slightly into Sonia's hold.

Checkmate.

Sonia barely wasted another second before slipping an arm around my waist,carefully steering me away from the crowded ballroom.

I smiled."Let the games begin"I thought to myself.