CHAPTER 27

Chapter 27: The Faceless Flame

(Florida's POV)

The air in the Kings' mansion had turned cold again. Not the kind of chill that came from polished marble floors or drafty hallways — this was colder. Sharper. It carried Bryant's silence like frost on glass.

Florida could feel it the moment she stepped into the breakfast room. He was there, sitting at the far end of the table with a glass of black coffee, phone in hand, but eyes… on her.

Not a word passed between them.

Not good morning.

Not I saw your sister here yesterday.

Not even why did you lie about where you were?

Just... watching.

She quietly picked at the edge of her toast and forced herself to chew. Across the table, Mina moved like a shadow, her hands busy, her eyes flickering up at Florida with concern.

She knew.

Not everything. But she knew enough.

After all, she had found the bruises. She had helped clean the cuts. And she was the only person who noticed when Florida's smile didn't quite reach her eyes.

---

That Afternoon

Florida sat in her room with her laptop open on her lap, fingers trembling over the trackpad. The email had arrived hours ago.

> From: Noir Texture Studio

Subject: Final Confirmation – Private Interview Invitation

Time: 2:11 PM

> "Miss FLD, we understand your need for anonymity. However, the final stage of our selection process requires an in-person discussion.

We promise full discretion and no photography.

If we do not receive a confirmation by midnight, your slot will be reassigned.

— Noir Texture Team"

She'd stared at those words until her eyes ached.

In-person.

Breaking the contract.

Risking everything.

Bryant's words echoed in her mind from months ago.

> "You can do whatever you want. Just not outside this house."

"You're not my wife in public."

"Remember the rules."

He made it sound like she was a pet on a leash. But that was then. And this... this was her life.

Florida slowly opened a hidden compartment under her desk drawer, pulling out a slim silver folder. Inside were rough drafts, fabric patterns, handwritten notes… dreams.

No names. No identifiers. Just art.

If I let this go, I'll disappear for real.

She closed her eyes. Then typed her reply.

> "Yes. I'll be there."

She hit send.

Then deleted the trail.

Inbox, trash, archive — cleared.

She shut the laptop with a quiet click.

---

Evening

Mina entered the room just as Florida tucked away the silver folder. The girl paused at the doorway, head tilted.

"You're going out?" she asked gently.

Florida didn't answer right away. "It's just for a few hours. I'll be back before anyone notices."

Mina hesitated, then nodded once. "I'll say you went to check on your aunt."

"She doesn't exist."

"She does now."

Florida smiled, the kind of smile that never reached her eyes. "Thank you."

Mina handed her a tiny USB. "Just in case. It wipes camera systems. One of the boys coded it."

Florida blinked at her. "The boys?"

Mina only shrugged, her grin sly. "Let's just say… you're not the only genius in this house."

---

Nightfall

She had just slipped her phone into her bag when she heard the door creak behind her.

Bryant.

Standing in the doorway, one hand still on the handle. His gaze swept the room. The closed laptop. The bag. The change of shoes.

His voice was quiet — almost casual.

> "Where are you going tomorrow?"

Florida froze.

Every bone in her body stiffened as she turned to face him. "Nowhere important," she said.

He stared at her. Hard.

She stared back.

The silence stretched long between them, like a string drawn tight.

Then he nodded once.

But his eyes didn't believe her.

And she knew, with chilling certainty, that this was only the beginning of the storm.

---

End of Chapter 27