Across the estate, Evelina sat in her parlor, a triumphant smile playing on her lips. She held a sealed letter in her hand, its contents damning enough to bring Seraphina—no, Amelia—crashing down.
Clara, her loyal maid, stood nearby, her hands folded nervously. "Are you sure this is wise, my lady? If this backfires…"
"It won't," Evelina interrupted, her tone sharp. "Seraphina has lost her edge. She's vulnerable, and it's time we finish what we started."
"But Lord Cedric…" Clara hesitated. "He still seems… conflicted."
Evelina's smile widened. "That's because he doesn't see the truth yet. But he will. And when he does, he'll realize she's not the woman he thought she was."
-----
The Brewing Storm.
Amelia spent the rest of the evening poring over Seraphina's journals, desperate to find some clue, some strategy to regain control. But every page seemed to echo the same message: Seraphina's world was built on alliances and trust, and now both were slipping through her fingers.
The only question was whether she could salvage what was left before Evelina's plots destroyed her completely.
And somewhere in the shadows, the real Seraphina—trapped in Amela's body—watched, waiting for her moment to strike.
-----
Dance of Deception
The grand hall was alive with activity once more, as Evelina hosted a soirée under the guise of strengthening alliances. Chandeliers glimmered above, casting their light on nobles draped in the finest silks and jewels. Conversations floated through the air, laced with veiled insults and hidden intentions.
Amelia, still inhabiting Seraphina's body, stood near the edge of the room, her posture as regal as she could muster. Her mind raced, trying to anticipate Evelina's next move while maintaining the façade of composure.
From across the room, Evelina approached, her gown shimmering like liquid gold. Her smile was wide, but her eyes betrayed nothing but malice. "Lady Seraphina," Evelina greeted, her tone dripping with false sweetness. "How lovely of you to join us. I was beginning to think you'd forgotten how to socialize."
Amelia tilted her head slightly, forcing a smirk. "I wouldn't miss an event orchestrated by you, Evelina. Your parties are always so… enlightening."
Evelina's smile faltered for a fraction of a second before recovering. "I aim to please. Tell me, how are you finding the evening?"
Amelia held her gaze, refusing to look away. "Fascinating, as always. It's remarkable how some people can thrive in the chaos of whispers and schemes."
Evelina chuckled, though there was no humor in it. "Indeed. But then, you've always been one to rise above such things, haven't you?"Their words were polite, but the tension between them was palpable, drawing the attention of nearby guests.
---
Cedric's Intervention
Before Evelina could press further, Cedric stepped in, his dark gaze sweeping over both women.
"Lady Seraphina," he said, inclining his head slightly. "Would you care for a dance?"
Amelia hesitated. She hadn't expected him to intervene, and the idea of dancing with him while under Evelina's watchful eye sent her pulse racing. But she knew refusing would only raise suspicions.
"Of course," she replied, placing her hand in his.As they moved to the center of the room, the music swelled, and the other guests parted to watch. Cedric's grip was firm yet gentle as he led her through the steps, his expression unreadable.
"You're playing a dangerous game, Seraphina," he murmured, his voice low enough that only she could hear.
Amelia swallowed hard, keeping her gaze steady. "Aren't we all?"
He tightened his hold slightly, his eyes narrowing. "I'm serious. Evelina won't stop until she's destroyed you. And you've made it far too easy for her."
Amelia's heart pounded in her chest, but she refused to let her fear show. "I appreciate your concern, Cedric, but I can handle Evelina."