Chapter 15: Aftershocks

The yacht party kicked into overdrive.

Music thumped from Bluetooth speakers, the dance floor packed with the city’s elite. I moved through the crowd, collecting compliments and secrets.

Thanks to my performance, a steady stream of people came to greet me, and Harrison was soon called away.

He vanished into a knot of executives, leaving me to fend off Harper’s glare.

Harper brought two glasses of wine, her smile tight. “Let’s bury the hatchet, okay?”

Her voice was sweet, but her eyes were cold. I took the glass, pretending not to notice her trembling hands.

Her stiff face, trembling fingers, and the jealousy burning in her eyes made it obvious—the wine was spiked.

I caught the sharp tang of something bitter under the fruitiness. I smiled, swirling the glass.

With a simple trick, I swapped the glasses. After drinking, Harper’s face flushed an unnatural red.

She tried to play it cool, but the flush crept up her neck, her eyes glassy. I watched her stumble, feigning concern.

So it’s that old trick…

I sighed inwardly, disappointed by her lack of imagination. She really thought she could outsmart me?

I flagged down a waiter and handed her off: “My sister’s had too much—please take her to my room. I’ll check on her later.”

The waiter nodded, guiding her gently. I watched her go, a twinge of pity in my chest.

Watching Harper stagger away, I picked up another glass.

The bubbles tickled my nose, the taste crisp and cold. I sipped, savoring the win.

“You didn’t even hesitate.”

Harrison appeared behind me, sipping his whiskey.

His voice was low, amused. I turned, meeting his gaze over the rim of my glass.

“If she wanted to play the innocent little sister, pulling baby pranks, I’d humor her. But this—this is just lazy.”

I shrugged, letting my indifference show. He grinned, clearly enjoying my ruthlessness.

I looked at Harrison, lips curling: “What? Gonna call me heartless?”

I cocked my head, daring him to judge me. He shook his head, laughter in his eyes.

“No.”

Harrison’s smile sharpened, his features taking on a wicked edge. “If anything, I think you’re even more interesting now. I admire you.”

He leaned in, his breath warm on my cheek. I let him see my satisfaction, the thrill of the game.

“Then will you have a sea burial with me?”

I raised my glass, toasting to our shared madness. He clinked his glass to mine, his smile dangerous.

“Hmm… I think I could.”

His answer was soft, almost reverent. I let the promise linger, savoring the anticipation.

The door to my room was busted open. When everyone rushed in, chaos erupted.

Shouts, running footsteps. I stood in the hallway, watching the show with practiced calm.

What was supposed to be a two-day cruise ended in a frantic, early return.

People packed up in a panic, the party mood shattered. The rumor mill spun out of control, secrets flying like confetti.

Harper cried until she nearly passed out, cursing me and swearing she’d kill me.

Mascara streaked down her cheeks, voice hoarse from screaming. I watched from a safe distance, arms folded.