(Jasper’s POV)


    I watch Scarlett’s retreating figure until she disappears through the auditorium doors, Lily’s small hand sped tight in hers. My chest feels hollow, like someone carved out my heart and forgot to put it back.


    But for the first time in four years, there’s something else there too. Hope. Fragile as spun ss, but there.


    She listened. She didn’t walk away when I spoke about her on that stage. <i>And </i>more importantly, she’s letting me spend time with Lily.


    “That went better than expected.”


    Virginia’s voice startles me out of my thoughts. I’d forgotten she was still here, hovering at my elbow like a shadow I can’t shake.


    “Yeah.” I run a hand through my hair, still processing what just happened. “Thank you. For the advice, I mean. You were right about the speech.”


    Her smile is perfect. Too perfect. “I told you she’d be receptive if you showed her you’ve changed.”


    Something cold settles in my stomach, but I push it aside. Virginia helped me tonight. Without her suggestion to make this speech about Scarlett, about us, I never would have found the courage to say what needed saying.


    “She seemed… softer somehow. Less guarded.” I can’t keep the hope out of my voice.


    “Of course she did. <i>You </i>finally told her what she’s always wanted to hear.” Virginia’s hand touches my arm, light as a feather. “That you love her. That you’ve always loved her.”


    The words shouldfort me, but they don’t. There’s something in her tone that makes my skin crawl. Something I can’t quite ce.


    “Virginia-”


    “You’re wee, by the way.” Her fingers tighten on my sleeve. “For helping you see what you needed to do.”


    I <i>look </i>down at her, really look, and for a split second I see something sh across her face. Something dark that makes my blood run cold.


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    But then it’s gone, reced by that sweet, innocent smile I’ve known for years. Only this time, I don’t fall for her innocent act.


    Not after what I read in those files.


    “I should go,” I say, suddenly desperate to get away from her. “It’ste.”


    “Of course. You have a lot to think about.” She releases my arm, but her eyes never leave my face. “Just remember, Jasper. Actions speak louder than words. If you really want Scarlett back, you’ll have to prove you’ve changed.”


    I nod and walk away, but her words follow me out into the parking lot, echoing in my head with an edge.


    (Virginia’s POV)


    I watch Jasper’s car disappear into the night, my perfect mask finally slipping now that I’m alone. The smile falls from my face like a stone dropping into still water.


    Stupid, foolish man. He actually thinks tonight went well. He thinks Scarlett is softening toward him, that my little speech suggestion worked in his favor.


    If only he knew.


    The real n is just beginning. Tonight was never about bringing them together. It was about making Scarlett remember what she lost. About making her vulnerable again. About making her believe, just for a moment, that maybe they could have what they once had.


    Because the higher you climb, the further you fall.


    I pull out my phone and scroll through the photos I took tonight. Jasper on stage, pouring his heart out. Scarlett in the audience, tears streaming down her face. The tender moment when he crouched down to hug Lily.


    Such a beautiful family reunion. Such a shame it won’tst.


    My finger hovers over a contact name I haven’t called in years. Dr. Rashid. The family doctor of the Stones who’s been so helpful all these years.


    <i>Soon</i>, very <i>soon</i>, Scarlett will understand that some dreams are too dangerous to chase. That some second chancese with a price she’s not willing to pay.


    I dial the number. <fndc34> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? FindN0vel</fndc34>


    “Dr. Rashid?<b>” </b>


    “Virginia, do you need to sound so formal? I’m your-”


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    “You’re nothing to me! Nothing! Don’t forget. I’m the precious daughter of the Stones now!”


    “Yes, yes…you’re Virginia Stone now. It’s apse in word. Don’t take it….”


    “I have another job for you.” I cut in, cold, professional. By the time I hang up, my smile has returned. Sweet, innocent, exactly the way I’ve practiced countless times in the mirror.


    After all, what are friends for if not to help each other get what they want?


    And what I want is for Scarlett Stone to disappear from our lives forever. One way or another.


    (Dorian’s POV)


    I arrived just as Scarlett was taking the stage, her voice clear and strong as she told her story to a room full of strangers. I stayed in the back, in the shadows, watching.


    Not her. I’ve heard her story before, lived through her struggles alongside her in my own way. No, I was watching Virginia Stone.


    The woman who’s been circling Scarlett like a vulture ever since she returned to this town.


    I watched her face during Scarlett’s speech. Saw the sh of jealousy when the audience apuded. The barely concealed rage when they gave her a standing ovation.


    But it was during Jasper’s speech that I saw the truth.


    While everyone else in that auditorium was moved by his words, his public deration of love and regret, Virginia had a look in her eyes that cannot be exined in words.


    I could see the burning resentment in her gaze, could practically smell the malice rolling off her in <i>waves</i>, as she red at Scarlett like a demon from the seventh level of hell.


    And <i>now</i>, as I watch from the parking lot, hidden behind a pir, I see her make a phone call. Her voice is too low to hear, but the satisfied smile on her face tells me everything I need to


    know.


    She’s nning something. Something that will hurt Scarlett and Lily.


    My hands clench into fists at my sides. I’ve spent weeks gathering evidence on Virginia Stone, but it’s <i>not </i>enough. Not nearly enough to convict her for the crimes I’m beginning to suspect.


    Scarlett and Lily walk past me toward Chloe’s car, Lily chattering excitedly about seeing her daddy. They’re so vulnerable, so unaware of the danger circling them.


    Virginia ends her call and slips her phone back into her purse, her mask of innocence sliding back into ce. She looks around the parking lot, her gaze sweeping right over my hiding


    < Chapter 78


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    For a moment, our eyes meet across the distance, and I see her freeze. There’s recognition there, and something else. Fear.


    Good. She should be afraid.


    She hurries to her car, herposure cracking just enough for me to see the real woman underneath. The one who’s been ying puppet master with Scarlett’s life for years.


    I wait until her taillights disappear before pulling out my own phone. Jasper answers on the second ring.


    “Dorian? It’ste-<b>” </b>


    “We need to talk,” I cut him off. “Tonight. It’s about Virginia, and it’s important.”


    There’s a pause, and I can hear the weariness in his voice when he responds.


    “What about her?”


    “Everything,” I say grimly, watching Scarlett and Lily drive away into the night. “You own Mickey’s Bar?”


    “Yes, but what is this about?”


    “Meet me at Mickey’s Bar in twenty minutes and you’ll find out. And Jasper? Come alone.”


    I end the call and stare up at the stars barely visible through the city lights. Somewhere out there, Virginia is setting whatever n she’s hatched into motion.


    But not if I can help it. Not if I have anything to say about it.


    It’s time Jasper learned the truth.


    Violet Moon


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