5
423words
They didn't fear blackmail—they feared I'd die,and they’d in prison.
I smirked,revealing the scar on my scalp,luring them to a spot with surveillance cameras.
"Your dad called.Said to watch you.$100 a day."
"I'll pay$500."
"It's not about money.We want to mess you up.But don't worry,cameras mean we won't go too far."
The limping one pointed at the camera,grinning uglily.
I finally shook them off after half a month.My mom sent me to collect my sister's body.The Harpers handled my visa.
En route,I met Caleb Nash.He caught me nearly fainting at the airport,asking a flight attendant to look after me.
The weather was beautiful that day,but my sister was skeletal.
Her cherished hair was matted with filth,with bruises everywhere on her body,foaming at the mouth when she died.
I swore I'd return and avenge her.
I did,and I thrived.Ethan started valuing my thoughts.
"Jessica's hosting a charity auction,inviting all staff,specifically you."
Ethan hesitated,his gaze softening.
"She invited me?Then there must be something I can afford.I'm going!"
"I you don’t wanna go,I'll take you to see the city's nightlife.It's stunning."
"I want to go.Besides,hasn't Jessica changed?She won't mess with me,right?"
Ethan didn't reply,just had the butler pick out dresses for me.
Who'd guess my outfit matched Caleb's colors?Ethan's face soured before entering.
"Go change."
"Nope."
"Ethan's so controlling,denying Wendy her style.Unlike me—I support whatever she does."
Caleb's snarky comment made onlookers laugh.
At Jessica's gala,she was the star.
I jujst stood in a corner,matching faces and names to my sister's tormentors.
Couples kissed nearby.Trying to walk away,I accidentally knocked over someone's drink.
"You blind?"
"Sorry,didn't mean to."
"Oh,Ethan's chef?Dressed like this?Bad luck."
"Kid,to climb the ladder,learn what we like first.This is just pathetic."
The guy's taunt drew eyes.I glanced at my all-black gown wrapping me tight head-to-toe.
I wasn’t comparing to poised heiresses,but a girl my age should at least radiate youth,not be a lifeless pool like me.
Before I could retort,Jessica took the stage.
"Thank you all for coming.This auction aids homeless children suffering drought.Let's pray for them and participate generously."
The auction buzzed with bids on varied items.I grew bored.
Then Jessica revealed the final piece:a worn necklace.
"This auction's unique.Bidders must take the stage,complete a challenge,and earn the crowd's gasps to win."
It was the necklace I had placed in my sister's urn.For a moment I felt like I would faint,staring at Jessica's smug grin.
Ethan tried to grab me,but I stepped onto the stage.
