*Roanne’s POV*I was alone, the silence in my apartment deafening—a stark contrast to the chaos that had unfolded earlier. The heavy knock on my door shattered my solitude. My heart leapt, but when I saw it was Michael through the peephole, relief washed over me like a warm tide."Michael," I breathed as I flung the door open. His presence, so assured, enveloped the room. He was privilege and protection, wrapped in tailored clothes that clung to his athletic form."Roanne." His voice was a velvet caress. "What’s wrong?"Before he could finish his question, I was in his arms, clinging to him with a desperation I hadn't realized I possessed. I might not love him, but I cared so much for him, and everything that happened earlier just made me realize I couldn’t take Sebastian hurting him."Sebastian cornered me..." I began, my words tumbling out in a frantic whisper against the fabric of his shirt. I felt him stiffen, his hold tightening. I pulled back slightly, the intensity in his

*Roanne’s POV*The thump-thump of the bass from the speakers matched the erratic beat of my heart as I stepped into the event room, a space too small for the enormity of my paranoia. My fingers traced the delicate fabric of my dress, a shield against the stares that pricked my skin like needles. The forced smile on my lips felt as brittle as glass."Happy birthday, Roanne!" Lizzie, ever the effervescent soul, pulled me into a hug. Her voice, a soothing balm, cut through the loud noise."Make a wish that'll shake the stars," Anne Marie chimed in, her grin infectious. They were the ropes keeping my feet on the ground, their laughter a counter-melody to my internal tumult."Thanks, ladies," I managed, my voice a traitor to my distress. My gaze flitted across the room, catching sight of Lila, flushed and radiant, with Caleb and Nina crowding her like mischievous sprites. Their tipsy giggles punctuated the air, a reminder of simpler times."Is she drunk?" I whispered, a chuckle escap

*Roanne’s POV*Since Aaron came into the apartment and told us about Violet, Michael made one of the empty rooms his study. He wasn’t there all the time, but this morning he got himself inside and hasn't left since. What Aaron told me three nights ago, pushed my paranoia to new heights.Three nights ago many things happened, and Michael had been in his best behavior since, respecting my space, just small calls, placing things in his study, and working from there without interrupting me.The mahogany door of Michael’s private study was ajar, but it might as well have been a barricade. My heart thundered in my chest. I pushed it open with a trembling hand, the creak of hinges sounding like a scream in the silence."Michael," I said, stepping in. He sat there, settled in the leather chair comfortably."Roanne," he replied smoothly, as if we were nothing more than two old friends meeting for a casual chat. "What brings you here?""Michael," I stepped closer, my heels sinking into t

-Violet-Violet’s chest heaved with a silent, seething fury as she stood alone in the dimly lit corner of her private library. The shadows from the towering bookshelves danced across her sharp features, mirroring the dark thoughts that churned within her. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, the knuckles whitening with the grip of her rage."Those bastards," she whispered venomously, the words barely escaping her lips as if they were too dangerous to be fully unleashed into the world.The soft glow of her phone screen illuminated her pale face, casting an eerie light that made her green eyes flicker with malevolence. She scrolled through the encrypted messages, each one a confirmation that someone was prying, digging into the clandestine tapestry she had woven so meticulously around her Revenge Club.Her mind cascaded back to those earlier days, a rush of power and control flooding her senses. The flashbacks came in vivid bursts – the way the girls would look up to her, th

*Aaron’s POV*The moment the words left Blake’s mouth, a cold chill coiled around my spine. "She quit the club," Blake's voice was a low growl over the phone, I felt it urgent and laced with an undercurrent of anger. I knew Blake didn’t like the club, but he saw its use and remained inside for long because of it."Tail her," I snapped back without a second's hesitation. "Roanne's in the crosshairs now."I could almost hear the nod on the other end, Blake's silent acquiescence a testament to the gravity we both felt pressing down on us. Ending the call, my heart beating fast, anger clawing at my nerves because she was still ignoring me, concern and dark thoughts that pulled at my very core.With the phone still in my hand, I dialed her number. I needed to hear her. She picked up after the second ring. “Roanne,” I started.“I am sorry,” she cut the words I wanted to say. I wanted to curse her and scold her for running away from me, for ignoring my messages and calls, but her first