The Red Queen's Spectacular Rise After Betrayal

The flashbulbs went off like a supernova. A wall of blinding white light.

Gisele stepped out of the car. The silence that followed was louder than the applause had been for Daneen.

She walked. She didn't hurry. Every step was calculated. The red dress flowed around her like liquid fire. Her chin was high, her short hair catching the wind.

Evander saw her first. His jaw went slack. He took a step forward, instinct taking over, before he remembered who he was holding.

Daneen's grip on his arm tightened until her nails dug through his suit jacket. What is she doing here? she hissed. Get rid of her.

Gisele stopped three feet in front of them. The cameras were eating it up. The wife vs. the mistress. The white vs. the red.

Hello, sister, Gisele said. Her voice was calm, amplified by the sudden hush of the crowd.

Gisele, go home, Evander said, his voice straining to be low. You are making a scene.

A scene? Gisele smiled. I'm just here to admire the work.

She turned to the cameras, posing. She raised her left arm to smooth her hair. The movement revealed a diamond bracelet on her wrist. It was intricate, a lattice of gold and gems that looked like a sunburst.

A reporter gasped. That's the Eclipse! The prototype Sunny was rumored to be wearing!

Daneen's eyes went wide. That's mine! she shrieked, forgetting her poise. She stole it!

The cameras swung to Daneen.

Gisele didn't flinch. Stole it? That's a serious accusation. If it's yours, Daneen, surely you know how to open it?

Daneen faltered. Of course I do. It's... a clasp.

Show us, Gisele challenged. She extended her wrist.

Daneen reached out. Her hands were shaking. She fumbled with the bracelet, pulling at it, twisting it. It didn't budge.

It's stuck! Daneen cried. She glued it shut!

Gisele sighed. She pulled her arm back. She pressed a tiny, hidden gemstone on the underside of the setting. Click. The bracelet sprang open, detaching from her wrist. She held it up. Then, she twisted the center stone. The bracelet folded in on itself, transforming into a brooch.

The crowd gasped.

Design is about function, Daneen, Gisele said softly. Not just sparkle.

Daneen's face crumbled. She swayed, her hand going to her forehead. Evander! I... I feel faint. My blood sugar...

She collapsed into Evander's arms. It was a perfect faint. Rehearsed.

Evander caught her, glaring at Gisele with pure venom. Are you happy now? You hurt her.

Gisele looked at the man she had loved. I didn't touch her, Evander. The truth just weighs a lot.