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Most of the attendees show their support with nods of greeting and raised glasses. I’m glad to see people having fun, but I realize how light the crowd is regardless of how many flyers I passed out at school. With some people choosing to stay away, I’m left trying to recover my crown with a speech that will reach every corner of the city—and even beyond.
After perusing the gardens and making sure people are having a good time, I wander inside the mansion and head into the rear den. I’m emotional as I cross the room and stare through the gaping windows into the gardens. This is where Mother always had her afternoon tea and her evening drinks.
Her absence wounds me in ways I can’t articulate. I rest my hand on the glass, peering into the garden that hosts fairy lights at every turn. Partygoers wander between the tall, sculpted bushes, the blooming flowers, the glorious marble statues erected in honor of my family members.
With my mother’s statue standing so proudly next to my father’s, I can almost pretend that they’re happy somewhere. The image of them embracing each other upon death is a soothing and terrifying image to retain. It makes me wonder whether I’ll survive long enough to find something like that.
I guess cheating isn’t the worst thing compared to everything else, I reason while procuring a few speech cards from my pocket. I’ll take that over backstabbing murderers.
My lips fail me as I stare at the words I scribbled onto the note cards. Of all the famous speeches I’ve studied and all the time I spent practicing, I feel so ill-prepared for this announcement. Taking over the Moretti empire means inheriting the kind of responsibility that most kids only dream of achieving.
I’ve yet to graduate high school, and here I am practicing a speech like I’m about to accept a fucking Oscar. While wishing for another life is on my list of fantasies, I recognize how pointless it is.
Accepting this role means taking control. And taking control means doing more than merely surviving.
“Friends, peers, allies—I’m grateful to see you all here today to celebrate the accomplishments of the Moretti empire. With great power comes great sacrifice, the kind that could bring anyone to their knees.” I pause for effect, inhaling a breath before continuing, “But not me. That’s why I’m taking my place as the boss of the Moretti empire.”
A slow clap erupts across the room, and I look up to find Tabitha wandering into the den. The look of amusement on her face inspires irritation, and I tuck the cards back into my pocket, choosing to act like I didn’t just embarrass the shit out of myself.
She pauses near the couch and leans against it, eyeing me carefully. “I see you’re practicing your acceptance speech.”
“I was just getting my thoughts together.”
“You don’t have to play pretend with me. But I should warn you that declaring yourself anything in this town will put a target on your back.”
I chortle. “Like it already hasn’t?”
“It’s worse when you wave your shiny new feathers, Alex. Just be mindful of that.”
“I don’t think I need to be taking advice from someone who never had a position here to begin with.”
The grimace that appears on her lips twists her entire face like she’s sucking on sour candy. “So, does this mean you’re done with Parker?”
I cross my arms over my chest and drill my eyes into her. “You’ll never have Parker, Tabitha. Just remember that.”
“You can’t stop him from wanting me.”
“He doesn’t want you. He’s said so publicly—and privately. You have no idea how close he and I are now, do you?” If she doubts my statement, she doesn’t show it, her brows dipping together in an angry glare as I continue, “You’re not even in our league, sweetheart.”
She scoffs. “Whatever, Alex. I’ll see you at your downfall.”
She waltzes off with her head held high, swinging her hips as if that’s supposed to make her more attractive. Everything about Tabitha is simply sad. The way she talks, acts, dresses—it’s all a failed attempt to reach heights that were never for her to reach.
Oh, how the mighty fall, I consider with a sigh as I gaze out at the gardens again. The people might have changed, but the scenery remains the same, giving me something to cling to as I think more about my speech. I’ll never be her. I’ll never fall like that. Not when I already have the reins of my empire.
“Ms. Alex?”
Shock invades my system when I recognize Soren’s voice. It’s almost sweet, a dulcet tune I might have wanted to retain if it weren’t for the fact that he’s been a huge jerk lately along with the others. Still, I run my fingers through my hair as I turn around, surprise registering on my features when I notice Tomas and Parker flanking him.
“Are you three having fun?” I ask in a light voice. “I made sure there was enough vodka and scotch.”
Soren keeps his smile steady as he gestures behind him. “Could we speak to you privately?”
“Isn’t this den private enough?”
“Too many listening ears,” Parker claims while glancing toward the doorway where Tabitha made her grand exit. “And loose lips.”
I sigh. “I couldn’t agree more. We can head up to my room.”
