Chapter 153

• Charlotte froze mid-step, her body tensing as Anastasia's fingers dug into her arm just enough to sting, the hallway's dim lamplight casting sharp shadows across their faces. Her eyes flicked down to the grip, then back up, her voice ice-cool and even. "Let go."
• Anastasia's smirk widened, but her hold tightened for a defiant beat before releasing with a mocking flick of her wrist. She leaned in closer, her breath hot against Charlotte's ear, blonde waves brushing Charlotte's shoulder. "Or what? You'll run to Howard again? Cry innocent?"
• Charlotte straightened, unflinching, her sapphire gown rustling faintly as she smoothed her arm. "I don't need to run. Truth doesn't cry—it stands."