Chapter 54

• PENELOPE
• The dress was a last-minute decision. White. Simple, but not forgettable — a satin slip dress with a deep cowl neckline and a high slit that kissed the middle of my thigh with every step. I paired it with gold heels and swept my hair up into a messy bun, soft strands framing my face.
• I stood in front of the mirror for a second, debating whether to add jewelry, but decided against it. Tonight, I didn’t want armor. I wanted to survive it bare.