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Novel Catalog
Chapter_69
Alyssa stared at her reflection, the faint traces of makeup still clinging to her face, but her expression was devoid of the usual confidence. The events of the auction had played out exactly as she expected, but now, there was a gnawing feeling in the pit of her stomach. She had orchestrated the moment with precision—using the necklace as leverage—but the way things had unfolded left her with a sense of unease.
Jasper’s reaction had been far more intense than she anticipated. His anger was palpable, his fury rising from a place that went beyond the object itself. It wasn’t just about the “Crimson Heart”—it was about the emotions and memories attached to it.
And Alyssa knew that all too well.
She had planned to ruffle his feathers, maybe even provoke a reaction, but seeing his raw, genuine distress left her conflicted. She wasn’t proud of her manipulations, but sometimes, it felt like the only way to get him to notice her—or at least to make him question everything he believed in. Yet, now that the deed was done, it felt hollow. What did she truly want from him? Was it really revenge? Or something else?
Her mind wandered back to the earlier moments at the auction, the intense back-and-forth between her and Jasper over the Antique Rosewood Chair, the way their gazes locked in silent confrontation. There had been something almost electrifying in that exchange. Yet, this—this was different. The necklace wasn’t just a piece of jewelry; it was a symbol of something much deeper, something Alyssa hadn’t fully understood until now.
She took a deep breath, steadying herself in front of the mirror. This was the game, and I’ve already played my part. But now, with the final move set in motion, she wasn’t sure where to go from here.
The sound of footsteps approaching broke her reverie. Alyssa turned, expecting the restroom attendant, but instead, it was Mandy—who entered with a purposeful stride, her expression unreadable.
“Alyssa,” Mandy said quietly, her voice calm but with an underlying edge. “What have you done?”
Alyssa felt a pang of guilt, but she masked it quickly. “It was necessary,” she replied with a shrug, trying to maintain her composure. “The stakes were too high.”
Mandy’s gaze softened, but there was an unmistakable seriousness in her eyes. “Sometimes, playing with fire can burn you,” she warned. “I know you’re upset with Jasper, but think carefully about where you’re headed. This… this isn’t the way to win.”
Alyssa’s jaw tightened, but she didn’t respond. Mandy’s words lingered in the air, and Alyssa knew deep down that there was some truth to them. But the frustration, the feeling of being overlooked, it had clouded her judgment. The game had become more than just about Jasper. It was about proving herself, about making everyone see her as a force to be reckoned with.
“I’ll be fine,” Alyssa said, though her voice lacked conviction.
Mandy didn’t push further. She simply nodded, her gaze lingering for a moment longer than necessary before she turned to leave.
Alyssa stood there, alone in the quiet of the restroom, her reflection now seeming more distant, like someone else entirely. What have I done?
And for the first time, she wasn’t so sure anymore.