Lisa's POVI grabbed my phone from the side pocket of my bag.First step: evidence.I made my way back to the hallway. The door I’d broken out from still hung slightly crooked on its hinges, the dented knob dangling like a loose tooth. I snapped pictures of the door first, the scratches from the rod, the linen-wrapped metal I’d left by the wall. Then as I videod, for live footage if you will, I spotted something.Right at the seam of the door, glittering faintly in the corridor light, one of Selena’s earrings. That little obsidian teardrop thing she wore like it was her trademark. The clasp was broken. I didn’t speak in the video. I didn’t need to.Once that was done, I beelined to the control room, heels echoing against the sleek tile.The guards stiffened a little when I knocked, but opened up when I flashed my Red Loom badge and name tag.“I need video access,” I said, cutting straight to it. “North corridor. Around fourty minutes ago.”One of them blinked. “Is something wrong, ma
Lisa's POVMy breathing was heavier than it should’ve been.It wasn’t panicked or anything it was just… shallow.I was sweating now. Not the kind that trickled down your back after a long day, but the cold, stiff sort. Like every part of me knew something was off and my body was anticipating the impact.I pressed my back against the wall and slid to the floor, trying to steady myself. Hand pressed into my scalp, trying not to rip my own hair out in a fit of barely concealed rage.Outside the locked supply room, I could hear it.Cheering.Applause.It was faint due to the distance, but during highs the sound of the event carried effortlessly, even out here. From the names on people’s lips, to my vision on display.And out there… she was.Selena was probably smiling, gracious as ever. Taking questions. Posing for pictures in front of my installations. Gently maneuvering attention toward her, like she was the only reason Red Loom's guests were turning heads tonight.Every clap I heard ma
Lisa's POVTruth be told, I’d seen the signs.Selena had a plan, or maybe even two. Maybe three.She hadn’t made a move yet, not a real one, but I’d been watching her closely these past few days.She’d been watching me too. Not obviously. Never in the open. But there was something about the way her eyes followed me a beat longer than normal.The way her lips twitched at the corners whenever I spoke during planning meetings. Always smiling. Always graceful. But always… calculating.She was waiting.I figured she hadn’t pulled anything before because it would’ve ruined her standing. Sabotaging me before Red Loom’s public showcase would’ve painted her in a very obvious shade as the guilty part, especially if our past history came to light. But now?Now, if she could twist the narrative, take credit for something major, or better yet, derail one of my key contributions without a trail leading back to her, then she’d be untouchable.She could walk away with deals from other major names, no
Lisa's POVThe days blurred by in a carousel of lists, layouts, and late-night caffeine crashes.But today?Today was event day.One of Red Loom’s major merger showcases had finally arrived — one I had been the main planner for — and I was still standing. A little tired? Maybe. A little on edge? Sure. But prepared still. And more than a little proud.I stood near the side of the central hall, watching people mill around beneath the woven mesh banners I’d personally fought tooth and nail to get made.The lighting was perfect, the venue buzzed with soft music and camera flashes, the scent of warm spice and various meals drifted in from the catered lounge at the back.God, I could cry.The strangest part? I was grateful for everything that led here. Even the mess. Even the pain. The late nights. The planning hell. The contracts and stress and committee arguments that made me question if it was all worth it. It was. All of it. Every piece came together.‘We're not done yet.’ I needed to
Lisa's POV“Oh really now?” Damon said, squinting at me.“What?”“Nothing nothing.” He laughed.“Yup.” I popped the ‘p’ and nodded with faux seriousness. “I am. Come onnn, just a matter of time and mom Lisa will be on the scene”He scoffed. “Ey, whatever you say, Lisa.”We both burst out laughing.Our footsteps crunched softly on the gravel path, the breeze carrying the scent of something grilled in the distance. Probably someone’s barbecue two streets over. Kids had long gone inside, and porch lights were blinking to life one by one. It felt like the world had taken a deep breath and settled into quiet.The neighbourhood sure seemed like a safe yet lively one.“This is such a wholesome way to spend your day off,” I said.Damon didn’t answer immediately. He tilted his head back, eyes fixed on the sky like he was trying to read something written in the clouds. His smile dimmed a bit, not sad exactly, just… removed.“Yeah,” he said quietly. “It is.”I glanced over at him, catching the
Lisa's POVThe first bite was divine.My eyes widened. My fork paused midair as I turned slowly to stare at Damon across the small table. “You didn’t tell me the food here was this good!”He smirked, poking at his grilled chicken. “I thought the line outside would’ve given it away.”“There was no line.”He shrugged.I blinked, taking another bite of the cheesy potato balls swimming in what had to be a sacred blend of garlic and tomato sauce. “This is criminally underrated,” I muttered, half to myself.“Seriously, why aren’t people tripping over themselves to eat here? They should have a full queue out the door!”Another spoonful of bliss.I pulled my phone out and discreetly opened the notes app: [ small eatery near south wing, hidden gem. call about Red Loom sponsorship idea? ]Then I kept eating like I’d been starved for a week.Across from me, little Anya was swinging her legs under the table, watching me with wide, curious eyes.Damon had ordered her something from the kids’ menu: