A Deadly Game

Watching from the sidelines, Evelyn was seething in a pool of rage. Who the hell did that bitch think she was? Seeing Alex enjoy dancing with Matilda was kindling the flames of her wrath.

And yet, she couldn't explain why she felt fear creeping along her spine. There was something about this Matilda that robbed her of wrongly. That face. There was something about it that bothered Evelyn.

Christ, and when she had spoken, Evelyn had been just as spooked as Alex. No, no, it was just a coincidence, nothing more. But she found herself thinking of her stepsister, Kate.

How many years had passed since she disappeared from their lives?

She's gone Evelyn, gone forever. Remember it's Kate. But...

That unsettling feeling wasn't going anywhere. Kate had been brittle, simple, easily manipulated and weak, but as she watched this Matilda, she knew the other woman was a formidable opponent. Nothing like Kate.

Still, Evelyn hated anyone who stole her shine. It got more personal when Matilda openly flirted with Alex in front of her. Matilda was a stunner and Alex, like every other man in the hall was not oblivious to it.

Envy burned in Evelyn's heart as she watched Matilda charm Alex. Her hate was overwhelming, twisted and sick. She had to control her hands from shaking. Breathe Evelyn. Now more than ever, this was the time she kept her cool.

She steadied her breathing, plastered a fake smile on her face, and put on a show of indifference. It was easy. She was a good actress. The cameras were already flashing in Alex and Matilda's direction.

Evelyn went to socialise with other investors. Pumping hands while drawing up her battle plan.

Matilda Emerson did not know who she was dealing with. Evelyn wasn't just going to roll over and let the bitch think she could get away with anything. She would do everything within her might to take her down. No one, not even the richest woman on earth could stop her.

---

Kate was having way more fun than she expected, by the time the music ended, she was breathless.

Alex was a superb dancer. He was light on his feet and guided her with ease. As the other couples left the dance floor, he led her to one of the chairs by the wall.

There was a huge, playful smile on his face. In that moment he looked boyish, and charming, not the betrayer of a husband who abandoned her to her fate; who left her open and vulnerable to Evelyn's attacks.

Did he know she tried to have his kids killed? Did he know Evelyn could have ended her life that faithful night? Did he know he tore her heart into pieces when he asked for the divorce, Did he know it broke something in her when she found out Evelyn was the mistress? Did he know it still hurt seeing Evelyn with him?

Did he know all these?

Her years of self-training came to play. She locked those emotions down and returned his smile.

"I must say, Miss Emerson, you are a great dancer," Alex said, taking his seat beside her.

"You flatter me, Mr Martins--"

"Alex, please call me Alex."

Kate gave a polite smile. "Well, Alex, I think we both know you are the better dancer. I could barely keep up."

They laughed together, and Alex still insisted he hadn't seen a more graceful partner. Their conversation flowed smoothly. Alex was his usual entertaining self and she saw a glimpse of the man she fell in love with.

The man who suddenly became cold and began treating her like she was trash. The man who took her love for granted and turned his love into a weapon.

But the Alex in front of her was now staring at her like he knew her from a past life. Like he yearned for the woman who had been his ex-wife.

"I'm afraid, I've taken all your time, Alex," Kate said, watching Alex very closely.

"I don't think your fiancée would be too pleased."

For a moment, Kate imagined she saw a look of unconcern on his face. But it was gone too quickly.

"Ah, yes, of course, I should probably get back to her."

He placed a kiss on Evelyn's hand, his soft lips grazing her knuckles, before walking away from her.

Kate stared after him. He was easily the most attractive man in the hall. Too bad, he hadn't been the proper husband to her. Kate knew he wasn't yet ready to learn of their kids. She wondered if he ever would be.

But she knew one thing, she would have him kneeling and begging by the time she was done with him.

Edward prowled to where she was seated. He cleared his throat before speaking.

"Evelyn has done nothing but greet the investors. I'm still keeping my eyes peeled for any trouble she might be cooking up."

"Let her play her little games, Edward. It's what she's good at, acting, pretending to be what she's not. I saw her mask slip, Edward, I saw it slip when I made Alex dance with me."

A satisfied smile was playing on Kate's lips. "Make no mistake, I know my stepsister is capable of the most dastardly act. I know she would go to any length to hunt me down. But she doesn't know I see her exactly for what she is."

Kate's smile soon turned bitter. "My presence terrified them tonight. I could see the fear in their faces."

"As they should," Edward muttered by her side.

"Oh, but there's one more person who hasn't joined the game yet,"

Edward gave her a side glance. "Who?"

"It's dear old mother."