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Chapter 7: The Mask Slips

Author: JDHWS
last update Last Updated: 2025-08-05 20:11:09

Cassidy Monroe was unraveling.

It was visible now—not just in private group chats or encrypted DMs. No, this time it was in the corridors of Garden Metro High, where her laughter no longer echoed with power but with desperation. Her strut was stiff. Her smiles—calculated. Every glance over her shoulder whispered paranoia.

And Elara saw it all from the shadows.

She wasn’t at school anymore, but the feeds Splice set up kept her updated in real time: hallway cameras, social accounts, audio bugs embedded in water bottles of trusted allies. Cassidy had no idea how exposed she was.

“She’s losing control,” Elara murmured, watching her tablet screen from the greenhouse, sunlight flickering through the leaves overhead.

“She’s spiraling,” Splice corrected through the earpiece. “Difference is important. Control implies you still think you’re winning. Spiral means you know you’re not.”

Elara almost smiled.

By midday, the perfect opportunity presented itself.

Cassidy had been asked to host a commu
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    Hi Everyone.I hope you are enjoying the second volume of the Who's The Loser Series.I will be taking the rest of the year off to celebrate the holiday season.Rest assured, I will be back at the new year to continue writing this book, among others.There will be more twists and turns along the way.And as always, your support, comments and feedback are always appreciated. Please leave a comment to let me know how I am doing with the story and how I can improve in the future.So until then, I wish you one and all a very blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.Love,JDHWS

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