Chapter 3
Catherine's POV
Over the next month, I become someone else entirely.
I stop chasing after Vincent. I stop answering Sophia's calls. Instead, I start showing up at the family's businesses, following Father through every aspect of the operation.
Father's surprised at first, but mostly he's relieved. He's always worried I was too soft to hold this family together.
And Elijah stays right behind me through all of it, like a shadow.
At the shooting range, he wraps his hand over mine to adjust my grip, the calluses on his palm rough against my skin. In the study, he stands silent in the corner, blocking the windows in case anyone's watching from outside.
I can feel it. The way he looks at me has changed.
Not that stiff, obedient respect anymore. Now there's something underneath it, something hungry and confused.
Before I know it, it's the day before the Selection Ceremony.
The dress arrives.
I had Father commission it specially. Black velvet, backless, with thousands of black diamonds sewn into the train. Understated, but dripping with wealth.
Last life, I listened to Vincent and wore some boring pastel thing. He said it was "classy and elegant." This time, I want everyone to remember who the real heir is.
I'm in the fitting room trying it on when Sophia barges in.
She's holding a white pouffy dress, looking like some innocent little angel.
"Cat!" She bounces over, all smiles. "What do you think? Isn't it pretty? I want to wear it tomorrow."
I glance at her in the mirror.
Last life, she wore that exact white dress to the party, playing the pure virgin while making me look like trash.
"Yeah, looks good," I say flatly. "Suits you."
Sophia relaxes, then tests the waters. "Cat, about tomorrow... you sure you know what you're doing? Vincent's been upset lately, but he still cares about you. If you pick him at the ceremony and apologize in front of everyone, he'll forgive you. I know he will."
She's trying to lead me.
She's scared I'll change my mind.
I motion for Elijah to zip me up. His fingers are warm. When they touch my spine, I can't help the slight shiver.
"Sophia," I say, watching that phony expression in the mirror, "why are you more anxious about this than I am?"
Sophia's face freezes. "I just... I'm looking out for you. You two grew up together..."
I catch the urgency in her eyes and bite back a laugh.
She still thinks I'm going to announce Vincent at the party, that he'll make demands in front of everyone and humiliate me. Too bad for her.
"Yeah, we grew up together," I repeat slowly. "Time to settle some scores."
Sophia's eyes light up. She thinks I mean I'm getting back together with Vincent.
"That's great!" She sounds thrilled. "Vincent already has the engagement ring ready. He's just waiting for you to say the word tomorrow."
She looks happy, like she can already see me walking into a trap.
After she leaves, it's just me and Elijah in the fitting room.
"You think Vincent deserves me?" I ask suddenly.
Elijah's head snaps up. Something painful flashes across his face before he looks down again, jaw tight. "Mr. Moretti comes from a good family. You're well-matched."
"Well-matched?" I scoff and walk over to him, lifting his chin with my finger, forcing him to look at me. "That was before. Now I'll take loyalty over pedigree any day."
Elijah's pupils contract sharply. "Miss Russo, I'm just a bodyguard..."
"And? You're a bodyguard. So what?" I drop my hand. "Some people look human but they're rotten inside. Some people start with nothing but they don't bend."
"Tomorrow you'll see. This show's going to be better than you think."
That night, Father calls me to his study.
"Cat," he says, smoking a cigar, eyes sharp. "Tomorrow's list. You made up your mind?"
There's a list on the desk. Vincent Moretti's name is at the top in gold lettering, like it's already a done deal.
I pick up a pen and stare at that name for a long time.
"Dad," I look up, voice steady, "I don't need a husband who wants to take over this family. I need a weapon that'll kill for me."
Father freezes for a second, then bursts out laughing.
"Good!" He slams the desk. "That's my daughter! If you know what you're doing, go for it tomorrow. Whatever happens, I've got your back."
When I walk out of the study, Elijah's still standing guard by the door. His shadow stretches down the hallway.
"Elijah."
"Yes."
"Look sharp tomorrow."
