Part 3Never Yours to Keep

By sunrise on the third day, the last traces of redness had vanished from my skin.

The mirror reflected my true face: high, aristocratic cheekbones, cool gray eyes, and a sharp, devastating elegance that no amount of money could fabricate.

To save myself the nuisance of unwanted chatter, I pulled on a black medical mask, concealing everything from the bridge of my nose downward.

The moment I unlocked my bedroom door, waves of laughter and classical chamber music drifted up from the grand foyer.

Tonight was the formal reception Arthur had organized to welcome Garrett and the "imminent arrival" of Z. Though the meeting was set for eight o'clock in the evening, the entire estate had been running on high voltage since dawn.

Shannon was downstairs directing a crew of twelve caterers and decorators. Rolling racks of haute couture evening gowns and velvet trays of estate jewelry lined the eastern gallery like a high-end Fifth Avenue showroom.

Piper flitted among the silk chiffon skirts like an absolute princess.

The second Shannon spotted me on the landing, her face hardened.

"Why are you wearing a mask? There are no germs in this house."

"The rash hasn't entirely faded," I said evenly. "I wouldn't want to terrify your distinguished guests."

Shannon’s lip curled in mild satisfaction. "At least you possess a shred of self-awareness. Since you know you’re unfit to be seen, why are you down here? Get back to your room."

Piper glided over, holding up a midnight-blue tulle gown embroidered with constellations of Swarovski crystals.

"Mom, don't be so harsh," Piper chided softly before turning to me with a brilliant, calculating smile. "Zoe, do you think this dress is appropriate for meeting Z? Garrett mentioned that Z has impeccable, minimalist taste. I don't want to embarrass him."

I looked at the six-figure gown and replied flatly, "It suits you perfectly."

The heavy oak front doors swung open, and Garrett Brooks walked in.

He was dressed with meticulous precision in a bespoke midnight-navy tuxedo, his hair styled to perfection.

"Garrett!" Piper chirped, practically floating into his arms.

Garrett slid a practiced arm around her waist, but the moment his eyes landed on me standing near the corridor, the temperature in his gaze plunged below zero.

"Why is she down here?" His voice was thick with irritation. "I thought I made it explicitly clear that common areas were off-limits today."

I stood my ground. "I came down for a glass of water."

Garrett let out a cold, dry chuckle. He released Piper and took two long strides toward me, using his height to loom over me with suffocating arrogance.

"Zoe, drop the transparent games," he murmured, his voice dropping into a venomous register meant only for my ears. "You think lingering in the halls will make me notice you? You don't possess a single fraction of Piper’s refinement."

He leaned down slightly, the scent of expensive sandalwood cologne washing over me.

"Tonight, Z arrives at this estate. If your presence annoys her and compromises this merger, the Montgomery family won't be the only ones discarding you. I will personally ensure you are blacklisted from every institution on the East Coast."

I looked up, meeting his threatening stare without blinking.

"Don't worry, Mr. Brooks. I won't ruin your big night."

Garrett scoffed and turned away, as if looking at me was physically degrading. He pulled an iPhone from his breast pocket and tapped into an encrypted messaging app.

Before the eyes of the entire room, the cruelty on his face melted into an expression of breathless, reverent tenderness.

He sent a voice note: "Z, everything is arranged at the Montgomery estate. Whenever you're ready, let me know. I will personally wait at the iron gates to escort you inside."

At that exact second.

The phone tucked into the pocket of my jeans lit up.

In the dead quiet of the gallery, the sharp, distinct chime of an incoming push notification echoed like a gunshot.

Garrett’s brow snapped together in fury. "Do you have any manners at all? When someone is handling a critical transaction, keep your device on silent."

I didn't offer an excuse.

Right in front of him, I slowly unlocked my phone screen, tapping open the glowing thread.

Looking at the voice transcript he had just sent, I used one thumb to type a single sentence:

No need to wait at the gates. I know the way.

Sent.

A second later, Garrett’s phone buzzed with an incoming alert.

He looked down, and the triumphant grin that broke across his face was almost manic.

"She replied!" Garrett held up his screen toward Arthur and Shannon, his voice shaking with adrenaline. "Z said she doesn't need an escort—she knows the way. That means she doesn't view us as strangers. She's choosing to step into our circle on her own terms!"

Arthur clapped his hands together, his face flushed with relief. "Brilliant! Montgomery Tech is saved!"

Shannon threw her arms around Piper. "Piper, do you hear that? Tonight, you must charm her completely. If Z agrees to mentor you, your standing among the legacy families is permanently secured."

Piper nodded sweetly, casting a venomous, triumphant glance in my direction.

"Did you hear that, Zoe? Z is gracious and approachable," Piper mocked under her breath. "A pity you have to stay locked in a closet. You won't even get to breathe the same air."

I slid my phone back into my pocket, walked into the kitchen, poured myself a glass of warm water, and headed back up the grand staircase.

Behind me, Garrett was already furiously typing another devotional message:

Z, whenever you arrive, I will show you the absolute best version of myself.

I closed my bedroom door, shutting out the frenzy below.

The best version of yourself?

I couldn't wait to see it.