Eclipse by Deception

tta knew she no longer belonged there. She stood in the dimly lit study, facing Annabelle, who lou

ke the final snap of a guillotine. "All this time,

ightening around the envelope of

aid, her voice steady despite the sting of betray

yet, she's gone. Isn't she? You know what w

ght and seen the horror unfold from the shadows. And

nd adjusting the thin straps of her silk dress. "Take your money and dis

quiet defiance. She wasn't leaving because of fear. She was l

tr

t truth would

*

e. Rachel De La Rosa was gone-buried with the woman they had tried to drown.

comforting. The wind carried the scent of saltwater, a cruel

ils digging into her palm until the

," Rosetta's warm voice

mall smile. Rosetta-her gua

smoothing the emerald satin gown h

d death. The charity gala at The Majestic Hotel is a play

*

a golden glow over the impeccably dressed guests. Laughter and clin

e, her every step measured. She was no longer the

d through the air gossi

le sure didn't waste time

lly. Losing Rachel so soo

abelle within months. If you as

nd's face on the event's digital display. Chairman

he longed to shatter it, to let the shards spill at her feet like the life they had stol

harm and confidence, a practiced smile on his lips. Annabelle, draped

y, she caught the subtle whisp

ter had somethin

kiest man alive. Her ste

hey pinned Rachel's death on him. But if you as

epbrother.

w they covered it up. Peter had tied up ever

ose end. She was the one threa

*

r some c

smooth, rich w

enigmatic eyes. A sharp black suit that fit him too well. There was an effortless conf

any," Rachel replied coo

was subtle. "But some mys

ited within her, but she extinguished it just

e didn't

oom filled with predators," he muse

row. "And what do

atching the game,"

f champagne. "And wha

never be unearthed." He tilted his head slightly, his gaze never

e way he said her name wasn't just

e an active imag

ow and delibe

me. A game

rroring his smirk. "Do you alwa

d toward Peter and Annabelle, then back to her

ears perfecting the art of deception, but something about Elliot's presence u

made him

murmur passed through the crowd, dr

gown whispered nearby. "He acts as if Rachel's

chimed in. "The real tragedy is Adrian rotting

ned slightly as he

em surprised,

her expression unreadable.

tly. "No. You p

her

ass in a silent toast. "E

hat, he melted

d slowly. He

tion was