where deals were made, and reputations were forged. This year, Chloe' s firm was set to unveil

r. The air in the grand ballroom was thick with anticipation. Arthur Vance was there, schmoozing with potential c

esigns she projected onto the massive screen were breathtaking. They were elegant, futuristic, and stru

ed something extraordinary. Vance' s smug expression faltered, replaced b

s behind her flickered and went black. A moment later, they lit up again, b

standing in the garish, neon-lit lobby of a casino. She was arg

hloe' s younger self plead

ty-thousand-dollar debt at the tables. The boss wants his money t

other scene. Chloe was in a smoky backroom, dancing on a small stage in a skimpy outfit, her face a mask of hum

raining from her face. The memory of that night came rushing back, a trauma she had buried deep. Bella had been on a trip to

rk had demanded more. To save her sister from being beaten or worse, Chloe had been forced to endure a night of utter degradation

outlet simultaneously, was already going viral. The narrative shifted in an instant. Chloe, the victimized sister, was

her side. "Chloe, we need to lea

ace. He was talking to Leo on the phone, no doubt congratulating him. In this moment of public humiliation, a strange

It was Bella. Chloe stepped away

"Everyone' s seeing the real you now. The little dancer who sells herself for cash. No one is eve

solidified something in Chloe. There was no pai

said, her voice even. "You and Leo.

h you?" Bella scoffed

. Come alone, or the deal is off." She hung up before Bella could reply. She knew Bella' s greed, and Leo' s, would

ready there, sipping champagne. They looked smug and victorious. Vance was also there, sit

ng to draw attention to their perceived victory over the now-d

e. Good. Here' s the deal. You' re going to publicly announce that due to your... personal issues... yo

an early retirement, Chloe. You' ve earned a rest. Let your sis

to possess everything she had ever worked for. They thought a single video h