she felt like she was going to burst from the weight of what she was about to accomplish. It was the perfect time: Seraphina's big yearly celebration, when all the appropr

. Nathaniel whispered, We're so close now, as he ran his fingertips over the edge of a map that was spread out on the table. Seraphina's empire is built on weak links, and it won't take much to break them. Isabella leaned in and stared at the map. How do we get started? Nathaniel looked at her with sharp, focused eyes. First, we cut off her money sources. I've already set up a way to let people know about her bad investments. People she relies on will start to wonder if they are faithful. And the rest? Isabella enquired, her fingers curling over the edge of the table. Next, we go after her friends and family. One by one, we'll turn them against her. Quiet, subtle, but effective. Nathaniel's lips turned up in a faint, knowing smile. By the time she gets to the gala tomorrow, she'll already be in a fight she doesn't even know about. Isabella gulped. There was no doubt about the strength of Nathaniel's remarks, but a part of her held back. She had been stuck in Seraphina's universe for a long time, but now she was going to destroy it all. The notion was exciting and scary at the same time. I'm ready, Isabella responded, her voice firm even if she was in a storm. Let's get this over with. Nathaniel's eyes flashed with somethingmaybe acceptance, or something more threatening. Good, he said. This is just the start. But it's the first step. And it's the one that counts. The gala night came, and the estate's huge ballroom was filled with golden light. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling and gave lovely light on the people below. It was the perfect place to lie and pretend to be someone else. Isabella stood by the door, h