Chapter 6
Sienna Blackwood did not age poorly.
She evolved.
Her following had grown into millions. She sold skincare routines and self-love affirmations. She cried on camera about empowerment and resilience.
The comments adored her.
You’re so strong.
High school must’ve been so hard for you.
Elena watched her latest livestream from the dark corner of a private lounge.
Sienna’s voice trembled delicately.
“I’ve grown so much since senior year. We were all just kids.”
Kids.
Elena’s jaw tightened.
Kids don’t coordinate narratives.
Kids don’t edit evidence.
Kids don’t whisper accidents happen in hospital rooms.
Elena booked a private meet-and-greet session under a fake name.
VIP tier.
Front row access.
Sienna met her in a softly lit studio filled with pink neon and filtered air.
At first, Sienna didn’t recognize her.
Then she did.
The smile faltered.
“Elena.”
“Hi, Sienna.”
Security hovered nearby.
Elena smiled sweetly.
“I just wanted a picture.”
Sienna’s throat moved as she swallowed.
“You shouldn’t be here.”
“Why?” Elena asked gently. “Is this space only for curated memories?”
Sienna forced a laugh.
“We were kids.”
“You’ve said that a lot.”
Her voice remained calm.
Controlled.
“You knew about the edit.”
Sienna’s eyes darted toward security.
“You can’t prove that.”
Elena stepped closer.
“I don’t need proof.”
She leaned in just enough for only Sienna to hear.
“I need confession.”
Sienna’s composure cracked slightly.
“We didn’t think he’d fall.”
There it was.
Admission.
Raw.
Elena’s pulse remained steady.
“Who pushed him?”
Sienna hesitated.
“Elena, please.”
“Who.”
Silence.
Then, barely audible.
“Teddy.”
The name hung in the air.
Elena nodded slowly.
“And Josh?”
Sienna looked away.
“He knew we were setting you up.”
The world did not spin.
It hardened.
Josh knew.
Not everything.
But enough.
Elena stepped back.
“Thank you.”
Security approached.
“Ma’am—”
Elena raised her phone.
The confession had been recorded.
Sienna’s face drained.
“You wouldn’t.”
Elena smiled faintly.
“You built your empire on performance.”
She turned toward the exit.
“Let’s see how you handle truth.”
Before she reached the door, the lights cut.
Total darkness.
A gun cocked behind her.
“You should’ve stayed gone.”
Teddy’s voice echoed in the studio.
