Adira's POV
The night of the Women in Business Gala was supposed to be about me.
I'd been shortlisted for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award — recognition I had clawed my way to with sleepless nights, tears swallowed in silence, and victories nobody but me knew the cost of.
I walked into the ballroom, lights flashing, camera bulbs popping. The dress I wore was power stitched into silk bold shoulders, deep emerald green, the color of money and ambition. For once, I allowed myself to feel it: pride.
Until I heard the murmur ripple through the crowd.
And then her laugh.
Ashley.
She walked in like she owned the place, a glittering silver gown clinging to her model-perfect body. Paparazzi swarmed, calling her name. Ashley Williams international model, face of luxury campaigns, tabloid favorite.
My twin sister.
The one who had made my childhood a battlefield.
I froze, champagne glass trembling in my hand.
"Adira," a voice murmured behind me. Jayden. Of course. "Breathe."
I turned to him, eyes wide. "What is she doing here?"
He hesitated, then said carefully, "Ashley's been... working with some of CraigTech's competitors. She's their latest brand ambassador. Tonight is as much about business politics as it is celebration."
The air punched out of me. Of course she was. Ashley never missed a chance to crawl into the spotlight, especially if it meant stepping on me.
She spotted me across the room, and her red-painted lips curled into a slow, venomous smile.
"Oh, God," I muttered.
Jayden's jaw flexed. "Ignore her. Tonight is yours."
But Ashley didn't believe in ignoring.
She glided over, cameras trailing her like moths to a flame. "Sister," she purred, her British lilt sharpened with mock sweetness. "Long time, no see. Congratulations on... whatever little award you're up for."
I smiled tightly. "Ashley."
She tilted her head, eyes glinting. "I see you've met Jayden." She lingered on his name like it was hers to toy with. "Funny. We've known each other for years."
The lie stung, even though I knew it was her game. I opened my mouth, but Jayden spoke first, voice like steel.
"Yes," he said, his gaze steady on me. "I've always known where my loyalties lie."
Ashley's smile faltered just slightly. But she recovered with a toss of her hair, already turning to flash her practiced grin at the photographers.
Jayden's POV
She thought she could rattle Adira. And for a moment, she succeeded. I saw the flicker of pain in Adira's eyes, the old scars her sister knew how to press.
But Ashley had no idea that I had already chosen my side a long time ago.
And this time, I wasn't letting Adira fight alone.