"You're a nanny who wipes up shit and piss—stop putting gold on your face and go perform in the arena."
Effie wore the same sneer. She snatched the business card, tore it in half, and flicked the pieces into the air.
"I've seen this trick a hundred times. You can't just print a few cards and expect people to fall for it."
"You've got a hard mouth, though. I'm worried Brutus alone won't be enough to break you."
"Dad, didn't you just bring back a few lions and tigers from Africa as gifts for the baby's one-month celebration? Why not let them out tonight and give everyone a real show?"
Eric's gaze dropped to the gold-embossed business card on the ground. The watermark caught the sunlight, sharp enough to make him squint.
He still nodded. His men dragged me into the arena.
Lions and tigers that hadn't eaten in days surged to their feet, throwing themselves at the bars, snarling.
Samuel grabbed a fistful of my hair and forced my face toward them.
Then he leaned close, his voice dropping to a whisper only I could hear.
"Juliana, you're clever. You almost got there. Almost touched the truth."
"Too bad you're just a little short on luck. Be a good girl and let the beasts tear you apart, and nobody will ever find out my secret."
He laughed—manic, triumphant—and raised his hand to signal the guards to lift the gate.
I watched it rise, inch by inch.
Death was one step away.
The gate was almost open when a booming laugh cut through from the doorway.
"Mr. Walker! Congratulations on the new grandchild!"
Eric saw who it was—Oceanic Group's representative in Arden—and his whole demeanor flipped. He was on his feet instantly, ushering the man toward a seat, eager to show off the spectacle.
But when Edward's gaze found me in the arena, disheveled and cornered, his face changed completely.
He threw himself past the bars and planted himself in front of me.
"Chief... Chief Analyst Perry!"
