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CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

“Sage, I need you to look at me and tell me that you can do this,” I whispered. It was evening, and the outdoor pool was empty and quiet as new guests checked in and were enjoying the indoor entertainment and dinner.

“My flight leaves in two hours.” Sage looked around us anxiously.

“I know, but I need to get him out of here and back to his mother. The others…we don’t know who they belong to, but we know his mother is some famous influencer who is actively looking for him. We can hide him on the plane, and then you’ll leave without Declan.”

I opened my arms and hugged Sage. “Listen to me. This is the moment that you have real purpose in your life. This is the moment you aren’t the caged girl, the favorite girl, or any label that’s been forced on you. You can save a child, yourself, and…”

“It’s ready.” His voice had me flinging around. Bradley was standing there with his hands behind his back.

“Thank you, Bradley.” I nodded. “Sage, promise me you’ll go through with this.”

Sage looked at me with clear panic and fear radiating through her body. She was the woman that felt lost and walked into the wrong arms. She was trafficked and sold to a man almost triple her age to be an obedient wife to.

She looked down at the ground. “I can.”

“The golf cart will take you to your private plane. I’ll be there soon with…the package.” I looked at Bradley.

“Please let me guide you to your ride, Mrs. Rothschild. I just need one moment with Mrs. Ivory.”

Sage raced over to me once more and threw her arms around me. “Fuck the patriarchy,” I whispered into her ear.

I could hear the smile when she replied, “I get to be a part of something that I want to be a part of, and I didn’t realize how meaningful that is. I hope I can see you soon, Demi, and not through a cage or a glass box.”

Pulling from me, I looked at her. “Goodbye, Sage.” I knew that would be the last time I saw her. My time here was going to dwindle away very quickly.

“Demi, I’m proud of you. I know that what you’re trying to do is making a small difference in something so out of control. Mix this into Declan’s drink. It’s not the one I gave you all that time ago when you tried to kill me; this one will kill him in sixty seconds.”

Bradley lifted a necklace with a pendant designed as a cake. It looked like a pink wedding cake.

“It’ll be a piece of cake.” He winked at me before wrapping me in a warm hug.

Nodding, I brushed my hands against the locket and opened it.

I saw a large white pill and smiled back at him. “It’ll be a piece of cake.”

Bradley and Sage walked away together into the darkness, where only the moonlight was their guide.

I quickly made my way back inside. Alister assumed I was going down to the Euphoria floor, but he didn’t realize I was wearing all white. I had to find out where they were housing the children.

This gave me hope, knowing I still had parts of my own soul left. I wasn’t evil, even with the thoughts racing through my mind. I could fight them and remember who I was. Who I am.

The resort was crowded, and I made my way to the half-moon, all-white marble bar. A man who looked almost plastic smiled at me with his blonde hair covered in gel and his green eyes glistening.

“Mrs. Ivory, we are serving coconut margaritas tonight. Would you care for one?” I looked around and noticed all the women, who must have checked in tonight, were excitedly chatting with one another and sipping the white concoction.

The stunning chandeliers hung all through the entrance of the resort and light classical music echoed throughout the space.

“Yes, please,” I said, knowing I needed to create my own alibi. I smiled and grabbed the drink from the bartender, who had his name scribbled on his badge. “Thank you, Lionel.” I took a sip and winced at how strong it was.

“What are your plans for the evening, Mrs. Ivory?” Lionel asked me.

“I’m going to drink this, grab some sushi, and then go back home for a nice soak in the tub. How about you, Lionel?” I leaned against the bar and grinned at him, causing him to blush.

“Mr. Ivory allows all employees one movie ticket every quarter, so I’d love to catch a live-action film.”

A pit in my stomach grew. “Of course, as you should.” I placed my glass down and yawned. “I’m off to have some food and me-time. Goodnight.” I patted his hand and quickly turned away. I squinted at the sign with the resort map.

Shaking my head, I went back to the front desk and cleared my throat. “Marisha?” I looked at the girl who I knew was a nightingale, but she now had blonde hair and bleached eyebrows.

“I got promoted to come back up.” She sounded relieved. “Thank you, Mrs. Ivory!” she sang out.

“But I didn’t do anything…” I questioned.

“I’m just thankful, is all.” She smiled again. “How can I help you?” she asked me and started to type on the laptop in front of her.

“Marisha, you know what? Actually, I didn’t want to take credit, but it was because of me that you were relocated to this…well, safer position.” I paused and glanced around me. “I need you to tell me where the inventory for the Life Center is kept. Alister, my husband, has asked me to check it since I was the one who did a restock. I’d like to make sure the products were delivered safely.” It was terrifying how easily the lie came to me.

Marisha looked nervous as she glanced around us. “Okay, Mrs. Ivory. I’ll give you the map, and I’m sure your badge has access since only Mr. Ivory and you were granted full access to the entire resort.”

“Thank you, Marisha.” I smiled as I took the paper from her and looked at the map.

“The inventory is kept on the top floor above the Life Center. If you scan your badge, you’ll be able to enter immediately. If there is any security breach, then we can discharge our guards.” She laced her fingers together and asked, “Do you need anything else, Mrs. Ivory?”

I sighed. “No, I’m ready to turn in for bed soon, so this is all.” I quickly turned the corner, glancing at the map of La Gabbia. It was massive. Making my way toward the employee-only elevators, I picked up my pace, dodging guests and workers. I stood in front of the gold elevator and scanned my badge. The doors opened and I dragged my finger across the various buttons. There it was. The floor, below the penthouse. I closed my eyes for a moment as the elevator shot upward and the doors opened. Taking a step out, I turned and saw the signage to the Life Center with a massive stork, but instead, I went the other way to where a hospital symbol of a red cross was hanging above.

My heart was racing as I scanned my badge again, thinking there was no way I could get inside, but the doors slid open just as doubt plagued my mind.

It was quiet, cold, and eerily peaceful. I entered and saw nurses in old-fashioned uniforms with hats on.

The blinding fluorescent lights pained my eyes as I turned and began walking.

“Mrs. Ivory?” a soft voice repeated multiple times as I continued walking forward.

Pausing, I looked at the nurse who quickly cut me off.

“What is it?” I said sternly.

“Welcome to the birth center. We are honored by your visit.” She bowed her head.

“I need to check inventory, and I’d like a tour of the facility.” I knew I had to hurry since Sage was already boarding the private plane to go home.

“Absolutely, ma’am. I’ll need to phone Mr. Ivory, if that’s alright. All birth center and inventory-related visits must be approved by him.”

I looked at my ring; it was enormous and reminded me that Alister chose me. I was the favorite girl and reminding myself that the title held more power than any others had confidence soaring through me.

“I am going to pretend you didn’t just disrespect me in my own house. I don’t need anyone’s approval. My name is on the deed of this resort. Before I throw you into the cages and force you to learn basic manners in dark therapy, I will give you one last chance to show me where it is.”

Her face turned bright red, which was a pleasant shift in color against the all-white.

“Yes, of course, Mrs. Ivory, my apologies.”

She swiftly guided me away, and once we reached the door, I looked at her. “That’ll be all.” I waved her away. She hesitated for a moment before bowing her head and leaving me. I stood in front of the hospital-like doors and took a deep breath before scanning my badge in front of the keypad.

“I can do this.” I brushed my hand across the silly cake pendant. “It’s a piece of cake.” Part of me knew the pill inside wasn’t just meant to kill Declan Rothschild, but it was also in case I needed to kill myself. I knew Bradley understood the depravity of this situation. I was risking not only my life, but his and Layla’s. I was quietly starting a war. The doors slid open, and I walked up and tugged the curtain back.

“Oh my god.”