Eve sighed, tightening her grip. "If you're here to argue about Grandma's choice, don't bother. I didn't ask for this."
Alina stepped closer, her silver dress shining under the moonlight. She leaned against the railing, her beauty sharp, but her eyes full of malice.
"Didn't ask for it?" Alina repeated, pretending to be shocked. "You never have to ask, do you, Eve? Everything always falls into your lap-my father, the family's love, and now the empire. It's always about you."
Eve turned to face her, her eyes sharp. "This isn't a game, Alina. Grandma's decision wasn't mine."
Alina's smile twisted cruelly. "No, it wasn't. But tonight, I'll make my own decision."
A glint of silver caught Eve's eye. Her stomach dropped as she saw the knife in Alina's hand, its blade gleaming in the moonlight.
"Alina," Eve said calmly, though fear crept into her voice. "Put it down. You're taking this too far."
Alina laughed coldly, the sound sending chills through Eve. "Too far? Do you have any idea how long I've waited for this moment? This isn't about money. It's about justice."
"Justice?" Eve whispered, stepping back. "You're my sister-"
"Don't call me that!" Alina shouted, her voice full of rage. "Your mother stole my father, tore my family apart, and now you've stolen my future. Do you know what that feels like?"
Eve's heart raced as she tried to reason with her. "I didn't take anything from you. Your anger is with the wrong person."
Alina's lips curled into a cruel smirk. "You really don't know, do you? Your perfect mother didn't die in an accident. My mother made sure of it."
The words hit Eve like a slap. "What are you saying?"
Alina leaned closer, her voice a venomous whisper. "The phone call that pulled her away? My mother's plan. The crash? No accident. Your precious mom was a problem we solved."
Eve stared in horror, her mind racing with memories of that day-her mother's rushed goodbye, the screeching tires, the devastating news.
"You're lying," she said, though her voice shook.
"Am I?" Alina mocked. "Think about it. How quickly we moved in. How easily my mother took her place. Nothing about it was chance."
Anger boiled inside Eve. "You and your mother are monsters."
Alina laughed bitterly. "We did what we had to. And tonight, I'll finish the job."
Before Eve could react, Alina lunged. The knife plunged into Eve's stomach, and a gasp of pain escaped her lips. The world blurred, her body wracked with agony.
"You..." Eve choked, her hands trembling as she clutched the knife. "You stabbed me."
Alina sneered, shoving her back. "Of course, I did. You've always been so naive. Did you think I'd let you leave here alive?"
Eve fell against the railing, blood seeping between her fingers. With trembling hands, she gripped the knife's handle and, with a desperate cry, pulled it out. Pain surged through her as she flung the blade away, watching it clatter to the floor.
Alina smirked, stepping closer. "How dramatic. But bravery won't save you."
Eve struggled to stay upright, but Alina grabbed her dress, forcing her back against the railing. The cold metal dug into her back as Alina leaned in, her voice a cruel whisper.
"Any last words?"
Eve's voice was faint, but her eyes burned with defiance. "I'll...come back for you."
Alina's smile widened. "Rot in hell."
With a final shove, Alina pushed her over the edge.
Eve's scream vanished into the night as she hit the freezing water. The ocean swallowed her, its icy grip pulling her under until there was nothing but silence.