y contained rage. "Those diamonds," Penelope's voice cracked. "Where did you get them?" Ashlyn's red lips curved into a cruel smile. "Jealous, darling? At least my man fights for me. Unlike

yn you knew died that night," she hissed. "Or don't you remember?" The room fell silent. "What night?" Penelope asked. "Ask your precious Christopher about Project Phoenix," Ashlyn's voice carried across the stunned crowd. "Ask him why his father keeps that special file locked away." Christopher's face drained of color. "Stop-" "Ask him about dimensional travel. About replacement protocols." Ashlyn's eyes glowed unnaturally. "Ask him how many times he's killed me." "She's insane," Ava whispered. "Am I?" Ashlyn reached for her necklace. "Then explain this." The diamonds began to pulse with an eerie blue light. "It's impossible," Christopher stumbled back. "We destroyed the original device-" "You destroyed one version," Ashlyn smiled. "But there are infinite universes, darling. And in every single one..." Her form began to flicker. "You betray me." Penelope screamed as Ashlyn's image separated into multiple versions of herself, each wearing the same necklace, each speaking in unison: "Time to play a new game." The lights exploded. In the darkness, chaos erupted: Glass crunched underfoot. Women screamed. Men

ack, face flushing. "Ashlyn!" Mrs. White called out. "Please wait, dear!" Ashlyn kept walking. "Christopher, stop her!" "She won't listen-" CRACK! The sound of Mrs. White's palm meeting Christopher's cheek echoed through the ballroom. "You fool!" Mrs. White hissed. "Do you realize what you've done?" "Mother-" "Ashlyn, please!" Mrs. White hurried after her. "Let me explain-" Ashlyn paused at the door. "Explain what? How your son played both sides? Or how you helped cover it up?" "That's not-" "Save it." Ashlyn's eyes flickered momentarily with an otherworldly light. "But here's something to consider: ask your son about Project Phoenix. Ask him why he's so desperate to keep me close." "What are you talking about?" Christopher stepped forward, panic flashing across his face. "You know exactly what I mean." Ashlyn's voice lowered. "How many times have you tried to replace me, Christopher? How many versions had to die before you found one compliant enough?" The crowd fell silent, confusion evident on their faces. "She's clearly unstable," Penelope whispered. "Am I?" Ashlyn reached for her necklace. "Then why does your precious Christopher look so terrified?" Mrs. White glanced between them. "Christopher, what is she-" "Nothing, Mother. She's just trying to cause trouble." "Really?" Ashlyn smiled coldly. "Then you won't mind if I share the contents of