Midnight Toxicity

32.

Marie's sour face greeted me over breakfast the next morning. Chace and I completed our normal routine, then entered the dining hall with Emily, Tiana, and Malik.

The house was a hodgepodge of small to grand spaces, and the dining area was truly remarkable. Golding had taken great care to preserve it in its original state, and the stained-glass windows that adorned the walls, along with the rich, dark wooden siding, created a warm and inviting ambiance. My gaze was drawn to one particular window that depicted a poignant scene of a fawn hiding between ferns while a mountain lion devoured its mother. The sight was both beautiful and haunting, serving as a poignant reminder of the eternal cycle of life and death.

"Have you kept up your beauty routine while living here, Charlize? Waxing or shaving?" Marie's voice cut through my thoughts, sharp and unwelcome.

I rolled my eyes at the others across the table. Marie's rude question during our meal caused Tiana to exit quickly. I wished I could leave as well, but the uppity bitch would follow me.

"Why is that any of your business? Can't I eat in peace?" I grumbled.

Marie scrunched her nose in disdain at the simple breakfast spread before us. Mrs. Bitters was an amazing cook, and the aroma of perfectly scrambled eggs and crispy bacon wafted through the air, but Marie looked less than impressed, as usual. Her condescending attitude made my stomach turn. I was done with her attempts to undermine me; if she wanted to make my life miserable, she needed to know I wouldn't back down without a fight. I stole a glance at Chace, hoping for a supportive smile, but he merely shook his head, a silent warning that this battle was mine alone to face.

"I need to know how much work we have to do to get you ready for tonight." She replied, tossing a napkin on her empty plate.

I finished my eggs before pushing my chair away from the table. I didn't mind her help, but I wasn't discussing my grooming habits with Chace listening. Some things needed to remain a mystery between us. I had to play nice with Marie. Golding had to believe I was a team player.

"Where are you going?" Chace muttered around his spoon. "We need to go over the club's layout and familiarize you with the equipment."

"Once we figure out the correct costume, we will send for you," Marie sniffed, already halfway out the door. "Come, Charlize, I have a hundred other things to do."

Once we stood in the hall, I turned to her. "Don't do that."

Her eyes widened at my defensive stance. "What?"

"If Mr. Golding asked you to prep me, that's fine. But I don't need your negativity. Not when I need to focus on my job."

She crossed her arms. "Don't be so dramatic. Do you have any idea how green you really are? I wouldn't send a newbie into a viper's den, but Mr. Golding thinks you're capable."

"I am," I sighed, rubbing my forehead. How did I get rid of her? "Look, what's the plan?"

She muttered under her breath about how unappreciative I was, waving for me to follow her down the hall. We entered a room she unlocked with a long brass key. The space was filled with tables, sewing machines, dress form mannequins, and more makeup than any girl would need.

"Makeup expires," I mused aloud, picking up an expensive tube of concealer. "Is this the war room?"

"For a cheap slut like you? Yes." She strode across the space to draw back the curtains. "Colton enjoys blondes, so I've picked out three wigs for you to choose from. There is nothing wrong with your height, except that he won't tower over you. Hopefully, it will not matter."