The Work of a Legacy

Chapter Thirteen

Dear Mr. Hank Ryan,

It has been a week. Do you think I am stupid? Deliver my disgrace of a daughter to me now, or I will release the papers to the public. The clock is ticking, Mr. Hank Ryan, Chanced. I want my daughter back in a week's time.

From,
Mrs. Ford

A few of the women group together, whispering quietly.

What's going on?

"Hey, what are you guys talking about?"

Adaeze raises her eyebrows. "You haven't heard by now?"

"Heard what?"

She looks back at the group and rolls her eyes. "Wow. Someone slept in late. Newsflash, the rat, whoever that fool is, spilled about Selina."

My stomach drops. "Spilled-spilled what?"

"You'll find out soon enough. They'll be calling you in for confessional any minute now."

"Aren't the... the rat sessions supposed to be in secret?"

Adaeze smirks. "We heard the news this morning while you were still dozing. Selina was lucid. It wasn't hard to hear through the walls what was going on."

I squint angrily. "I just bet it was."

"What is that supposed to mean? Are you accusing me of listening in on a private conversation?"

I shrug, giving off the air that that is, in fact, what I'm implying. "I never said that. I just think we should stay out of whatever this is until we get straight facts."

Steph snorts, setting off a chain of giggles.

"What are you laughing at?"

"It's just ironic that you said 'straight' since it doesn't seem like Selina-"

Adaeze sends her a withering look. "She's right. We should check our facts before digging any further. I just hope that the rat, whoever the hell she is, keeps her little mouth shut. If she knows what's good for her." She gives us all a meaningful look before walking away briskly.

"You're wanted for confessional," Selina reports coldly, walking into the room with swollen eyes.

"Is everything alright? You seem upset."

"What gave you that idea?" She sneers. "You'll see."

I poke my head into the room nervously.

Alex looks at me in disappointment. "Close the door behind you, please."

I obey and sit, heart beating quickly inside my chest. "Is something wrong?"

"Let's just get the interview over with."

He stares at me for a full minute before switching on the camera and looking down at his question sheet. "So, Stelara."

"So, Alex..." I smile weakly, hoping to see a similar expression reflected on his face.

His remains stolid. "Stelara. Now that the news is out, do you think Selina deserves to be kicked off the show?"

"Why would she be? What news?"

Alex shakes his head. "I think you know what news, Night."

Oh.