Chapter 4

The call came that evening. It was Chloe.

Her voice was syrupy sweet, dripping with fake concern.

"Leo, baby. I've been so worried. I've been reading all this stuff online. It's horrible what they're saying."

I said nothing.

"Listen," she continued, her tone shifting, becoming more urgent. "Caleb is having a party in Nashville this weekend. A 'No. 1' party for 'Desert Bloom.' You have to come."

"Why would I ever do that, Chloe?"

"To fix this! You show up, you shake his hand, you act like it's all a big, crazy coincidence. It's the only way to save your reputation. If you hide, you look guilty."

I could hear the lie in her voice. This wasn't about saving my reputation. This was a command performance.

In my first life, I had refused. I had screamed at her, accused her. That's when she had turned on me publicly.

This time, I needed answers.

"You really think that will work?" I asked, making my voice sound small and desperate.

"I know it will," she said, her relief almost audible. "I'll be right there with you. We'll get through this together."

Together. The word was poison.

"Okay, Chloe," I said. "I'll be there."

I hung up the phone and looked at my reflection in the dark screen.

I wasn't going to Nashville to save my reputation.

I was going to look my enemy in the eye. I was going to find out just how deep his reach into my mind went.