Roderick didn't seem entirely convinced but let the matter drop. "Interesting. You seem to have a good instinct for this."
Christine smiled nervously, grateful he didn't press further. She knew she needed to be more careful with her words. At the same time, she realized she could use this knowledge more strategically. After all, having someone like Roderick on her side could be a major asset.
As they spoke, Christine felt a new spark of hope. She was more determined than ever to change her fate and build a better life, free from the shackles of the past. And who knows—with a new ally by her side.
Christine smiled at Roderick as she put away the tablet. He was good company, and his presence made her feel safer. After he left, she checked her phone and noticed a notification: a message from her sister, Victoria.
"Congrats on your success at work, sis. Always knew you'd make it. We need to talk."
Christine frowned. Victoria rarely sent supportive messages.
Christine read the message again, analyzing every word. The compliment seemed genuine, but from Victoria, there was always a hidden intention. She typed a short, friendly reply to maintain her façade.
"Hey, Victoria! I'm good. How about you? We can have pizza for dinner."
She sent the message and refocused on her investment plans. Microsoft's stock was rising as predicted, but she knew she had to stay ahead.
Sometime later, as Christine reviewed her stocks, the doorknob turned, and Gail walked in, removing his shoes and jacket. Christine mentioned Victoria would join them for dinner, and he smiled.
"That's nice, dear. You're lucky to have a sister like Victoria."
Christine faked a smile. "I'm going to shower."
While getting dressed, she heard the doorbell: Ding Dong. Gail opened the door to a stunning Victoria in a tight red dress and black heels. Her red lipstick and pointed stilettos completed the look. Gail stared, noticing her cleavage as she said, "Good evening, Gail."
He snapped back. "Hi. You look beautiful."
"Thank you," Victoria replied, stepping inside.
Christine limped down the hallway on crutches. "Hi, you're here," she said.
Victoria smiled and hugged her. The hug revealed Victoria's cold, calculating expression before her fake smile returned.
"Hi, sis. How are you?"
"Getting better. Let's sit."
Gail said, "I'll order the pizza."
Christine sat on the couch, mentally planning her next moves. The smell of fresh pizza filled the air, but she could barely focus. Microsoft's stocks climbed as planned—her strategy was working.
Victoria entered with three wine glasses. "Here, sis. Let's celebrate?"
Christine took a glass. "Sure. What should we toast to?"
Victoria raised her glass. "To success and new opportunities."
Christine clinked hers. "To new opportunities."
As they drank, Christine knew she was entering a dangerous game. But with growing determination, she was ready.
Minutes later, Christine yawned. "Ahhh. I'm sleepy."
Gail said, "But the movie just started."
"Don't mind me. Keep Victoria company, will you?"
"Yup, of course," Victoria replied eagerly.
Christine walked to the bedroom, smiling.
Alone, she felt relief. Her plan was working. But as distant laughter echoed through the house, something shifted.
The lamp flickered.
The room grew cold.
A chill ran down her spine.
She glanced at the closet mirror. A thin layer of condensation seemed misplaced, as if someone—or something—had whispered against it moments earlier.
Then, a symbol appeared:
𝜒
An elongated X split by a vertical line. She hadn't touched the mirror. No steam in the air.
Her reflection seemed… delayed. Calculating, not mimicking.
The X pulsed, searing into her mind.
Dizziness hit. She gripped the dresser.
Flashes invaded her thoughts:
The witch screaming "USE YOUR POWER!" The portal. The light pulling her back. Electricity in her fingertips.
Instinctively, warmth tingled down her arms.
Panting, she pressed her forehead to the mirror. The symbol glowed faintly.
She shook her head slowly.
"Not now… I don't understand yet. I can't trust anyone."
She wiped the symbol away. The glass smoothed.
In the distance, a toilet flushed, and Victoria's laughter cut the tension.
Christine wiped her sweaty hands on her pajamas and returned to bed.
She lay awake until dawn. Something had awakened in her. She'd have to stay steps ahead—not just of Gail and Victoria, but of something far greater lurking in the shadows.
Meanwhile, Victoria leaned forward subtly, letting Gail admire her cleavage. "You did great at work today," she purred.
Gail smiled nervously. "Thanks. Good to hear."
Victoria touched his arm. "This watch is nice. You've always had taste."
Gail swallowed as she leaned closer. "We should do this more often," she whispered.
"Yeah… sure," he replied, flustered.
Upstairs, Christine's smile lingered. Her chess pieces were moving.
The next morning, Christine found Gail and Victoria asleep on the couch, a near-empty wine bottle on the table. She clattered dishes until they stirred.
"Morning. Sleep here?" she asked innocently.
"We… had too much to drink," Gail mumbled.
Victoria adjusted her dress. "Sorry, sis. The night got away from us."
Christine grinned. "Coffee?"
As they drank, she suggested, "Could you drive Victoria to work?"
Victoria jumped in. "Perfect. No taxi needed."
After they left, Christine checked Microsoft's rising stocks. Perfect.
Roderick, meanwhile, drove to work, baffled by Christine's prediction. At the office lot, he watched Victoria exit Gail's car—radiant in red.
"Morning, Mr. Roderick," she cooed.
"Morning," he replied curtly.
Later, he met his Microsoft contact at a piano-lit restaurant.
"How's the company? Stocks soared," Roderick probed.
"Planned growth. No leaks," his friend assured.
Roderick frowned. How did she know?
Meanwhile, Gail drank at a noisy bar with his sleazy friend.
"How's Christine?" the friend asked.
Gail sighed. "Same. But Victoria's… distracting."
The friend smirked. "Go for it. Christine's boring. Have fun."
Gail laughed. "Victoria knows how to get attention."