Page 222 of Gathered Sparkle

My gaze flicks to Levi, who’s soaking up the crowd’s energy like a spotlight, grinning like the charming devil he is, while Pebble flutters her wings on his shoulder. His confidence is unshakable, but I know him too well to miss the edge in his smile.

I let my eyes drift to Veronica. She’s good, I’ll give her that. Even now, she’s keeping it together, but I can see the slight shift in her stance as if she’s bracing for the blow she knows is coming.

The envelope feels heavier in my hand, as though it’s not only paper inside but the weight of every decision we’ve made to get here.

Becausethis is it—the moment that will either cement her downfall or blow up spectacularly in our faces.

I exhale slowly and glance at the crowd again, at the sea of faces.

They have no idea what’s about to hit them.

And neither does she.

The thought steadies me as I step forward.

For Oscar.

For us.

For every person who’s suffered under her rule.

It’s time.

“I figured it out.”

“Oh, did you now?” Levi glances at me over his shoulder. “I’m a little occupied here, brother. We’re writing history.”

The crowd’s still holding up their Ace of Hearts cards, chuckling at our banter.

“Iam writing history. Veronica…” I turn to her with an air of exaggerated calm. “Are you ready?”

Her smile is tight. “Of course.”

I take a deliberate step toward her, the envelope still in my hand, and turn my focus to the crowd. “Her confession is that shekilled Oscar Lane.”

Gasps come from the crowd while my words seem to hang in the air.

“Koen.”Veronica’s face pales, her lips parting in shock. “What are you even saying? That’s not true. I would never—”

“Oh, youwould.” I don’t give her a chance to finish. “And you did.”

I tear open the envelope and pull out the paper inside, holding it up for everyone to see. The drone descends to hover in front of me, broadcasting the page onto the massive screens above.

I killed Oscar Lane.

In her handwriting, clear as day, and it’s signed.

The crowd erupts, a cacophony of gasps, murmurs, and cries of disbelief.

“I didn’t write that. It’s a lie!” Veronica’s panic is unmistakable as she shoots Nicholas a look that conveys how much she’s feeling betrayed by him right now. “That’s not—”

“Everyone!” Levi’s grin widens as he addresses the audience. “Keep your cards up and do me a favor. Shake them for me. Shake them hard!”

The crowd obeys, the sea of cards rippling like a living thing, and gasps and murmurs start to sound as writing begins to appear on their cards, shimmering into view like ink rising to the surface of water. The same words, in the same handwriting, on every single card.

I killed Oscar Lane.

“Lies!” Veronica’s breath hitches audibly as she takes a step back. “You just want to ruin me.” She tries to turn, but Nicholas’s hands come down firmly on her upper arms, holding her in place, making her head snap toward him. “Nicholas, let me go!”

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