Madeline flinched hard at the name, her gaze snapping to me like a trap.
She clocked the pair ahead, face screaming *gotcha* without a word. "Crystal, what the hell?" she hissed, teeth grinding low.
I wheeled on her, flashed a grin. "Birthday present, honey— Talia, the genuine article. Preston's first flame, the one who unravels him. Digging it?"
Her brain flatlined, one word echoing: *Done*.
Her gravy train? Derailed.
"That she-wolf said I used to go by that name." Talia, all white silk and whisper, eyes fixed on me.
"What's her deal? Where'd you dig her up? Why hold out till now?!" Preston fired off the barrage, voice cracking urgent, body shifting instinctive to shield her.
I snorted sharp. "That accusatory snap— what's your malfunction? Preston, I hauled your lost love back from
