Chapter 48

SIENNA

I hold Tristan’s gaze.

That smile—it's not curiosity. It’s a dare. The kind people wear when they’re watching someone walk a tightrope in scissors-for-shoes.

My heart pounds like war drums. But my spine? Iron. I stare him down, unblinking.

“I was born in Queens,” I begin calm and controlled.

“I worked two jobs, earned scholarships, and graduated top of my class.”

A beat of silence.

“I’ve bl