Chapter 6 - The Unraveling of the AshbournesPanic erupted across the ballroom. Photographers surged forward, cameras flashing like lightning storms as the wealthy elite scrambled away from the disgraced Ashbourne family.
Celeste collapsed into her chair, her emerald silk dress looking suddenly like a shroud. She stared up at me, her absolute hatred masked by sheer, unadulterated terror.
“You... you planned this,” Celeste hissed, her voice shaking uncontrollably. “You played the poor little baker to trap us.”
“You invited me to your home, Celeste, and told me I belonged at the service entrance,” I replied, stepping closer, looking down at her with cold, unyielding power. “You tried to evict my bakery, smear my name, and destroy my life because you were terrified of a ghost coming back to reclaim what your family stole.”
Leo stood frozen beside his mother, staring at me as if he were meeting me for the very first time.
“Onyinye...” Leo breathed, his voice broken. “You’re... you’re a princess?”
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I turned to Leo, my expression softening just a fraction. I reached out and gently touched his cheek.
“I am the same woman who baked your morning croissants, Leo,” I said softly. “The only difference is, I no longer need to hide who I am.”
