The blade plunged into her chest—again—and Silvia blinked into the glitter of Mariner Heights as if she had just come up for air. "Silvia," Arjun purred across the ballroom, hand sliding over hers like it owed him rent. "You look dangerous tonight." "Only in heels," she answered, smiling as if she were borrowing his charisma. "And in my new mask. Do you like it?" Arjun laughed, loud and practiced. "Everyone notices when I arrive. You married well." "Tell me something new," Katalina cooed from their flank, porcelain voice sharpened like a knife under varnish. "Arjun, show everyone how you keep her safe. Hold your mask higher—let the cameras get a good view." "Of course." Arjun lifted a lacquered black mask. He moved like a man who expected applause and got it. "Stay," Silvia said to the man beside her, and slipped her fingers into Arjun's palm. Caleb, holding two champagne flutes, hovered discreetly. Guillermo lingered at the edge of the room, eyes cataloging exits. "You're not watching the auction," Arjun teased. "Your family is on stage." "I watch everything," Silvia said. "Good," he said, smug. "Watch me." She let him pull her into the swirl because attention was the easiest kind of weapon. Masks glinted, chandeliers photographed the ceiling, and a violin hit a sweet note and died; the crowd leaned into spectacle, hungry to be entertained. "Play something for me," Katalina whispered. "Make me jealous." Silvia's fingers brushed the inside of her clutch