Anna steps forward. “No. No, you can’t. Because I have something to say, and I want to say it right here in front of everyone.”
“Anna, no,” I whisper.
“I have feelings for someone else,” she declares dramatically. “I’m sorry, Henry. I know we’ve only started to get to know each other, but I can’t stand the thought of deceiving you.”
With all eyes on her, I can’t say my stepsister isn’t enjoying this.
Valerie lets out a low whistle. “This is like telenovela levels of intense.”
Addison crosses her arms with a loud huff, while still trying to appear shocked.
“You have feelings for someone else?” Henry asks.
Anna nods. “I thought it would fade after meeting you…but now I miss him…and I’m so sorry, Henry, but my heart’s just not in it.”
He takes her hand, the tension in his forehead easing a bit. “Thank you for being honest.”
“So I guess this is it?” she asks.
He nods and holds up the scroll. “You mind if I give this thing out real fast?”
She stumbles back clumsily and takes her place back on the steps between Addison and Samantha, both of whom look like they’ve seen a ghost. “Oh, right, of course.”
Henry eyes the scroll in his hands. “Well, that was unexpected,” he says. “I, um…” He closes his eyes and shakes his head. “Addison.” His voice cracks on her name. “Will you accept this scroll?”
She lets out a brief squeal before collecting herself and walking coolly down the steps. “Thank you,” she says. “I can’t wait for a chance to show you who I really am.”
“Who she really is?” Stacy whispers.
“Who she really is is actually hiding in plain sight,” I say.
Anna, free as a bird, runs down the steps and gives Henry a hug, followed by a dejected Samantha.
Addison eyes me from the other side of the crowd, and I can’t help but wonder what happened on her date last night. Not only did she come home early, but she was nearly eliminated too.
Anna rushes over to me and gives me a long hug. “I feel so much better. But I think Mom might kill me—”
“Kill you?” I ask. “That was ratings gold!”
She thinks about that for a moment, straightening into a proud stance. “Yeah, it was! Wasn’t it?”
“I love you,” I tell her. “You and Drew stay out of trouble—or I don’t know, get into trouble.” I can’t believe I’m going to be alone here now.
Anna’s eyes water as she nods eagerly. “Win this shit,” she says. “I saw you and Henry up in that boxing ring. There’s something there. And that prize money could get you started in a big way.”
“Samantha, Anna,” says Chad, “I’m sorry, but it’s time to say goodbye.”
The remaining women watch as Samantha and Anna get into the Rolls-Royce and are driven off the property.
We all turn to walk back inside once the car disappears over the horizon, but seemingly out of nowhere, a bright yellow taxicab speeds up the hill and through the gates, honking its horn.
“Henry, I’ll let you tell them,” Chad says.
“Well, like Chad said, I’ve got some business to attend to, and I thought, what better way to do it than to take you all with me, so you should all pack your bags. We’re going to New York City!”
My whole body immediately eases at the sound of my city’s name. My home for the last four years.New York.
“Exciting stuff!” Chad says. “You’ve all got one hour to get ready, and, ladies, we will not be returning to theBefore Midnightchâteau until the finale. It’s time to hit the road.”
