Chapter 12 ALINA'S POV " Enough of this mushy shit . Let's get down to business . " She downed her whiskey in one go , making me laugh . She always feels awkward when things get too emotional Some things never change , I guess . " I want revenge . " I told Talia , running my fingers through Fluffy's soft fur as she snuggled comfortably into my laps , already dozing off " I want Adrian and Seraphina to pay for every pain they've caused me . I want the whole Dawn family to pay for how they've treated me . for using me as a stepping stone for their daughter . I want them to hurt just like I have . " My tone darkened with each word that left my lips , the resentment I was feeling seeping through . Talia looked at me , shock and confusion creasing her face . How did they hurt you , Ally ? What's happening ? " Her voice was laced with concern , but I couldn't translate the words into a coherent sentence " Fine . " She said , picking up on my hesitation . " For some reason , you can't tell me what's going on , and I understand . " I shot her a grateful smile . " What's the plan , though ? " " I don't know . " I admitted . " But I sure as hell am done with Seraphina taking credit for my designs , that's for sure . " " Damn right , girl , " Talia's tone shifted to excitement . " It's about damn time . I'm tired of that slut prancing around every red carpet she can find , not only wearing but also taking credit for something she couldn't come up with even in her next life . So , are you going to sue their company ? " " No. " I said , causing a frown to appear on her face . " Why the hell not ? " She asked , not liking my response , " They can keep those designs . I was a ghost designer , so fighting them for ownership would be too stressful and messy . " Lexplained . " I have a better idea " " Okay . " She trailed off , waiting for me to continue . "I'm going to start my Fashion line . " I announced " Really ? " Her tone was filled with excitement and surprise . " Yes , I confirmed . " But I still need to play the meek, adoptive daughter to the Dawn family . I'll keep designing for them , but it won't be anything major that can make waves . I'll remain anonymous for the time being , supporting Seraphina while she competes with the newest arch nemesis in the industry . me . " I said with a cruel smile . " Wow , you are brutal . " Talia laughed . " I don't know how this new you came to be , but I love it . " She declared . " What do you need help with She questioned , eager to be part of the plan . " I need you to do what you're good at , hack I want you to make things difficult for both Dawn and Adrian's companies and get rid of any hindrances I may encounter . I told her hopefully . " That's all ? " She sounded surprised . " That's like taking candy from a baby , I was expecting a more challenging task . Consider it done . " She told me , making me smile . When you decide to let the world know you're the new designer making v Her question made my eyes widen in shock . waves , are you going to also announce that you're Astra? " 1/2 Chapter 12 " Wh what ? " I stuttered . " I don't know what you're talking about , " I denied , avoiding her gaze . How did she know ? Astra was a secret identity 1 created to escape reality . Nobody knew Astra was me , they didn't even know what gender I was . All the world knew was that Astra was a world - renowned jewelry designer . Every fashion designer out there wanted to work with me . Not to brag or anything , but my jewelry designs were in a lot of high - end jewelry stores all over the world . " Don't even . Alina , " Talia rolled her eyes in a bored tone . " You're forgetting what I do for a living , right ? " Of course How could I have forgotten ? She was a hacker , for crying out loud . " How long have you known ? " I asked in a softer tone . " That's not important right now . The question is , why didn't you tell me , and how long do you plan on keeping it a secret from the world ? " " I don't know ," I shrugged . " I just don't want to let the world know for now Astra was mine , and I wanted to be selfish and keep it that way for as long as I could . Fair enough . She shrugged . " So , what now ? " Well , now I'm going to go pay my darling Adrian a visit at the hospital . " I told her with a smile , watching her face contort into rage . " ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR FUCKING MIND ?! " 色