Chapter 20 : “A New Club Member”

*Roanne’s POV*

The weekly meeting of the Revenge Club should feel like a heady mix of tension and triumph, but tonight, the air was electric with the scent of victory. I slipped into the dimly lit room, my pulse quickening as Violet stood before us, her presence commanding silence from every corner.

"Congratulations," she purred, her voice silk over steel. "Your appetites for justice were well fed this week." The others cheered, their faces flushed with satisfaction. I clapped along, trying to mirror their enthusiasm despite the knot in my stomach.

I looked around, trying to find Michael in any corner, remembering he and I would have a date tomorrow, but he was nowhere to be found, and I felt a bit disappointed.

"Roanne," Violet's eyes flicked to me, casual yet sharp as knives. "Your report?"

I swallowed hard, the taste of fear mingling with the musk of ambition in my throat. "Progress... has been made," I began, willing my voice not to shake. "But there have been... setbacks."