Cherry's lips curled into a sly smile, the kind that always made Coral both uneasy and oddly fascinated.
"I'm a genius?" Coral asked confused at her Aunt outburst.
The older woman leaned back into her velvet chair, fingertips drumming lightly on the armrest as though she were savoring the weight of Coral's words.
"A very special genius my niece" Cherry's voice purred, almost mocking.
She rose gracefully, skirts whispering against the floor, and moved toward the heavy oak doors.
Her hand lingered on the iron lock. With a deliberate click, she slid it into place.
Coral frowned. "Aunt, why are you locking the doors?"
Cherry turned, her eyes glittering with a conspirator's fire. "Because, my dear, some secrets are too precious for wandering ears. Not even the walls should hear what I am about to say."
When Cherry seemed certain that there were no openings, she turned to face Coral.
"Why don't we get Jasmine on our side?" Cherry asked deviously.
