Her fib had unraveled, exposing her barefaced lie.

Tyrone's revelation left Sabrina mortified.

Bathed in the soft glow of the light, her face seemed even more radiant.

Sabrina nibbled at her lower lip, then cast her gaze up at Tyrone before lowering it again as she whispered, "You... How'd you figure it out?"

“I just wrapped up a dinner party at Francio Club."

His response was succinct, but it unveiled a world of understanding.

He'd spotted her at Francio Club, and he'd known all along that she was hoodwinking him.

Sabrina winced, knowing her charade had been laid bare.

He hadn't disclosed his presence in Violetholt or the fact that he'd spotted her. It was a test, no doubt.

"If you already know I'm not playing straight, why not just call me out?" Sabrina inquired, her face a mélange of frustration and indignation.

Gazing at Sabrina's increasingly incensed expression, Tyrone maintained his smile and offered, “I wanted to see how far you'd go with the act. I never anticipated you'd be in character the whole time. Sabrina, you've certainly surprised me..."

"I..." Sabrina began, discerning the ironic undertone in Tyrone's voice. She quickly scrambled for an explanation, a guilt-tinged smile on her lips.

"Honestly, I didn't want to deceive you, but... You've always had this thing against Blayze, and I..

"So it's all my fault, then?" Tyrone interrupted.

"I didn't mean that," Sabrina hurriedly clarified.

Tyrone sneered, "If I hadn't witnessed it firsthand, I wouldn't have believed you had such an impressive acting talent."

His words dripped with irony.

Sabrina bit her lower lip.

“I'm flattered..." she began, but her pride was swiftly countered.

Tyrone sneered.