Page 230 of Ruthless Court

“That seems extreme.”

“I would rather walk into a fountain than trend as Tortoiseshell.”

Lila scrolls faster.

“People like them.”

“People also like public executions when the editing is good.”

A new post appears.

This one places my courtside picture beside a photo of Krista.

HAVERHILL’S NEW TYPE? FROM TRACK STAR TO BOOKWORM…

Heat crawls up my neck.

Noor takes the phone from Lila and locks it.

“That’s enough.”

“It’ll get worse,” I say.

“Maybe.”

“Helpful.”

“But hiding won’t fix it.”

“I’m not hiding.”

I climb out of bed and head for my dresser.

I’m adapting.

* * *

My contacts go in on the second attempt.

The left one scratches, but I refuse to surrender.

I add concealer.

Foundation.

More mascara than I’ve worn since high school picture day.

Then Lila appears beside me holding a set of false lashes.

“No.”

“You said you wanted to look different.”

“I want to look less identifiable, not like I’m about to stream as an influencer.”

“They’re subtle.”

“They have their own shadow.”