Chapter 1923

Fiona just shook her head, not offering up any explanation.

"You'll see in a few days," she said, all mysterious.

Jane could tell Fiona wasn't going to spill, so she let it go. She plopped down in a chair, poured herself some water, and settled in like she owned the place. "I ran into Jean at registration," she said. "She was with the Gregory family crowd. As soon as she saw me, she started begging me to add her name to our team, but I turned her down."

"Keep an eye on her," Fiona said quietly. "And make sure the three girls on her team are careful about what they eat."

If Fiona's hunch was right, Jean was up to something.

"Got it. Here, hold on to this registration slip. You'll need it to get in tomorrow."

When Jane left, she remembered Fiona's warning and didn't touch the water in the room. Instead, she grabbed a few bottles of mineral water and handed them out to the other four girls. Still, Jean was nowhere to be found.

Rooms on the island were tight. Only Fiona and Jane got singles-the other three contestants and Jean had to pair up and share.

"Where's Jean?" Jane asked, holding two spare bottles.

"No idea," one of the girls replied. "She said she wanted to see the ocean. Said she's never seen it before and wanted to check it out."

"Alright. You all get some rest and stay sharp. I'll go find her," Jane said.

The girl who'd originally roomed with Jean had wasted no time after Jean was bumped to alternate. She'd immediately started buddying up with the other two, trying to fit in and up her own chances. Jean might be a backup now, but everyone knew nobody was going to give up their shot at a top spot for her.

Jane made her way down a narrow path to the beach. She spotted Jean sitting on a rock, looking out at the waves, eyes red from crying. Jean saw Jane coming but didn't say a word.

"The wind's picking up. You should head back before you get sick," Jane said, pulling her jacket tighter. The island was hot during the day, but at night, the temperature dropped fast.

"Ms. Jane." Jean's voice was soft.

Jane stopped and looked at her.

When Jean didn't say anything else, Jane sighed. "Whatever happens, this was your choice. Fiona didn't force you-you gave up your spot."

"If you weren't here, Mr. Connor would have let me compete," Jean muttered, bitterness in her voice.

Jane almost laughed. She turned and gave Jean a sharp look. "Even if I wasn't here, you still wouldn't get to compete."

She was right. Even if Jane hadn't

shown up, Fiona would've taken the spot herself. She'd never let anyone mess with International Glam's reputation.

"Fiona gave all of you a chance to shine. If you wasted it, that's on you. And seriously, stop acting like you're the victim-it's getting old."

Jane walked away, leaving Jean alone on the rocks. Jean broke down, crying harder than ever.

Now, she really regretted everything.

Fiona couldn't sleep that night. She slipped out of her room and wandered past the guest rooms until she found herself standing under a

tree, staring at the waves crashing against the rocks.

She heard someone approaching behind her and turned, instantly on guard.

Jackson.

So he'd followed her out here.

Her heart pounded in her chest.

She felt restless, the salty wind only making her more irritable. Without a word, she turned away, brushing past Jackson.

Just a couple of days ago, they'd been wrapped up in each other-happy, inseparable. Now, it felt like they were strangers, or maybe even enemies.