The finale

The grand ballroom of the Ritz-Carlton was shimmering in opulence. Golden chandeliers and gilded trims accentuated the grandeur as attendees in haute couture mingled, eagerly awaiting the press conference of the decade. The who's who of society was present, their dazzling attires a testament to the significance of the occasion. Outside, reporters jostled for position, cameras at the ready, anticipating the big reveal.

Matthew, in a crisp tuxedo, and Fiona, clad in an elegant evening gown that accentuated her grace, slipped into a quiet corridor away from the main ballroom's hustle and bustle. Here, they confronted Marina. Her attire—or more appropriately, her daring lack thereof—a perfect mimic of Jasmine’s audacious style.

"Playing dress-up, are we?" Marina's voice dripped with scorn, her demeanor radiating confidence. "You're in over your head, Fiona."

"We just want the research," Matthew interjected, keeping his voice level. Fiona extended a hand, demanding the thumb drive.

Marina hesitated for a moment, then with a smirk, threw the thumb drive towards Fiona. As Fiona lunged for it, Marina sprang into action, attempting to intercept her. But Matthew was quick to react, engaging Marina in a standoff and giving Fiona the chance to make her escape with the precious drive.

Fiona's steps quickened as she neared the entrance to the ballroom. However, she hadn't gone far when Jasmine, in all her customary uncovered glory, stopped her in her tracks. Jasmine's unabashed state was a contrast to the elegance around them. "Thought you could replace me?" she taunted, her voice dripping with disdain.

Fiona straightened up, clutching the drive, "This isn’t about you or me. It’s about revealing the truth."

Their verbal spar escalated into a physical one, culminating in the thumb drive's destruction. Fiona's determination remained unshaken. “You may have destroyed the drive," she declared, "But I have everything memorized.”

Jasmine smirked, then activated her wristband. A beam shot out, and in an instant, Fiona's elegant attire was gone, leaving her with only her pendant. Hesitating for a brief moment, Fiona touched the pendant around her neck, the cool metal serving as a reminder of Matthew's faith in her strength and intellect. Drawing from that memory, she mustered the courage to face what was ahead.

Undeterred, Fiona marched confidently onto the stage. The initial shock and hushed whispers soon made way for rapt attention as Fiona, with commendable poise, relayed the truths she'd committed to memory.

Watching from the back, Matthew, having managed to evade Marina, beamed with pride. As the applause grew thunderous, he rushed to Fiona's side, wrapping her in his coat. “You were incredible,” he whispered.

Back at her doorstep, a coy smile played on Fiona's lips. "Don't you want your coat back?" she teased.

Matthew, caught off guard, watched as Fiona shed the coat, letting it fall to the ground. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she posed, "Well, Matthew, don't you want to come in?"

Without waiting for an answer, she pulled him inside, the door clicking shut behind them.

THE END