It was all going to hell for Lynette. 

Just when things finally seemed to be coming to fruition everything just had to go to shit. It wasn't fair! Not here, not now!

Ghosted! Her?! And by her own employee no less! The audacity!

Were she to have learned their name before their sudden disappearance, Lynette would have guaranteed there'd be hell to pay for them. Drain them for all they were worth before sending them to the streets at a size more fitting for one so inept. That of a mouse, or an ant perhaps. Fitting for a pest, and such punishment was the minimum of what was deserved for the utter incompetence that had been demonstrated.  

Now though, after being met with complete silence, Lynette had nothing in the way of releasing her anger. And so the fuming CEO was left with little beyond a blurred image of the oh-so-coveted Aiden, in what was likely his last seen location. A café, from the looks of it, and one surprisingly close to Rosen Accessories; that is if the message that came with the picture to be believed. 

He was close. That damned world-altering beta could practically be tasted with how close he had been, and once more they've managed to slip through the fingers of the hands that might make the most use out of him. First his departure from Lynette's own home, and now this? How insulting…

But Aiden was but a single, simpler prize when compared to what Lynette truly sought. 

Older, more arduous people wanted him, but where that wretched little beta was so too was the older Vermont Sister.

From what can be assumed, It is very likely that the one who had accompanied Aiden when this photo was taken was Lyza. 

Maya was too sporadic of an individual to go out in such a public space after the stunts she's pulled, and Roxanne's continued secrecy no doubt played a part in her inability to accompany the beta. All that, along with the possibility Lyza would have been the only one aching to leave whatever hole they were hiding in. 

It was her who was with Aiden. That much, Lynette was certain of. 

And if they've already absconded the area, then the chance to bring her under heel was missed. 

So close… Lynette was so CLOSE to finally putting her sister in their rightful place. But of course things just had to go wrong at the last minute, and now that opportunity was lost. And to make matters worse, she'd all but run out of the time she had in searching for them. 

“Fuck…” Lynette wanted to throw her phone against the wall, across the very office from which she's been wallowing within for the past hour, just so that she wouldn't have to see the accursed picture taken by her incompetent, worthless worker. “DAMMIT ALL!!!” It's all she could do to keep herself from just pulling the hair from her skull, vehemently wishing that things could have gone her way. 

Truly, Lynette believed she deserved to get what she wanted. Recompense for the years of having been left in her sister's shadow. The constant reminders that, despite her having been their mother's favorite, it was always her older sister who people held more faith in. It was always Lyza who was seen as competent, whereas Lynette was only ever remembered as the brat. 

The rightful heir to Vermont Garments. The real brains behind a business that was being run into the ground by its predecessor; her mother. 

The hard worker, the rising star of the designer world. Better than a prodigy, they were someone who best understood what it took to move up in the world. 

Everything that Lynette did not possess, Lyza had in quantities… and her peers knew this. 

Just as the pink-haired woman had known for perhaps the entirety of her whole life, all those who had allied themselves with Josephine Minerva, and by extension Lynette as well, similarly knew that Lyza was by far the better choice in their future endeavors. She was someone who could get the job done. Incidentally, all her younger sister could manage was annoying and disrespecting people she ultimately needed to get what was wanted.

Were it even an option… said people might have even thought of switching the position of the two sisters if the opportunity ever arose. That way they'd finally have someone reliable to work with.

Of course Lyza would never let that happen. Not out of familial love for her younger sister, but rather from cold contempt of those she'd be forced to work with. The world in which they lived from within the shadows, pulling at global strings, was a dangerous one, and the elder Vermont sister knew better than to trust those that might just as readily stab her in the back just as they'd do to Lynette. 

Lyza was much more likely to wipe them all out had she the power to do so. Swipe the board clean and use those she knows she can manipulate, it's what her mother would have done.

Lynette knew enough about her sister to understand that they were quite skilled in replicating such practices. If they wanted to, they could get a whole flock of people totally loyal to them and their goals.

But to hell with that, and to hell with every last person who would dare doubt Lynette. They could burn for all she cared. 

And in time… they will. 

Lynette prayed that they would.

Her moment was nearly here, yet the pink-haired CEO still lacked one vital component before her dreams could finally be made manifest. Her hidden, wayward sister. 

“God dammit Lyza! Where on Earth are you?!”

Lynette's frustration over the situation only rose as flashes of desired fantasies passed by her eyes; all detailing what she'd do to her irksome sibling. 

Like so many unfortunate betas, the spoiled businesswoman wanted nothing more than for her sister to be kept at a size befitting one that was once unwanted even in their own family. She knew they had fully embraced their beta hindrance, yet were lucky enough to have kept nearly their full height. Were that to change however… that'd make for a wonderful start in putting Lyza in her place.

Maybe they could be shrunken down as small as their dear partner in crime Aiden; perhaps even smaller, were Lynette to get lucky. That would be wonderful…

Whatever the size may be, in the end Lynette wanted her sister so small that they could comfortably fit underneath the sole of her bare foot. Nothing beyond that, and nothing less than. 

To be kept as some 'extra cushioning’, used for the sole purpose of comfort during a long day of walking and work. Or maybe just as someone to lap up all the sweat that'd no doubt build-up as time went on baking in such an unforgiving environment. It was… basic… as far torment went anyway, but care into details wouldn't be exercised here. At least not yet.

Not until Lyza was caught, and her sister was there to gloat over them. After that… the two siblings had their whole new lives ahead of them. 

Years to spend getting used to their new leashes on life.

The same however could not be said of their troublesome companions. 

Lynette already knew what she'd like to do to Aiden; the sneaking little bastard who had infiltrated her home and stole away her secrets. A life on the operating table, to be tested and prodded at once more, was the ideal fate for him. The bare minimum of what was owed, just as it'd be for Roxanne too. 

Never mind the fact that Matthias wanted to bring her into the fold that was once Josephine Minerva's own inner circle, Lynette mostly doubted the possibility that he'd even make it far into his own schemes. He was smart, yes, but sensible was another matter entirely. He was thrown to the side in favor of burying old secrets once, and yet for some reason he believed in the possibility that it wouldn't happen a second time. Unfortunately for them, there was just no reason to keep him around once his uses expired. Neither Matthias, nor the much more competent scientist he considered a friend would be spared their due punishments. Roxanne had already made a fool of Lynette once, and she'd be damned if that was going to happen a second time. 

And last but certainly not least, there was Maya. The one who troubled the younger Vermont sister the most. Unhinged, dangerous, and absolutely obsessive over specific people, it'd be a greater danger the longer they were kept around. There'd be nothing fancy for that psychopath, Lynette would snuff them out with a quick step of her foot. 

Preferably as Lyza watched. 

Maya was too dangerous a person to let live, but that didn't mean they didn't have their uses. A way to mentally torment Lynette's older sister, watching as a loved one was crushed like some bug, was just too good of an opportunity to pass up.

So many ways to get rid of so many people, and yet so little time in the world.

Fantasy after fantasy, they all washed over Lynette. The torment she'd invite on those who had thought to fool her, to make her look… small… 

She could see it all now; their faces as she towered over them, the looks of fear in their eyes as they realized she had finally won. 

So close… she was so close… and even if it wasn't how she had dreamed, Lynette promised herself all the same that before this coming gala was over she'd have all her enemies lined up before her.

Ant sized, begging not to be snuffed out, and rightfully ignored. 

But as things stood now, such dreams would remain as that; dreams. And it wasn't long before Lynette was brought back into the reality she sought to command. 

A sudden knock at her office door quickly pulled the power hungry woman away from her mouth watering fantasies. Wiping away at her chin, Lynette had even found herself… drooling. A barbaric, if not incredibly repressed, display. Not something she'd wish to be seen by someone important, and so she only beckoned for her surprise visitor to come in after having cleaned herself up. 

She wanted to seem presentable, after all. In complete control of the situation.

Especially towards the one who had been able to make everything she's wished for possible. 

“You can come in now, Felix.”

Meekly, cautiously, the soft-spined man walked in the moment he was allowed to do so. Slowly opening the door, Lynette was given a reminder as to why it was so easy to push Felix around despite the legacy on his shoulders, and not her own. The power that was meant to be at his family's fingertips, given to his master instead. 

By no means we're they an unpleasant man to look at, otherwise he would never have been kept around despite the advantages. Quite the opposite actually, as Felix was indeed quite handsome. Black hair, a well-rounded physique, and eyes as green as an emerald. All favorable traits for someone in the hopes of finding a fresh and obedient boy toy. 

And all that aside… he wasn't too bad in bed.

Oh, but Felix was so very coddled despite his natural appeal. Spoon-fed by his family, denied knowledge of anything beyond the world provided to him… and so he was incredibly meek as a result. Naivety and innocence, all bundled up so tightly together that it was no wonder as to how and why Lynette had him so easily wrapped around her finger. A praise here, a bit of affection there, and he was putty in her hands. A dog begging for more.

It was almost amazing to think that this spineless sod was the heir to the Minerva empire. All her plans, the dreams of what remained of their family, all resting on his weak-willed shoulders. A fool's pick honestly, though one that worked out wonderfully for those that are crafty. 

He was Lynette's suitor, as well as her ticket to a global empire. Through him, she would rule… everything. Everyone. From the shadows, of course, but with a word she'd be able to make or break the world. Before long, and if all went to plan, Felix was going to give Lynette all that she's ever wanted.

And she held no intentions of letting any of that go.

But, despite that unfathomable and unparalleled gift, Lynette couldn't help but feel… annoyance towards the poor, spineless man. Especially when he's just interrupted another one of her power fantasies. One time of many. 

“You better make this good,” The scowling tyrant of a woman warned as Felix made his way towards her desk. “I was in the middle of something… important…” 

A clear lie.

All the same, Lynette's visitor was cautious in their approach. Fearful and respectful, not wanting to displease their “lover”. Roughly the same age, as well as nearly the same height, though with Felix edging out by a few inches, one would think there'd be more respect between the two. That however couldn't be further from the truth. 

At first glance, and just through understanding the hold Lynette had over Felix, it was clear who was the one truly in charge. The would-be queen was the master, and their lover amounted to little more than a pet with which she could abuse and use to her heart's content. He was good in the sheets, and made for a decent dog, but beyond that it couldn't be said that there was any true affection Lynette held over her tool for global domination… and neither would have wished for it to be any other way. 

To serve someone as domineering as Lynette, someone as beautiful and as cruel, was a paradise bordering total, undeniable bliss. To even be near her was intoxicating, more than enough to satisfy Felix's obsession. 

This was his heaven, here on earth, and even as the climax of their lives steadily approached, he only wished to be able to keep this bliss from being soiled with what he had to say…

“Well?” Lynette was growing impatient the longer she had to wait, and from the expression Felix wore it was clear she wouldn't like what he had to say. “Whatever you have to say, say it… or am I going to have to find someone else to play with tonight?”

The man's reaction was immediate, as genuine fear stretched across his face. He shook maddeningly, the prospect of losing even a single night of pleasure with his mistress proving too much to contend with… just as Lynette had hoped. As said, she had Felix wrapped around a single finger; everything he had to offer belonged to her. 

That included all the knowledge he possessed, regardless of whether it was good or bad. 

Felix swallowed nervously, knowing he would be placed on thin ice afterwards. Still, this couldn't be kept a secret. “The gala's soon to start…” he began, noting any change in expression his Love might display carefully. Nothing beyond feigning interest, perhaps even boredom, though that was liable to quickly change. “Just a few days from now, as was your plan…” While not a normally calm woman, the pink-haired CEO could keep quiet when she wanted to. If only just to listen in on matters that directly involved her. The coming gala, all that it entailed; there was plenty she already knew. Lynette planned the gathering after all, seeing as her sister wasn't here to do it for her. It was necessary. A few nights from now, over a week at max, and the world would be hers. None of this was new. 

The annoyed CEO could feel a scowl forming, believing this to be nothing more than a waste of her time. “Yeah? And? This isn't exactly news to me.” 

Felix's expression didn't change in response to Lynette's uncaring nature. If anything, it only seemed to worsen the more he realized how deeply this might affect her. He already knew her to be in something of a slump, what with having been unable to find their sister, but now things could very well escalate. What needed to be said, what Felix had to tell her specifically, would only add more weight to the burdens Lynette already carried. 

The shaking man swallowed, steeling himself as best as he could. “The thing is…” a bead of cold sweat slithered down his brow, stinging his eye as it passed yet doing little to turn him away from this task. “The thing is… my Aunt's old allies… the people who you're supposed to be working with… they're tired of waiting. They want the gala to arrive sooner rather than later…” 

“Like… tomorrow sooner…”

Lynette's heart skipped a beat upon hearing that. “...what?”

Standing from her seat, the urge to chuck her phone once more returned, only now Lynette wished to do so against Felix's head. “What do you mean sooner? We have a date… a plan! I won't give them even a second more while my sister's still out there. You'll just have to stall them again.”

And Felix has done so, time and time again. Through his family's influence, with his aunt's name, he's done as asked. He bought as much time as he was able, but even the Minerva name had its limits… and Felix had finally reached his. 

“I can't,” he said warily, doing his best to steer clear of Lynette's ire. “Not anymore. My aunt's old companions, all those people she made promises to, they're getting impatient.” Felix explained wearily. Exhausted from even remembering the amount of effort it took to get so many people to comply with him. “It's already bad enough I had to postpone the previous date our global takeover was meant to happen, but now they're looking at you to blame…”

Of course they were. All those older sods, the type to look down at Lynette for their age and position, getting to where she was thanks to her mother. She knew those old bastards barely respected her. At most, they tolerated the irate woman out of respect for her mother. She knew how to command a room, and though her company was falling towards the latter years of their life, the once head of the Vermont family still demonstrated an ability hardly seen in her youngest daughter. 

The capability of commanding respect, something which Lynette lacked. Yes people worked for her, but it wasn't as though nobody knew she didn't get to where she was through her own hard work. Not like Lyza.

No, certainly not like her. 

If anything, there were plenty who believed the older Vermont sister would make for a better example of the Vermont household. A conclusion Lynette was keen on avoiding at all costs. 

“Mother… fucker…” she cursed under breathe. She knew, as much as she hated to admit it, that there was no avoiding this. Her time's run out, and regardless of whether she liked it or not she was now placed in a position where she was forced to move forward. 

And all while Lyza and her friends remained out of her grasp. 

If only she had another lead to work off of, or more information she could make use of from her employee and Matthias. But as things stood now, Lynette's back was up against the wall. 

Staring daggers towards Felix, Lynette had no choice but to concede. As much as she hated the idea, she had no other option now. “Alright… fine… tell your contacts that I'll try to get things up and running in a day or two.” 

That he could most certainly do. While it's not specially what his peers wanted, it was still a definite step in the right direction. Before Felix could leave to make the call though, his arm was seized. Thrust forward towards Lynette, the scowling woman crudely grabbed at his ear, yanking on it and nearly forcing her “man” to his knees. 

“Make no mistake though, I'm not happy about this little development,” she explained, her tone lowering to nearly that of a whisper. “Nooo, not happy at all… so, let's pray for your sake, that nothing else happens that ruins things for me. Otherwise, I'll have to find someone else to keep as a pet… understood?”

Felix didn't say a word. He did not dare. All the poor man could do was nod his head silently while a blush formed on his cheeks… and a tent pitched upright lower down his body… 

“Good…” releasing her hold, Lynette allowed Felix to, quite literally, crawl away with his dignity once more ripped apart. If anything he was a delight to torment, even if they did enjoy it. 

No doubt Lynette would make good use of that sadism later into the night. 

For now though, as she made her way back to her desk, she couldn't help but have her mind wander. Out there in Los Demonios her sister remained hidden. No doubt scared of what's awaiting her in the outside world. She likely had her friends close at hand, to help in keeping calm in these difficult times, but even that was a temporary reprieve to what was already inevitable. 

While she may not have it today, nor is it likely to happen in the coming weeks, Lynette would have her due. Her sister, scared and shrunken before her. It would come, she just had to believe that… 

And so, with that belief intact, Lynette would settle for having her sister remain scared of her out there in a world soon to belong to her. 

That fear, that caution, it was all that was needed to keep them all from moving against fate.

Time passed uneventfully, as one might expect of those who could only wait, and the night of the gala came far quicker than any might have expected. As was demanded of the powers outside her control, it had come only a meager two nights after Lynette was forced to open her doors sooner than she would have liked. A hiccup in her plans that she was forced to ultimately deal with. 

Still, for the most part, everything was proceeding smoothly. In these two days, the staff of Rosen Accessories was overworked; made to ensure that everything was as perfect as can be. Not a single thing would be out of place, nor would a visitor find themselves wanting from anything more. 

With the building locked down, the guests were all in attendance on the highest floor, and every lower level below that was under constant surveillance by either guards, cameras, or both. Various levels of security to ensure the safety of many high profile targets. 

It was all… quiet. Serene. Without hardly any flaw or issue... 

Yet unbeknownst to those within the building, their days were numbered. The moment they chose to attend this ridiculous event, every soul within, every man and woman wishing for world domination, was doomed to fail. Their prestige, their history, their shares and influence; none of it would matter once this night was over. None more so than Lynette Vermont, who in a surprise twist of fortune had yet to show up to her own party. Whether of her own accord or poor planning, it didn't matter.

Nothing mattered, as a green fog slowly began to overtake the lower vents of the building's first floor; the guards stationed there being the first of many to fall victim to this night's soon to be bloody revelries... 

Unaware at first, it wasn't even a full minute into the sudden, silent attack did those stationed here begin to feel their clothing loosen. 

Past a minute, they felt their muscles tighten, and their bodies heat up to uncomfortable degrees, sweat staining their skin as the world began to spin; all telltale signs of betaization.

Nearly two minutes passed and they were practically drowning, hidden in their entirety, within their own attire. 

So it was that in a span of time too quick to combat against did the night's true festivities begin. The gathering of so many important individuals, all waiting to be shrunken down and tossed away. It was almost too easy…

And yet… that was far from the worst of it, as through the arrival of one final guest were the fates of the lives of all those present cemented. Not to an existence of torment, but the finality of a gruesome, gleeful demise. 

Slowly making her way through the door, none present could see the figure that was Maya; smiling, her newly purpled eyes shining, beyond ecstatic to take part in such a feast once again. At a size now similar to what was once her own, restored through the aid of Roxanne's concoctions, dressed in only the best of crimson dresses, courtesy of her dear girlfriend, and with the intent of matching their blood red hair, the now restored monster of a woman couldn't help but whistle longingly at the beautiful sight of bundled clothes laid out before her. 

What wonderful treats she has here before her, all wrapped up in lakes of fabric. Something to slack her hunger while the others got into position. 

They were of course free to take their time. Maya hoped for as much. She could wait. To slaughter so many people enclosed in such a small, finite space, working her way to the top as the dreaded green gas worked its magic… there was no better present to have when celebrating this return to her form of normalcy. 

It'd be ludicrous of Maya to not leave her mark behind. A bloody trail of all those unfortunate enough to have been found by her. What better form of ‘red carpet’ for her darlings was there to present for events such as this?

But despite all that, and with all that she planned to do, Maya didn't forget that she was only the first act. Though she was back to a size in which she could enjoy life to the fullest again, this… wasn’t her night. 

Tonight was a family matter. She was just the one to set the stage for the rest, and while it was a shame that Lynette had yet to arrive…

Maya could hardly wait to see the look on their face. 

As their DEAR sister tore their whole damn world apart.