The ballroom of the Aurora Charity Gala glittered like a field of frozen stars. Crystal chandeliers shimmered above 200 of the city’s most powerful elites.
CHAPTER 1 — THE WHISPER BEFORE THE STORM
The ballroom of the Aurora Charity Gala glittered like a field of frozen stars. Crystal chandeliers shimmered above 200 of the city’s most powerful elites.
Elena stood near the back wall in her plain housekeeping uniform, her hands still trembling from what had happened hours earlier in the marble lobby. She hadn’t expected to be invited inside the gala at all—security only allowed her in because someone insisted she “stay.”
That someone was Beatrice.
At the center of the stage, Beatrice slowly stepped up to the microphone. The frail woman who had once struggled to breathe now stood with quiet authority that silenced even the clinking of champagne glasses.
Victoria sat at the front row, diamond necklace tight around her neck, whispering to her friends with a smirk.
“She’s going to talk about donations. Boring.”
Beatrice adjusted the microphone.
“Tonight,” she said softly, “I am not here as a philanthropist.”
A pause.
“I am here as someone who almost died today… in a place where no one cared.”
The room shifted uncomfortably.
Elena’s breath caught.
Victoria rolled her eyes.
Beatrice’s gaze slowly moved across the room… until it landed on Elena.
May you like
“But one person did care.”
Silence swallowed the hall.
