Author's pov
Meanwhile, at the Locke mansion, the grand ballroom buzzed with Colorado Springs' elite.
Half the old money families in Colorado Springs had shown up, along with tech entrepreneurs, socialites, and even a few celebrities who served merely as glittering accessories to the truly powerful.
Getting an invite from the Lockes was a symbol of status, proof that your family remained relevant and influential.
Families on the decline had long been struck from the guest list, not even allowed to drop by with gifts on holidays, let alone attend such a prestigious celebration.
But something was off. The gala had been underway for half an hour and all guests had arrived, but the evening's guest of honor, Martha, still hadn't shown up.
Zane, the head of the Locke family,
