Salome’s POV
"You actually showed up," Portia hissed, her voice cutting through the sudden silence of the ballroom.
I didn't answer her right away. I let the heavy doors settle behind me. The room was a sea of silk, tailored suits, and the expensive scent of floral arrangements that cost more than most people made in a year. Hundreds of eyes pivoted toward me. The rhythmic clapping and the bright chime of toasting glasses died out like a flame losing oxygen.
I started walking. My heels clicked against the polished marble with a steady, haunting rhythm. I wore a deep red tulle gown that felt like a second skin, the fabric pooling around my feet like a stain. I kept my chin parallel to the floor and my expression as cold as the champagne chilling in the corner buckets.
The crowd began to
