The night in Frankfurt was still, wrapping the city in a deceptive tranquility.
The gala buzzed with guests weaving through the crowd, each with their own agendas. Ambitious socialites moved among them, scanning for potential targets.
Yet certain attendees commanded respect—Carlos Radiance, for one, and the charity event's host, Mr. Christian—figures who inspired both admiration and caution.
Alicia's gaze swept over the opportunistic women. Their designer labels—discount replicas or obvious counterfeits—couldn't disguise their lack of refinement. Even their bearing lacked the poise of true high society.
Her attention snapped back to Cherl, lips curling. "Some things can't be earned through effort. The only difference between us? Luck."
She said it wryly. Luck? For Alicia, it had been
