Present Day - Tuesday Morning
The Regency Club's dining room has never been this quiet during the breakfast hour.
Victoria Sterling sits alone at her usual table by the window, picking at eggs Benedict that tastes like ash in her mouth. Around her, conversations die as she approaches, whispers following in her wake like a toxic cloud.
She's become a pariah in the world she once ruled.
"More coffee, Mrs. Sterling?"
The server's voice is polite but cold. Even the staff treat her differently now.
"Please."
Victoria tries to inject authority into her voice, but it comes out hollow.
Three days since Leon's trial began. Three days since the media discovered she's been funding his defense. Three days since Manhattan's elite turned their backs on her completely.
The newspaper on her table
