The ringing in Elena’s ears grew louder than the applause.
Her fingers tightened around the microphone until her knuckles turned white.
Across the ballroom, Vanessa remained perfectly still. The faint smile on her lips told Elena everything she needed to know. She wasn’t bluffing.
This was really happening.
“Elena?” Patrick’s voice pulled her back for a brief moment.
Every guest in the ballroom was staring at her.
Waiting for her to say something.
The microphone felt impossibly heavy in her hand.
Alexander noticed the sudden change in her expression.
He leaned closer.
“What is it?”
Elena looked at him, then back at Vanessa.
She couldn’t tell him. Not here. Not now.
She forced herself to take a slow breath.
“I’m… I’m fine.”
It was the weakest lie she had told all evening.
Al
