Revenge In The Mafia's Bed

The Radiant Glow of an OffWhite Gown The massive crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling of The Plaza Hotel ballroom cast a dazzling light, illuminating the buzzing 30thanniversary celebration of Sterling Corp. That night, Manhattan was teeming with aristocrats, highend entrepreneurs, and the sparkling diamonds of the New York jet set. Classical music echoed softly beneath the clinking of crystal glasses, yet amidst the sea of designer gowns costing tens of thousands of dollars, several pairs of eyes were drawn to a dimly lit corner. Standing there was Audrey Vance. The 21yearold stood in stark contrast to the forced luxury surrounding her. She wore a simple, offwhite satin evening gown. There were no excessive beads, no revealing cuts. The dress draped perfectly, tracing the lines of her proportionate figure, exuding an aura of pure, captivating elegance—like a fairy lost in the human world. Her shoulderlength brown hair was styled in natural waves, framing a face that was beautiful even without heavy makeup. Her hazel eyes flickered softly, radiating an innocent glow that was, ironically, lethal to anyone who looked her way. "Does she think she’s at a charity event?" a sharp voice cut through the silence near the drink table. Chloe Sterling stood with a glass of champagne in hand, her eyes fixed on Audrey with a hateful glare. That night, Chloe wore a fiery red gown by a famous Parisian designer, hoping to be the center of attention for every eligible bachelor in Manhattan. Instead of glancing at her, the heirs to business empires had been whispering in admiration, watching Audrey. "Calm down, Chloe. She’s just a stray we let come along so your father wouldn’t be labeled cruel by the media," whispered Victoria Sterling, Audrey’s stepmother, standing beside her daughter. A fake smile played on Victoria’s red lips, layered in expensive lipstick. Her gaze toward Audrey was icecold. To Victoria, Audrey’s presence in the Sterling house had always been a thorn in her side that needed to be removed. Chloe’s frustration peaked when Julian, a young CEO of a prominent tech firm whom she had been eyeing all night, walked past her without even turning his head. The man walked straight to where Audrey was standing. "Good evening, Miss Sterling. Damn, I mean, Miss Audrey. Your offwhite gown truly steals all the light in this room," Julian complimented with a charming smile, ignoring Chloe, who was now clutching her champagne glass until her knuckles turned white. Audrey offered a thin, formal smile—polite but keeping her distance. "Thank you, Mr. Julian. You are too kind." From a distance, Chloe stomped her foot. "Mommy! Look at that! She always steals what should be mine! I can't bear to look at her holierthanthou face for another second in New York!" Victoria Sterling took a deep breath, her eyes narrowing cunningly as she watched the stepdaughter she had loathed ever since Thomas Sterling brought her into their lives following the death of Audrey's biological mother. The hatred and jealousy that had built up for years reached a breaking point. Audrey shone too brightly, and as long as the girl remained in their home, Chloe would never secure the top position or Thomas's full affection. Victoria draped an arm around her daughter’s shoulder, patting her gently while offering a soothing look full of malice. "Don't worry, darling. Mommy has prepared a special 'gift' for your stepsister tonight. After this, not a single respectable man in New York will want to look at her. Forget being the center of attention; her name will become the most disgusting trash in Manhattan." Victoria then turned, walking gracefully toward the back of the hotel bar. There, a sturdylooking waiter she had paid handsomely waited nervously. From her handbag, Victoria pulled out a small glass bottle filled with a clear, odorless liquid—a highdose aphrodisiac she had obtained from the black market. "Put the entire contents into this glass of champagne," Victoria ordered in a cold, irrefutable voice. "Make sure this glass reaches Audrey Sterling. Do not get the wrong person." The waiter nodded quickly, his hands shaking slightly as he poured the cursed liquid and stirred it. "Yes, Mrs. Sterling. It will be done." Meanwhile, the host on stage began the official ceremony. A roar of applause echoed through the ballroom as Thomas Sterling was called to the stage with his family. Victoria and Chloe immediately put on their best masks, walking with wide smiles as if they were the happiest family in Manhattan. On stage, whispers from the guests began to circulate, discussing the contrast between Audrey’s simple, offwhite dress and Chloe’s gown, which sparkled with crystals. However, the cynical gazes of some guests turned into admiration for Audrey's calm and classy elegance. After the welcome session concluded, Audrey stepped off the stage and, feeling uncomfortable with the intense stares surrounding her, decided to slip away from the ballroom crowd. Her stomach felt slightly bloated and her throat dry, as she hadn't managed to eat dinner due to being busy preparing for the event. She walked toward a long table serving refreshments near the exit leading to the hotel corridor. As Audrey stood at the table, a waiter in a neat tuxedo approached her, carrying a silver tray with several glasses of pink, refreshinglooking drinks. It was none other than Victoria’s accomplice. "A welcome drink, Miss?" the waiter offered, his head slightly bowed. His eyes shifted nervously, but Audrey, too exhausted, failed to notice anything amiss. "Ah, thank you," Audrey said sincerely. She took a glass from the tray, never knowing that behind a large pillar nearby, Victoria and Chloe were watching her with a horrific, triumphant smile. Audrey sipped the sweet, fruity drink until it was halfgone, feeling her dry throat slightly soothed. She placed the glass back on the table, intending to go to the restroom to splash water on her face. However, just a few steps after leaving the ballroom and entering the quiet VIP corridor, a strange wave suddenly hit her body. Her legs suddenly felt heavy. Her vision, which had been clear, slowly blurred, making the wall lights spin. Most terrifyingly, her body temperature skyrocketed in a matter of seconds. A burning sensation gradually spread through her veins, creating a racing heartbeat and an unnatural, intense thirst. Audrey clutched her chest as her breathing became ragged and hot. Her waning consciousness triggered a danger alarm in her head. Something is wrong with that drink...