Chapter 25
Her Rules The room buzzed with wealth and whispered legacies. Every guest at the gala wore a mask—not literal, but the polished, practiced kind Leona had grown up around. High society smiles, curated charm, and secrets tucked inside designer suits. Once upon a time, she might’ve mimicked them. Tonight, she stood apart from them. Not above. Beyond. Wearing her mother’s favorite color—red—but in a style that screamed her, Leona owned her entrance. The red dress was bold, backless, with a high slit. It wasn’t for shock—it was for sovereignty. Every inch said: “I’m not her. I’m me.” At her side, Elias’s quiet confidence steadied her. He didn’t need to be the center of attention; he just needed to be her anchor. He looked at her the same way he had when they were kids, when he believed i
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