The ballroom shimmered with lights and whispered conversations, but the moment Julia's voice sliced through the air, Annabelle knew trouble had arrived.
"Well, well... Miss Annabelle Hamilton. Didn't expect to see you here."
Annabelle lifted her head slowly, her gaze sharp behind the mask of indifference. She arched a brow, hiding a smirk behind her glossed lips.
"Excuse me, do I know you?" she blinked her sea-green eyes innocently, her voice dripping with poised confusion.
It was a fair question. She'd never formally met Julia. Just because the woman worked under Richard didn't mean she had any reason to recognize his guest. That single line from Annabelle hit Julia like a slap. She had marched in to mock and humiliate—but now she stood awkwardly, her confidence wavering in front of h
