The grand ballroom of the Astoria Plaza Hotel glimmered with opulence—gold chandeliers casting a warm glow over polished floors, and the hum of conversation blending with the soft strains of a live string quartet. The evening buzzed with elegance and power; tonight’s charity gala was the place to be seen, and Isabelle hadn’t planned on fading into the background.
Her sapphire gown clung to her curves, the fabric pooling gracefully at her feet. With every step, she exuded poise, but beneath the surface, her heart pounded. She was here not just as a guest but as a symbol—part of her ongoing effort to show the world who she truly was.
“You’ve turned every head in the room,” came a smooth voice beside her.
Isabelle smiled softly as Marcus appeared, impeccably dressed in a tailored black sui
