“Bryant, update?" Caroline asked without looking up from the seating chart.
“Stage security doubled. Perimeter sweep every ten minutes. Media teams pre-cleared. No sign of Mason."
“Rosalie?"
“Unaccounted for. Left her resignation. Didn't leave a trail."
Caroline's pen paused. “She'll show. Rats always return when there's cheese."
Outside, the charity banquet was already drawing attention. The manor ballroom shimmered in gold and crystal. Cameras clicked nonstop. Reporters murmured behind velvet ropes.
Caroline adjusted her gown, a sleek silver piece that shimmered like moonlight.
Bryant stood behind her in the dressing room mirror.
“You don't have to go out there," he said. “One word, and I'll shut it all down."
“I'm not hiding," she replied. “Let them see me. Let them see that I'
