Elena stood frozen for a moment after hearing those words. “They were murdered.” The noise of the ballroom faded into the background. Conversations, music, and laughter all seemed distant. Her mind focused on only one thing. Her parents. Slowly, Elena lifted her eyes and looked directly at the fake heiress. “What do you mean?” she asked quietly. The woman smiled as if she had just delivered the most entertaining secret in the world. “Oh… did that surprise you?” she said softly. Adrian noticed the sudden tension in Elena’s body and stepped closer. “What’s going on?” he asked. Elena didn’t answer him immediately. Her eyes never left the woman in front of her. “You said my parents were murdered,” Elena said firmly. “Explain.” Several guests nearby leaned in closer, sensing the d

