The world around us melted away as Mason and I swayed to the rhythm of the music. His touch was warm, grounding, yet intoxicating all at once. For the first time, I allowed myself to forget the whispers, the doubts, the shadows of Marissa that always seemed to follow me. At this moment, I was just Elena—dancing with the most powerful man in the room.
Then a sharp, piercing scream shattered the enchantment.
"No! No, no, NO!" The voice rang out, raw with fury.
I froze, my heartbeat stuttering in my chest. The entire ballroom went silent as the guests turned toward the source of the commotion.
Bettina.
She stood just beyond the dance floor, her fists clenched at her sides, her face contorted in rage. Her golden gown shimmered under the chandeliers, but it did nothing to soften the venom
