The ballroom lights shifted subtly as a fresh set of guests arrived. Yssabelle, still in her crimson velvet gown, walked out of the private suite with Chloe trailing behind her like a shadow of strategy. Wala na ang maskara niya. Wala na ring ngiti.
Sa likod ng kanyang presensya ay isang malinaw na mensahe: She would not be cornered. Not by anyone. Not by him.
Nakahawak siya sa gilid ng marble railings habang tanaw ang second level ng venue. Sa ibaba, kitang-kita ang social swirl — mga investors, elite clients, fashion press. Pero kahit gaano kaganda ang music, pagkain, at diamonds, may lasong gumagapang sa paligid.
Dimitri.
She caught sight of him again, this time casually sipping champagne sa gilid ng floral column. Halos walang effort sa postura. Pero kahit hindi ito nagsasalita, an
