Chapter 10 - The Grand Gala
The Grand Hyatt Ballroom was an ocean of gold, crystal, and velvet.
Five hundred of the city’s wealthiest elites—senators, CEOs, foreign ambassadors, and socialites—mingled under towering chandeliers worth more than average family homes. Diamond necklaces caught the glittering light, champagne flutes chimed in continuous celebration, and cameras flashed as reporters documented the event of the social season: the Vance Foundation Charity Gala.
I arrived in a gown made of midnight-blue silk that pooled around my ankles like liquid shadow. My hair was swept up in an intricate chignon, held in place by antique diamond pins. Around my neck hung the sapphire brooch, gleaming defiantly under the spotlights.
The moment I entered, the translucent comments surged across my vision like a torrential downpour:
*SHE LOOKS LIKE AN EMPRESS!*
*Lucas is on the VIP balcony with Emma! They think Sophia is completely clueless!*
*Ryan Whitaker is standing near the bar looking like he’s about to vomit from pure terror.*
*The media feed is already wired to the main stage screens.*
I caught sight of Ryan near the champagne fountain. His skin was pasty, his hands shaking as he gripped his glass. When his eyes met mine, I gave him a subtle, imperceptible nod. He swallowed hard and looked away, sweating profusely in his tuxedo.
On the elevated VIP balcony, Lucas stood dressed in a sharp black Tom Ford tuxedo. Beside him sat Emma Sinclair, looking radiant and delicate in an angelic white Valentino gown. Lucas held her hand discreetly behind a velvet curtain, whispering into her ear while she giggled softly.
When Lucas noticed me walking across the ballroom floor, his lips curved into the triumphant, predatory smirk I had been waiting for all week.
He patted Emma’s hand, whispered something to her, and descended the grand staircase toward me, champagne glass in hand.
"Sophia, my love," Lucas announced loudly enough to draw the attention of nearby guests and photographers. "You look breathtaking."
"Thank you, Lucas," I said, offering a serene, flawless smile. "It’s an unforgettable night."
"It certainly will be," Lucas purred, his eyes flashing with cruel malice. "The charity auction is about to begin. The board has requested that I make a special announcement regarding our upcoming wedding before we unveil the headline auction item—the custom Koenigsegg."
"I can't wait to hear what you have to say," I replied smoothly.
At that moment, the master of ceremonies stepped up to the podium on the central stage. The room’s lights dimmed, leaving only dramatic purple and gold spotlights focused on the massive 80-foot LED projection screen behind the podium.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the announcer’s voice boomed across the speakers. "Please welcome the heir to Vance Capital, Mr. Lucas Vance, for the evening’s keynote address!"
Applause rippled through the grand hall. Lucas squeezed my arm tightly—a grip that felt like a shackle—and leaned in close to my ear.
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"Watch closely, Sophia," he whispered, his voice dripping with venomous amusement. "This is where your little fairytale ends."
He turned and strode up the stage steps, exuding absolute confidence, basking in the blinding flashbulbs of the press.
