Chapter 1: The Slap That Changed Everything
The ballroom fell silent the moment the crack echoed across the marble walls.
Mariana touched her burning cheek, her fingers trembling for only a second before she lowered her hand.
Victor Hale stood in front of her in his black tuxedo, chest heaving with anger. Beside him, his mother clutched the open velvet ring box as if Mariana had personally insulted the entire Hale bloodline.
"Don't ever speak to my mother like that."
Mariana looked at him for a long moment.
Then she smiled.
"Remember every word you just said."
The smile unsettled him more than any scream could have.
She picked up her handbag, turned, and walked toward the grand doors without another glance.
Behind her, Mrs. Hale scoffed.
"A gold digger always leaves when she realizes she has no leverage."
Victor didn’t answer.
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For the first time that evening, a strange feeling crept into his chest.
It looked a lot like fear.
