Chapter 8
Chapter 8: The Queen’s Gambit
Three weeks later. The grand ballroom of the Plaza Hotel was packed with the city’s elite for the annual Charity Gala. It was the most important social event of the year, and despite the financial rumors surrounding them, Victoria insisted they attend to show a front of absolute strength.
Victoria stood near the champagne fountain, dressed in a sparkling emerald gown, putting on a forced smile for the cameras. Ethan stood beside her like a ghost, staring blankly into the crowd.
Suddenly, the music stopped. The chatter in the room died down to a sharp whisper. All eyes turned toward the grand entrance of the ballroom.
The announcer's voice echoed through the microphone: "Ladies and gentlemen, welcoming our Guest of Honor, the Chairperson of the New City Development Initiative... Miss Clara Montgomery."
Victoria’s champagne glass shattered on the floor, glittering shards spraying over her expensive shoes.
Walking down the steps was Clara. She wore a breathtaking, backless crimson silk dress that stood out like fire against the sea of black and white tuxedos. The left side of her face was no longer bandaged; instead, she wore a beautifully crafted, delicate gold filigree mask over her left eye and cheekbone, turning her scar into a symbol of dangerous royalty.
She wasn't walking alone. On her right arm was Marcus Vance—the billionaire tech mogul and the Vanguard family's most ruthless business rival.
"My god," Victoria whispered, her face turning completely white. "She... she’s stunning."
Clara locked eyes with Victoria from across the crowded room. She didn't smile. She raised her glass of red wine toward the matriarch in a silent, lethal toast.
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Ethan took a step forward, his voice choking in his throat. "Clara..."
But Clara didn't even look at him. She turned her head, laughing at something Marcus Vance whispered in her ear, and walked right past the Vanguards as if they were nothing but cheap servants.
