Chapter 1: The Mockery in Maroon
The warm evening air outside the entrance of The Grand Sovereign Hotel was thick with the hum of city traffic and the distant murmur of jazz from the rooftop lounge. Bright architectural uplights illuminated the marble facade, casting sharp shadows across the driveway where luxury sedans pulled up to the valet stand.
Standing on the pristine sidewalk, just beneath the hotel’s glass canopy, was James.
He wore a dark brown corduroy jacket over a plain black polo and fitted trousers—casual, utilitarian attire that stood out starkly against the evening gowns and tailored tuxedos drifting out of the annual Sterling Gala. James stood with his hands tucked loosely into his pockets, his posture calm, his dark eyes fixed on the couple exiting the brass double doors.
Leading the way was Vanessa.
She was stunning, wearing an asymmetrical maroon off-the-shoulder gown that fitted her frame impeccably. Her gold drop earrings caught the warm light of the street lamps, tossing glints of amber across her high cheekbones. She laughed—a