Act I: The Grand Ballroom
Chapter 1: The Outburst at Table One
The Grand Ballroom of the St. Regis Hotel was a study in uninhibited luxury. Massive crystal chandeliers cascaded from gold-leaf ceilings thirty feet above, casting brilliant amber reflections across four hundred guests dressed in black-tie attire. Towering floral arrangements of rare white hydrangeas, garden roses, and eucalyptus stood on table after table, filling the air with a sweet, suffocating fragrance.
At the head table, however, the fairytale atmosphere broke down completely.
"Get out! Nobody wants you at my wedding!"
The bride, Chloe Vance, stood trembling with uncontrollable rage, her face contorted into a mask of pure venom. Her sleeveless white lace gown, fitted with a trailing cathedral veil, shook as she leaned across the table. Her dark hair fell in sharp waves over her bare shoulders as her voice echoed across the quieted ballroom.
Standing opposite her was Evelyn Vance.
At sixty-two, Evelyn possessed a quiet, regal dignity. She wore a tailored burgundy suit with subtle silver threading along the lapels, paired with a simple strand of pearls. But her cheek—where a distinct red welt