The ballroom of Le Grand Hotel that night was so magnificent it felt like stepping into a dream woven from gold and crystal.

It was 11:45 PM. The fire alarm had been deactivated, and the billionaire guests had been ushered back into the grand ballroom. Arthur Sterling was currently standing at the podium on the stage, a microphone in hand, attempting to do damage control.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for the disruption," Arthur’s booming voice echoed. "A deranged individual attempted to extort our family. He has been handed over to the authorities. The wedding will proceed."

The heavy oak doors of the ballroom slammed open for the second time that night.

Clara marched in. Her bespoke gown was torn at the hem. She was barefoot, and her hands were covered in Marcus’s blood.

The crowd gasped in absolute horror.

"Clara!" Arthur yelled, his face turning pale. "Guards, help her! She’s been attacked!"

"Don't touch me!" Clara shouted, her voice echoing through the massive hall. She walked directly to the AV control booth at the side of the room, locking herself inside before security could react.

As the head of PR, Clara knew every technical system in the Sovereign Palace. She plugged her flash drive into the main broadcasting console.

"Arthur Sterling says the intruder was a deranged stalker!" Clara’s voice boomed over the PA system, overriding Arthur's microphone. "Arthur Sterling is a liar!"