Chapter 1 - The Shattered Illusion
Water dripped from Garrett’s ruined tuxedo as he struggled to find his footing on the slippery marble.
The decorative fountain continued to splash quietly behind him in the massive ballroom.
He glared at Alessia, his face completely twisted in humiliated rage.
The grand hall was entirely silent except for his ragged, angry breathing.
Wealthy guests watched in stunned silence, afraid to make a single sound or intervene.
Alessia did not break eye contact as she stood protectively in front of her injured mother.
She had tolerated his quiet arrogance for years, but striking Miriam was the final straw.
"Get out of my house before I have my security throw you into the street," Alessia demanded.
Garrett sneered, wiping a trickle of blood from his cut lip.
He looked toward his mother, Evelyn, fully expecting her to step in and defend him.
Evelyn simply adjusted her heavy diamond necklace and offered a chilling, satisfied smile.
She stepped carefully over the broken porcelain on the floor and walked toward Miriam.
Miriam was still clutching her ribs, trembling violently on the cold marble floor.
Alessia tried to push her away, but a pair of massive private guards suddenly blocked her path.
Evelyn leaned down gracefully and whispered something directly into Miriam's ear.
All the color drained from Miriam's face in a terrifying instant.
Miriam gasped desperately for air, clutching her chest tightly as her eyes rolled back into her head.
Alessia screamed for an ambulance as her mother collapsed completely to the floor.
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Evelyn stood up, smoothing her designer dress, and turned to Alessia with a look of pure triumph.
"This is only the beginning of your nightmare, my sweet girl," Evelyn whispered softly.
