Chapter 5: The Arrival
Chapter 5: The Arrival
Laughter echoed awkwardly through the small crowd that had gathered.
Maya didn't argue. She didn't cry in front of them.
She simply knelt back down and quietly gathered the torn, crumpled pages. Her hands trembled just enough to betray the profound heartbreak she absolutely refused to show on her face.
Regina smiled, adjusting her white lapels. Another victory. Another reminder of who held the power.
Or so she believed.
At that exact moment, a roar erupted from the front doors. Photographers rushed violently toward the entrance, nearly knocking over the velvet ropes.
"The limousine's here!"
Tonight's guest of honor had arrived.
International movie star Isabella Hart stepped out of the vehicle.
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She was wearing a custom, heavily structured ivory silk gown valued at nearly one million dollars. It was the undisputed centerpiece of Hartwell Couture's new global collection.
Every single camera in the room pointed toward her. The flashes turned the entrance into pure daylight.
