Part 2: The Folder That Made Bianca Stop Smiling The folder landed open beneath the chandelier like a verdict. For three seconds, no one breathed. Not the…

Part 2: The Lawyer Said My Name Twice The lawyer did not blink when Victoria Lancaster reached for the folder. He only lifted it higher, just out…

Part 2: The Signature That Turned The Room Cold The coordinator’s finger stopped on the last line of the Efficiency Form. For one breath, no one inside…

Part 2: The Final Page Named Her Father The host did not look at Serena first. He looked at me. That scared me more than the slap….

Part 2: The Man Who Ordered Audrey Out Audrey’s mouth fell open before the security guards even reached her. For one strange second, the whole ballroom in…

Part 2: The Host Opened The Page Too Soon The host’s fingers trembled on the paper, but his voice did not. “Before we continue,” he said, standing…

Part 2: The Escort Order Came From Her Own Father Audrey did not move at first. Her hand was still half-raised, like the slap had frozen her…

Part 2: The Signature Her Mother Recognized Too Late The microphone squealed once, and somehow that tiny sound made the ballroom feel even quieter. I stood on…

Part 2: The Lawyer Said My Name Again The lawyer did not lower the microphone when Juliette reached for the file. He lifted it higher. His name…