Chapter 151
The soft melody of “Free As A Bird” floated through the grand ballroom, where a pyramid of crystal champagne flutes sparkled beneath the chandeliers. Young women in designer evening gowns mingled and laughed throughout the space.
Under the spotlights, their jewelry cast dazzling reflections across the room.
In a quiet corner stood Sarah, wearing a sleek black velvet gown that hugged her curves. As one of the century’s most distinguished formal wear designers, her dress perfectly embodied the fusion of elegance with modern sophistication.
She wore minimal jewelry – just a single emerald pendant that added a subtle touch of refinement.
Beside her stood Mia in a flowing princess ballgown, holding a plate of petit fours. Despite being one of the event’s hostesses,
eyes betrayed an unsettling anxiety and nervousness.
Mia seemed to shrink into herself as faces passed before her in an endless stream. Though each wore a polite smile, she could only see threatening expressions, never knowing what dangers might lurk beneath their pleasant facades.
Her only anchor was Sarah beside her, though that face, etched in her memory with past pain, now offered safety.
her
The champagne in her glass had barely touched the sides when it slipped from her grasp, the sharp crash of crystal drawing every
eye in the ballroom..
Sarah was instantly at her side, taking her hand. “Mia, you’re safe. Look at me.‘
She could feel Mia’s grip tightening to the point of pain. “Mia, breathe. You know everyone here. They’re not strangers or threats. They’re our friends and colleagues. Look at me I’m just enjoying some dessert, aren’t I? Look around – I’m here, your brother is here, and your grandfather is in his private lounge upstairs. You’re completely safe, okay?”
She murmured these gentle reassurances until Mia’s breathing steadied.
The wait staff had already swept in to clean up the broken glass before anyone could get hurt.
“Sarah, please, I need to leave,” Mia whispered, trembling.
Sarah considered for a moment. “Let’s go up to your private lounge. We can return when the formal dinner begins.”
“Yes, please.”
Sarah set down her dessert plate and guided Mia upstairs, holding her hand.
The second floor was peacefully quiet, lined with private lounges for guests. Grandfather had his permanent suite, and Mia had her own space as well.
Her lounge was filled with evening gowns and jewelry collections, mostly gifts from her brother Zachary. 1
“Sarah, I’m exhausted,” she murmured, her eyes heavy with fatigue.
1/2
+15 Bonus
“Why don’t you rest for a bit? I’ll stay right here with you.”
Mia nodded gratefully. “Thank you.”
She slipped off her heels and curled up on the chaise lounge, closing her eyes.
Sarah walked quietly around the room, noting the impressive collection of designer jewelry sets displayed in their cases,
Mia must have been completely drained – she fell asleep almost instantly.
When it was nearly time for dinner to begin, Mia was still sleeping deeply. Sarah tried calling her name softly several times but
couldn’t wake her.
Deciding it was better to let her rest, Sarah wrote a quick note and headed back downstairs.
“So you’re Sarah?” A woman stepped into her path, flanked by two others wearing barely concealed hostility.
“I am. Can I help you?” Sarah replied, her face carefully neutral.
g to climb
“Stay away from Zachary. You’re not in his league. Look at yourself – just a divorced woman trying to climb the social ladder,” the woman sneered.
