Chapter 3 - Unmasking the CrownCeleste stared between them, her face twisting in disgust and utter confusion. “What are you talking about?! Daniel, you know this peasant?!”

Daniel turned around slowly to face Celeste. The warmth in his eyes vanished, replaced by an absolute, icy detachment that terrified her more than anger ever could.

“You didn't need to know who she was to treat her with basic human dignity, Celeste,” Daniel said, his voice carrying clearly to every guest in the ballroom.

“She’s a waitress! A maid!” Celeste shouted, trying to salvage her pride. “She’s below us!”

“No one is below anyone in this house,” Daniel replied.

He slowly reached up, unclasped the five-carat diamond engagement ring from Celeste’s finger, and pulled it free.

Celeste gasped, stumbling backward. “Daniel! No! What are you doing?!”

“Our engagement is over,” Daniel stated flatly, dropping the ring into his pocket. “Security will escort you to your car.”

Two security guards immediately stepped forward, placing themselves between Celeste and the billionaire.

Celeste looked around at the three hundred guests—the same people she had boasted to ten minutes earlier—now whispering, recording on their phones, and looking at her with total contempt.

“You’ll regret this, Daniel!” Celeste shrieked as she was led away, her red dress dragging across the floor. “My father will ruin Whitmore Tech!”

The room fell dead silent as the heavy oak doors closed behind her.

Daniel turned back to Maria, taking her trembling hands in his. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that, Maria.”

Maria looked at Daniel, then at the shocked crowd, then let out a long, quiet breath.

“I forgive her,” Maria whispered softly.

Daniel blinked, stunned. “After what she just tried to do to you?”

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“If I hold onto her cruelty,” Maria said quietly, “I let her decide who I am. I’d rather stay who I am.”

Daniel stared at her, feeling a wave of awe wash over his heart. He knew then that finding her again wasn't just coincidence—it was destiny.