Chapter 12 - The Society Gala
The ultimate test of Victoria's collapsed social status came during the annual St. Jude Charity Autumn Gala—an event she had hosted and chaired for twelve consecutive years.
Victoria arrived in a stunning custom Oscar de la Renta gown, expecting the ballroom to part for her as it always did. Instead, as she stepped through the grand double doors, the ambient chatter in the room instantly died down. High-society matrons turned their backs, whispering behind raised champagne flutes, while the board members pointedly avoided catching her eye.
Before Victoria could process the isolation, the ballroom doors opened again, and Ethan and I walked in.
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I wore a breathtaking emerald-green silk evening gown, my posture upright and proud, my head held high with absolute confidence. Ethan kept his arm securely around my waist, guiding me past the silent crowd with calm dignity.
Victoria stared at us in absolute horror, her mouth parting in silent fury as she realized she was no longer the queen of this domain—she was merely an unwelcome guest at her own funeral.
