Chapter 6

A wave of applause swept through the ballroom.

The politicians, business tycoons, and venture capital giants who had once seemed untouchable were suddenly lining up to raise their glasses to me.

Their respect bordered on flattery.

At the edge of the crowd, Carter stood frozen beside the shattered champagne glass.

Every trace of color had drained from his face.

Victoria clutched Carter's arm so tightly her nails nearly dug into his skin.

Her voice shook.

"Carter... you told me she was just an ordinary woman with no family and no one to rely on."

"How can she possibly be a…