The stone floor was so cold that Adeline felt the chill before she felt the pain. She lay on her side, one shoulder pressing against the arm of the man who had just lunged toward her, and for a moment neither of them moved

The ballroom of the Grand Imperial Hotel was a sea of crystal chandeliers, flowing champagne, and the absolute elite of the state's high society. Politicians, judges, and corporate titans mingled under the watchful eyes of private security teams.

At the center of it all was Senator Thorne and his daughter, Camille. Camille looked radiant in an emerald green gown, sipping champagne and receiving compliments on her upcoming nuptials to Alio Vicaro.

"He's running late," Senator Thorne muttered to his daughter, checking his gold pocket watch. "Are you certain the supervisor managed to secure the ledger from his private office?"

"He will have it by midnight, Father," Camille whispered back, a smug smile playing on her lips. "Alio is entirely distracted. He thinks he's in control, but he has no idea that his empire is slipping through his fingers."

Suddenly, the heavy double doors of the ballroom swung open.

The master of ceremonies cleared his throat, his voice echoing across the silent room: "Announcing Mr. Alio Vicaro, accompanied by Miss Adeline Vance."

A collective gasp swept through the ballroom.

Alio stepped into the light, dressed in a flawless, custom-tailored black tuxedo. But it was the woman on his arm that captivated every eye in the room.

Adeline was breathtaking. She wore a sweeping, floor-length black silk gown that draped perfectly over her slender frame, paired with a diamond necklace from the Vicaro vault that glittered like starlight against her skin. Her hair was styled in an elegant updo, revealing the graceful line of her neck. She walked with a quiet, regal confidence, her hand resting gracefully on Alio’s arm.

Camille’s wine glass slipped from her fingers, shattering instantly against the marble floor.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Senator Thorne bellowed, marching forward with Camille trailing behind him, her face contorted in shock and fury. "Alio! Who is this woman? Why are you bringing a servant to my charity event?!"

Alio stopped in the center of the ballroom, every high-profile guest leaning in to hear his response.

"She is not a servant, Senator," Alio said, his voice echoing with absolute authority. "She is the woman who saved my family's honor. And she is my guest."

"This is an insult!" Camille shrieked, pointing a trembling finger at Adeline. "She's a common maid! A thief! She belongs in prison, not in a ballroom!"