CHAPTER 2: THE FIRST CRACK IN THE EMPIRE
The ballroom didn’t move for a full three seconds.
Victoria Sterling still stood near the balcony, her hand slowly lowering after the throw.
Below the city lights, the ring had already disappeared into darkness.
No one spoke.
Not even the string quartet dared to continue.
Then—
Elena blinked once.
Slow. Controlled.
Like she had just confirmed a calculation only she could see.
Victoria turned slightly.
Waiting.
Expecting tears. Collapse. Panic.
Instead, Elena gently adjusted her wedding veil.
And smiled.
Not warmly.
Not emotionally.
Strategically.
Julian stepped forward, voice shaking.
“Where is the ring… Elena?”
Elena didn’t look at him.
Her eyes stayed on Victoria.
“Gone,” she said softly.
Victoria exhaled sharply.
“Then it’s over.”
Elena tilted her head slightly.
“No,” she replied. “That was the beginning.”
A security officer near the entrance suddenly received a message.
His expression changed instantly.
He whispered into his radio:
May you like
“…We’ve got movement outside the estate.”
Victoria’s smile faded for the first time.
