Chapter 2 – The Toast That Never Happened
Daniel raised one hand.
"No one touches anything."
His calm voice carried more authority than shouting ever could.
Within seconds, security locked every entrance to the ballroom.
Guests exchanged nervous whispers.
Some attempted to leave.
No one was allowed.
The chief of security hurried over.
"Mr. Carter?"
"Collect every champagne glass."
"No exceptions."
Sophia forced a smile.
"This has gone far enough."
Daniel didn't even look at her.
"Do it."
White-gloved servers carefully gathered hundreds of glasses.
Emily stood silently nearby.
She noticed one waiter slowly backing toward the kitchen.
His hands shook.
Too much.
Daniel noticed it too.
"You."
The waiter froze.
"Come here."
Instead...
The man suddenly threw his serving tray across the room.
Crystal exploded across the marble floor.
Guests screamed.
He sprinted toward the rear exit.
Security chased him through the kitchen.
Seconds later—
A gunshot echoed.
Then another.
Silence returned.
The head of security came back alone.
"He shot himself."
The ballroom fell completely still.
"What about the poison?" Daniel asked.
The security chief held up a tiny glass vial recovered from the waiter's pocket.
"The lab just confirmed it."
"Cyanide."
A wave of horror swept through the guests.
Daniel slowly looked at Emily.
"You saved my life."
She lowered her head.
"I tried."
Sophia quietly stepped backward.
May you like
Nobody noticed.
Except Daniel.
