Chapter 2: The Crimson Shadow
Before the guards could step forward, a lowly waiter in a standard black-and-white service tuxedo intercepted the path. He carried a heavy, polished silver tray covered by a velvet cloth.
Eleanor’s brow furrowed in deep annoyance. "What do you think you are doing? Move out of the way, servant."
The waiter did not move. He was a tall, strikingly handsome young man with piercing grey eyes. Despite his humble uniform, he possessed an unshakeable, commanding presence that suddenly made the surrounding billionaires feel small. His name was Leo. He was not just a waiter; he was the head of an elite international private intelligence firm, working undercover to investigate a massive case of corporate identity theft against a hidden European royal lineage.
Leo ignored Eleanor entirely. He stepped directly toward Hazel. With a calm, perfectly confident motion, he lifted the velvet cloth from his silver tray.
The entire ballroom gasped in unison.
Resting on the tray was the Heart of the Caspian—a priceless, legendary royal heirloom featuring a flawless, pear-cut crimson diamond surrounded by a constellation of smaller, brilliant white diamonds. It was a museum-grade treasure worth more than the entire Carrington estate.
"Please don't cry, it's yours," Leo said to Hazel, his voice perfectly calm, deep, and steady.
Hazel stared at the glittering masterpiece, stunned. "I... I don't understand. I can't accept this."
"It has always belonged to you, Your Highness," Leo replied softly.
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He picked up the heavy diamond necklace. Stepping behind Hazel, he gently moved her long, dark hair to the side to fasten the jewelry around her neck. As her hair parted, her bare neck and upper back were exposed to the bright, fluorescent glare of the crystal chandeliers.
Eleanor stared, her cruel, mocking smile completely vanishing into sheer terror when she saw the familiar mark on Hazel's skin.
