Chapter 2 - BLOOD AND PEARLS ON MARBLE
The sharp crack of Ethan’s hand hitting Eleanor’s cheek resonated through the grand ballroom like a gunshot.
Shocked gasps erupted from the elite crowd as the arrogant matriarch tumbled onto the cold marble floor.
Her navy blue velvet gown pooled around her, while her pearl necklace snapped, sending dozens of ivory beads scattering across the stone.
Blood trickled from Eleanor’s split lip, staining the shattered crystal champagne glass resting beside her trembling hand.
Ethan stood tall in his charcoal black tuxedo, unbothered by the gasps of Manhattan's highest society.
He slowly buttoned his jacket, his dark wavy hair catching the glow of the chandelier overhead.
Behind him, the framed American flag mounted on the high archway wall bore silent witness to the sudden downfall.
Hannah, the twenty-five-year-old house maid, remained on her knees, clutching four-year-old Chloe tightly to her chest.
Chloe’s pastel yellow ruffled dress was crumpled, her light brown hair hiding tears of pure terror.
"You touch this child or this woman ever again, Eleanor, and I will erase your family name by midnight," Ethan warned coldly.
Eleanor cupped her swollen cheek, her drop sapphire earrings shaking as her ginger hair slid out of its neat braided bun.
"You... you hit me in front of everyone!" Eleanor hissed, her voice trembling with unbridled rage and humiliation.
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"I stopped a monster from assaulting an innocent child," Ethan countered, his voice steady as iron.
***
