Chapter 1
The glittering crystal chandelier above the grand ballroom reflected thousands of sharp, merciless points of white light.
On the polished marble floor, the white frosted cake lay in a ruined heap of sweet frosting and crushed sponge.
Thirty-year-old Claire knelt in her emerald green strapless gown, her long wavy blonde hair falling across her face.
She carefully pulled her five-year-old daughter Maya into her arms, shielding the whimpering child from the chaos.
Thirty-year-old David stood over them, his navy blue suit and silver tie unwrinkled, his expression completely devoid of remorse.
"She should learn to pay attention to where she is running," David muttered coldly, adjusting his cuffs.
"She ruined my business associate's shoes, Claire. This little accident is entirely your fault."
Claire slowly raised her head, her green eyes locking onto David's arrogant face with terrifying stillness.
"You stuck your foot out deliberately, David," Claire whispered, her voice trembling with suppressed rage.
"You did it because you wanted to humiliate me in front of the entire Manhattan elite."
David scoffed quietly, stepping closer and delivering a vicious, open-handed slap across Claire's cheek.
The sharp sound echoed off the high marble walls, cutting through the heavy silence of the ballroom.
Claire's face turned sharply to the side, a bright crimson mark blooming instantly against her pale skin.
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Instead of crying or screaming, Claire took a slow, shaky breath, her eyes turning as cold as arctic ice.
"Big mistake," Claire whispered softly into the quiet room, a chilling smile forming on her lips.
