Chapter 2 - The Departing Footsteps
The decisive sound of heavy rubber boots clicking against the polished marble floor echoed sharply across the opulent ballroom.
Caleb turned his back on the stunned crowd, walking steadily toward the grand exit doors without a single backward glance.
Eleanor Vance stood frozen beneath the glittering crystal chandelier, her midnight-blue sequined gown feeling suddenly heavy and suffocating.
The thick stack of hundred-dollar bills rested in her trembling hand, bound tightly by a worn paper band bearing a faded bank stamp.
Surrounding party guests murmured in hushed confusion, whispering behind sparkling champagne flutes as they watched the surreal exchange.
Eleanor's silver teardrop diamond necklace shimmered under the stage lights, contrasting bitterly with the sudden sinking feeling in her chest.
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"Did you see that worker just lecture Eleanor Vance?" one wealthy socialite whispered loudly to her companion near the dessert table.
Eleanor ignored the biting gossip, her eyes fixed on the heavy double doors where Caleb had just vanished into the night.
