Chapter 6 - The Night of DiamondsThe Pierre Hotel ballroom glittered beneath enormous chandeliers.
Diamonds flashed.
Champagne flowed.
Politicians, investors, celebrities, heirs, and old-money families filled the room.
Arthur Sinclair stood near the stage, smiling confidently.
Victoria wore white.
She wanted to look innocent.
She wanted everyone to see her as the victim.
Then the doors opened.
The room fell silent.
Evelyn Hayes entered.
She wore a midnight-blue silk gown.
No extravagant jewelry.
No entourage.
Except for one piece.
The Heart of the Ocean.
The same diamond Victoria had tried to buy.
A murmur swept through the ballroom.
Victoria stared.
Her smile vanished.
Evelyn didn't look at her.
She simply walked forward.
Calm.
Elegant.
Untouchable.
Victoria's fingers tightened around her champagne glass.
May you like
She whispered to the waiter.
"Now."
Related Stories
Chapter 7 - Crimson RainThe waiter accelerated.
Chapter 8 - The First CrackArthur stepped away from the crowd.
Chapter 9 - The Auction BeginsDespite the growing tension, the auction continued.
Chapter 10 - The ScreenThorne connected a tablet to the ballroom's projector.
Chapter 11 - CheckmateArthur rushed toward Evelyn.
Chapter 12 - The Fall of the SinclairsThe next morning, every major financial paper carried the story.
