CHAPTER 2 — THE WOMAN WHO OWNED THE ROOM
The cocktail dripped slowly from her hair onto the polished black marble floor.
No one moved.
The woman in the metallic silver dress folded her arms with a smug smile.
"I said remove her," she repeated, pointing at the soaked young woman.
"She's ruining my party."
Several guests laughed nervously.
Others looked away.
The young woman calmly reached into her handbag and removed a white silk handkerchief.
Without raising her voice, she wiped the drink from her face.
Then she looked at the head of security.
"Daniel."
The single word changed everything.
Daniel froze.
His expression shifted from confusion to disbelief.
"Ms. Hart..."
He immediately straightened his jacket.
Every security guard in the VIP lounge followed his lead.
The woman in silver frowned.
"What are you doing?"
Daniel ignored her.
He respectfully lowered his head.
"Good evening, Ms. Victoria Hart."
The room fell silent.
Victoria stood slowly.
Her black evening dress was stained, but her composure remained flawless.
She looked around the VIP lounge she had designed herself.
The custom crystal chandeliers.
The rare marble imported from Italy.
The private whiskey collection.
Every detail had been chosen by her.
"I believe," Victoria said quietly, "someone just asked security to remove the owner."
The laughter disappeared instantly.
The event organizer hurried over, pale with panic.
"I'm so sorry, Ms. Hart."
Victoria nodded once.
"Who approved tonight's private booking?"
The organizer swallowed.
"Ms. Bianca Lawson."
Victoria turned toward the woman in the metallic dress.
"So you're Bianca."
Bianca forced a laugh.
"This is ridiculous."
"I donate more money to this club than you'll ever see."
Victoria smiled faintly.
"No."
May you like
"You rent tables."
"I own the building."
