Chapter 2: The Truth Behind the Invitation
Victoria folded her arms confidently.
"Security."
Two guards hurried toward them.
"Escort these people out."
Before either guard could move, a deep voice interrupted.
"Nobody touches them."
Every head turned.
A distinguished gray-haired man entered the ballroom surrounded by members of the event committee.
It was Judge Benjamin Carter.
The honorary host of the charity gala.
His eyes landed on Elena.
Then on the red marks around her wrist.
"What happened?"
Victoria answered immediately.
"They crashed the event."
Judge Carter looked confused.
"Crashed?"
He turned toward Sophia.
"Mrs. Reyes?"
Several guests gasped.
Victoria blinked.
"You know her?"
Judge Carter looked almost offended.
"I personally invited her."
Now whispers swept through the ballroom.
Sophia wasn't a gate-crasher.
She was the architect who had designed the Children's Hope Medical Center being honored that evening.
Every children's cancer wing funded by the gala had been built from her award-winning designs.
Judge Carter looked down at Elena.
"Young lady..."
He knelt beside her.
"Did this woman hurt you?"
Elena nodded through tears.
The ballroom became painfully quiet.
May you like
Victoria suddenly realized the room was no longer looking at Sophia.
They were looking at her.
