Chapter 9
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The heavy mahogany doors slammed shut behind the Vances, cutting off Cassandra’s hysterical screams. The Crystal Pavilion remained trapped in a breathless silence. No one dared to move, holding their champagne glasses tightly, terrified that breathing too loudly might draw the wrath of Alexander Sterling.
Alexander turned his attention back to his wife, his dark, furious demeanor instantly softening into profound tenderness. He gently took the white handkerchief from Elena’s hand and carefully dabbed the corner of her swollen lip.
"I should have been here sooner," Alexander murmured, his voice filled with a rare, raw guilt. "I am so sorry, my love."
"You are here now," Elena smiled, placing her hand over his. "And you handled it perfectly. Though I must admit, I didn't expect you to bring the entire security detail inside the ballroom."
"If I had known someone laid a hand on you, I would have brought an army," he replied seriously.
Elena turned to face the crowd of elite guests who were still standing frozen like statues. She looked at the people who had watched her bleed and done absolutely nothing to help a woman they assumed was just a maid.
"The charity auction will resume in ten minutes," Elena announced to the room, her voice projecting clear and strong. "However, let tonight serve as a permanent reminder. The staff serving you in this building, and in any building owned by the Sterling Conglomerate, are under my personal protection. Anyone who treats them with anything less than absolute respect will find themselves joining the Vances outside in the cold. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"
May you like
A chorus of frantic, nervous nods and rushed murmurs of "Yes, Mrs. Sterling" rippled through the crowd of billionaires and socialites.
Alexander offered Elena his arm. She took it gracefully, and together they walked out of the ballroom, leaving behind a shattered hierarchy and a new, unbreakable rule in the high society of the city. The night was over for them, but for Cassandra Vance, the nightmare was just beginning.
