Chapter 15 - The Crashed Gala
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The Grand Regency Hotel was packed with the city’s elite for the annual Vance Foundation Charity Gala. Crystal chandeliers gleamed from the high ceilings, casting a brilliant sparkle over women in designer gowns and men in tuxedoes.
Marcus walked into the ballroom wearing a flawless black tuxedo, with Elena by his side. She wore an elegant, sapphire-blue evening gown that Marcus had personally selected for her, her dark hair styled in a graceful updo.
Whispers rippled through the high-society crowd as they walked together toward the VIP head table.
"Look at her," a wealthy socialite sneered behind her fan. "That's the maid from the tabloid scandal!"
"She doesn't look like a maid tonight," another guest admitted in a quiet whisper. "She looks like royalty."
Suddenly, the heavy double doors of the ballroom burst open.
Victoria Vance marched into the hall, wearing a striking crimson silk dress. Despite her house arrest order, she walked with absolute confidence, flanked by her father Julian Carter and two high-priced attorneys.
The crowd gasped as camera flashes went off like blinding lightning.
"Marcus!" Victoria announced loudly, her voice echoing across the silent ballroom. "Did you really think you could celebrate tonight while keeping my child hidden from me?!"
Marcus stepped forward, placing a protective hand behind Elena's back. "You are violating your bail conditions, Victoria. You are forbidden from coming within five hundred feet of me."
Julian Carter stepped up beside his daughter, pulling an official court document from his coat.
"Not anymore, Marcus," Julian declared with a sadistic smirk. "An emergency appellate judge signed an injunction an hour ago. Victoria has been granted temporary supervised visitation rights starting tonight!"
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Victoria walked closer, her eyes glittering with pure malice as she stared at Elena.
"Hand over my son, maid," Victoria sneered, holding out her hands. "Or I’ll have the sheriffs arrest you right here in front of all your high-society friends!"
