CHAPTER 1: THE QUEEN OF THE ROOFTOP
High above Manhattan, where the skyline glittered beneath a sea of stars, Victoria Hale ruled her world like a queen.
The rooftop gala was a masterpiece of wealth.
Crystal chandeliers sparkled above hundreds of elite guests.
Champagne flowed endlessly.
Diamonds flashed beneath the city lights.
Victoria stood at the center of it all.
Powerful.
Admired.
Untouchable.
At least, that's what she believed.
Then the elevator doors opened.
A woman stepped onto the rooftop holding the hand of a small boy.
Her clothes were simple.
Her shoes were worn.
The child looked nervous.
The contrast between them and the glamorous crowd was impossible to ignore.
Whispers immediately spread through the ballroom.
Victoria noticed.
And smiled.
Not kindly.
Cruelly.
She slowly approached the woman while dozens of guests watched.
"What exactly are you doing here?"
The woman swallowed hard.
"I only came to talk."
Victoria laughed.
Several guests joined in.
"Talk?"
She raised her champagne glass.
"You actually think people like you belong here?"
The crowd grew silent.
The woman lowered her eyes.
But Victoria wasn't finished.
She pointed toward the exit.
"Take your child and disappear."
The boy tightened his grip on his mother's hand.
Victoria stepped closer.
Her voice became colder.
"You're finished."
The humiliation was complete.
Guests exchanged uncomfortable glances.
Some secretly recorded the moment.
Others pretended not to watch.
The woman stood perfectly still.
Then something changed.
The fear disappeared.
The sadness vanished.
Only calm remained.
A cold, dangerous calm.
She slowly reached into her purse.
Victoria smirked.
"What now?"
The woman pulled out her phone.
Several guests laughed.
"Calling for help?"
Without answering, she dialed a number.
Only three words left her lips.
"I'm ready now."
May you like
Then she ended the call.
And waited.
