CHAPTER 47: Poison in the spotlight

GALA FUTURE FOUNDATIONS — HOTEL GRAND REGENCY — NIGHT

The Grand Regency ballroom gleamed like a jewel. Crystal chandeliers sparkled above. The chatter of the city's elite mingled with laughter, clinking glasses, and the rustle of expensive dresses. They all pretended to care about the schools while they were really forging alliances.

Aria entered Gabriel Thorne's arm, each step calculated. He had called that morning:

"Come as my guest," he had said. "We can d