Chapter 1 - THE GLASS SHE WOULD NOT LET HIM DRINK.
Richard Hale raised the clear stemmed glass toward his lips while three hundred donors watched from beneath the chandeliers.
Sophie Lane moved before anyone else understood.
“Do not drink that!”
She seized the glass with both gloved hands and poured the transparent liquid into an empty silver service bowl. A small splash struck Elena’s emerald gown.
Elena shot to her feet.
“How dare you touch my husband’s glass? You are paid to serve, not perform.”
Sophie held the preserved glass away from her.
“I saw what you put inside.”
Richard rose between them.
“Elena, what is she talking about?”
“She is lying,” Elena snapped. “Fire her before the staff starts believing a uniform gives them authority.”
Sophie’s face burned, but she did not retreat.
“Then explain this.”
She removed a black phone from her apron. The video showed Elena alone at the same table, checking behind her before tipping a tiny vial over Richard’s exact glass.
One drop entered.
The ballroom went silent.
Richard looked from the screen to his wife.
“Security, seal the glass and close the doors.”
Elena’s arrogance collapsed into panic.
Then Sophie replayed the final second of the video.
May you like
A man’s reflection appeared in the silver champagne bucket.
He was wearing Richard’s family crest.
