The Redemption of an Empire

us party and the idea of having to appear among the elites of St. James Academy made her nervo

blue satin dress that hugged her curves perfectly.

via replied with an encouraging smile. "And remember, keep you

a deep breath before leaving the room. The walk to the ballroom seemed endless, each step

ght and music. The chandeliers sparkled on the ceiling and the guests, dressed in their finest,

shy smile, Emma walked over, trying not to trip over the bottom of h

exclaimed Sophie, taking her by

ed, a little more at ease. "I a

Sophie said, leading him towards the grou

the gaze of Alex, who was standing across the room. His expression was unreadable, but Emma

ut him, some sincerely interested in his journey, others more skeptical.

e felt a presence behind her. Turning around, she f

x said, his tone slightly mocking. "Yo

ng within her. " Why

see someone from... your social b

embling with anger. "You mean I shouldn't

a smirk. "But admit that this is an unusu

hem, discreetly listening to the conversation. She

ause I worked hard to get here. Maybe I don't come from a ri

hat you think. But here, it's all about power and influe

let comments like yours make me doubt myself. I'm here t

rty around them. Alex looked like he was about to respond, but Sophie

dance? » Sophie asked,

mma replied with

x behind. As they danced, Sophie leaned towards

a little shaken from the confrontation. "

. "I think a lot of people saw what happ

ldn't ignore Alex's gaze as it continued to follow her across the roo

her new friends. She felt that, despite the challenges, she was beginning to find he

ce the attention she was receiving. The admiring looks and words of support gav

him aside again. "Emma, you know what? There is

on? » Emma as

speech. Nothing formal, just a few words to introduce

racing. " A speech

you should." After what happened with Alex, a

is speech would be an opportunity for her to make herself heard and

fell in the room. All eyes were on her, including

is Emma, and as many of you know, I am here on a scholarship. I come fr

r this opportunity. And I'm determined to prove that I deserve my place. It doesn

I am here to learn, grow and succeed. I want to thank those who have

f and pride wash over her. She came down from the stage, her

ly, a big smile on her face

ed, still moved by the

Sophie said, leading h

tonight. She had shown everyone that she was strong and determined. But she also knew that t

ast look back. Alex was still looking at her, his express