Rebirth of a scorned Empress

ning-Before the

of candlelight flickering against the grand vanity mirror. Dressed in nothing b

ed calm.

composed exteri

d already ten steps ahead. Tonight was the beginning of everyth

knock at

" she sai

h nervous anticipation. In her hands was a small velvet pouch, the

sure inside w

s jus

e pouch on the vanity table before ste

owly pulled the pouch open, revealing two small vials

it lose their inhibitions. The other would enhan

ct comb

taken t

waiting

re you sure about

ng Mary's gaze in the m

ly a moment before no

a's lips. "Then believe me wh

mple: Spike Nathan and Sophia's drinks, let nature take its course, and ens

e perfect

rust of her father, Charles Carter. And without that trust, the co

Ol

an betrayed, the fiancée humiliated, t

take every

by p

efore the night is over," Olivia instruct

"And if someth

s steady. "Nothi

time, she w

-

he Engage

allroom was alive with the soft hum of conversation, the clinking of crystal glasses, and the warm glow of golden chandeliers. Everywhere O

livia knew

ight was over, the wo

d. Her ivory gown flowed like liquid silk, her diamond earrings catching t

f the older women at the table gu

ugh to appear modest. "Thank you, Mrs. Whitmore.

i

humble," he said, his voice rich with confidence. "From

of admirati

y they

he stem of her wine glass as

mpagne-colored gown that perfectly complemented her auburn waves. Sh

had once beli

e knew

o would eve

-

arlier –

ys believed in

he would deliv

part flawlessly-slipping the two vials i

a distance as they unk

were subtl

heeks. A barely noticeabl

new what wou

e. A loss o

zed what was happening

-

The Part

etly beside her, a

arting to

er expression gentle

ained smile. "Fin

concern. "Maybe you sho

before nodding. "Yeah. I thin

a light squeeze.

ike that,

ght the briefest flicker of

efore giving a soft laugh. "Excuse me, everyone. I think

rs followed, and within moments

on sch

behind her glass, tak

were fallin

-

Room – Whe

ded to walk out

, shake off the heat crawling over

ody had o

with an unfamiliar warmth that refused to subside. His jacket

ogged, his tho

en he

ph

t room at the end of the hall, l

eyes met-some

ever acknowledged flared bet

breath

a hesitant s

have wal

ne into the room a

rugs had

nstinctively toward each ot

uest room, they were already p

-

he Act of a Pe

ia w

es in her head, patie

ced toward Nathan's empty seat and let a

while," she murmured, just loud

ked up from his conversation. His ey

led. "Perhaps he's nerv

ly shook her head. "I hope he's al

d her. "I'll c

ateful smile. "That would

t, several guests

rf

delicately in front of her as they m

led within her like

ay, muffled sounds could be heard

. Suspicious gl

n in there?" so

expression

a slow, meas

th

ed the d

orld

ngled together, their clothes half-removed

shoulders. Nathan's shirt was und

died in their throats

ent, no o

th

hri

up to cover herself. Nathan stumbled, his pupi

ivi

damage w

e air as guests poured into the roo

was like steel. "Nat

n cou

s no exp

exc

way

Ol

the te

rtbreakin

body shaking as she stared at them-at the man

you?" she whispered

an be

ee humi

rfect

d into a storm of scandal

move had b

the

ly jus

-